Preliminary round was judged by:  Mr. Tom Edwards,  Queensland.

Top Ten got the attention of all four of the Newcomers classes judges:
Mr. Tom Edwards, Queensland,  Mr. Bruce Flood, NSW, Mr. Darren Telford and Mrs. Leanne McDowell Queensland.

The 31st. Barastoc Horse of the Year Show drew massive entries in all of the show classes, proving that a large number of Australian horse enthusiasts are involved in hacking and show pony classes.  The Preston Motors Newcomers of the year has become a most prestigious event, and many people are now buying and selling horses - with success at this show being the short term training objective and hopefully the 'springboard' of a bright future in the show ring.    The printed catalogue of entries lists the 75 nominated entries - and while not all started - it was a huge class, and included most of the top names on the Australian 'show circuit'.

The mornings qualifying heat was divided into groups - rather like a 'normal' show class, and the judges fancies called in in order to make a class of 'semi finalists' out of which the top ten will be drawn to compete at the final which was judged at 4.00 on Saturday 19th. February.

This years classes of Newcomers events were truly a spectacle, the rings set up on the fabulous expanse of lawn that is usually the 'hallowed' Polo fields - and absolutely 'off bounds' to all other equines.   Several rings were in operation, with the area surrounded by tiered seating hospitality tents, food vans and portable toilets.  Hundreds of spectators were treated to an 'international' quality event (I am told that Barastoc' is in fact the largest horse show in the Southern Hemisphere - what an achievement for Australia, in particular, Victoria).

The workout was printed in the catalogue and the riders expected to have made themselves familiar with the requirements - it looked to me as though some had not really learned the workout, as the ten meter circles were very often inaccurate and in some cases non-existent.  Many of the horses did not show enough difference between working trot and extended trot    Even in a young horse it is important to show the judge a difference - this may mean a short period where the working trot becomes a little more collected so that a usually modest extension will look to be more expressive.  The more experienced riders seemed to have these points of 'ringcraft' well established in their showing, but others did not give their young horses a chance.

The Judges expected to see ....   from the lineup - walk away - trot on - serpentine three loops - change rein across the diagonal, extended trot - canter - right circle, 10 meter , canter on - change rein across the diagonal  - change rein through walk - circle left, 10 meters,  change leg, canter right, gallop around the arena, ordinary canter, trot half circle left towards judge, back to walk, halt side on to judges.

Top Ten: 

No. 375 Helden Park Mannequin, a 4 year old owned by G Murphy and D & H Lawrence and ridden by Geoff Murphy.  This liver chestnut mare really caught my eye in the qualifying round in the morning, she OOZES elegance, has wonderful self carriage and the most gorgeous 'roomy' trot.  At 16.3 hh she is, understandably, nicknamed 'legs' .  I thought it a pity that the rider has an untidy riding style which really detracted from the picture, he did however win the class - so I guess one cannot be too critical

Next was the 6 year gelding Park Drive, owned by Debby Harrison who comes from Warragul in Victoria, the horse was ridden by Daryl Hayes.  I watched this horse in the morning session, and he was very uptight and looked as if he may just 'blow a gasket' but Daryl showed the horse (and me) that HE was the master horseman, and in a quiet and very effective manner, he was able to settle Park Drive to find himself through to the final selection.  The final workout was very neat and correct and it was probably just a matter of preference in the end.  But a fantastic effort from Daryl on Park Drive.

1089 T Linden Park owned by the very successful Pauline and Terry Van Heythuysen and ridden by Michael Christie.   The 4 year old bay is by Arch Regal and was raced by Greg Eurell from Cranbourne.   The horse worked smoothly but to me lacked a little in movement.

No. 134 Brian Schole's and Gary Beaton's horse Gbreuje Dancer, and he was ridden by the 'master showman' Gary Beaton.  Gary told me that the horse had many starts as a race horse, and in fact did not finish his racing career until November last year. Gary also noted the horse's wonderful disposition, he said he would make a lovely 'gentleman's' hack.    Gbreuje Dancer did not look quite as relaxed as Gary may have liked him to be, but he did very well to end up in the top ten in this company.

424 Next to go was Jordy, Number 424 the 15.3 thoroughbred by El Hareb and out of Red Syria.  He is owned by Tamara Worotniuk and ridden by Damian Ryan of Rockbank. Dale Plumb was listed in the catalogue as the rider of this horse, but as he was also on the next horse, I am sure that a last minute change needed to be implemented.  Jordy is an attractive liver chestnut and has a beautiful flowing trot.  They put in a very polished workout and the crown from ALL around the arena confirmed their approval with some 'hearty' applause.

1105 Murph is owned by Sarah Redpath, Chippenham Stud, Teasdale.  Murph is a striking big horse - 16.3, by the NZ supersire Grosvenor.  The horse is chocolate brown with 4 white sox.   I thought his work was a little disappointing as he demonstrated his tension by tilting his head and the movement lacked flow and extravagance - for a horse this size.   He has a great deal of potential, and will be good to see him again in twelve months time.

Pindari Number 713 is owned by keen 'showie' and NCAS instructor Rosemary Metherall and he was ridden today by the very experienced Shelley Penny.  The horse lacked self carriage and was on his forehand, education will help, but it will take time and today this way of going hindered his movement.  Shelley asked for, and got, a very gutsy gallop that had a slight problem, but Shelley is a fabulous rider and she regained the horse's balance and confidence - all connections of the horse would have been well pleased with a top ten finish.

Lutin was number 531, he is owned and ridden by Clint Bilson.  The 16 hand, 5 year old thoroughbred is by Defensive Strike.  His stable name is 'Loot' and Clint was pleased with his performance at the 2000 Melbourne Summer Royal where they won Reserve Champion in the thoroughbred ring.  Although the horse appeared to be quite ill at ease in this big atmosphere, Clint must be commended for his tactful riding as the horse grew in confidence and put in a reasonable performance.

Number 379 was the lovely grey Highbury.   He is owned by S & J Barnett and ridden very well today by Jo-Anne Barnett.  This horse is a gorgeous, 'true' show type with manners to match.   They really 'went for it' in the gallop and, if indoors, the applause would have brought the house down.  I am sure Jo-Anne will go on to have a great deal of success with her year 2000 Top Ten Newcomers Hack.

Another grey, this time a darker colour with the Number 770 and aptly named Sails.  he is owned by Barb Begley and ridden by Joshua Clarke from Numurkah in Victoria.  Sails was overbent for most of his work - and this is not a good look for a show horse!  The horse was very tense and often had tongue problems.  Joshua was probably very nervous as his hands were far too tight.  One could not help feeling that this would really be 'some' horse if he were allowed to move out and perhaps be ridden a little more like a dressage horse (a good one, of course!).   He is a lovely horse and when the problems are sorted out, I am sure he will go on.  Top ten was a very commendable effort.

With the individual workouts for the final ten now completed,  the crowd was kept in suspense - and you could almost feel the anticipation - who would be the Year 2000 Newcomers Hack of the Year ?  The judges chatted, looked along the line-up, chatted some more, stood back, chatted and finally delivered their verdict to the announcer - The Newcomers of the Year, for this the 31st. Barastoc Horse of the Year Show is .....

Heldon Park Mannequin - The huge liver chestnut mare part owned and ridden by Geoff Murphy.  'Legs' was a little reluctant to come forward and receive her sash, garland and rug and needed the encouragement of the 'red coat' Steve Peters.  She was restless and did not really enjoy all of the attention from the crowd or the collection of press photographers, keen to capture the moment.