Pryde's Sponsored Rider, Chris Chugg wins the
Elysian Fields' Gold Classic in Grand Style

This is the second Elysian Fields International Show Jumping Classic and judging by the lure of the prize money (the total prize pool exceeded $100,000) and the popularity with the general public, it is destined to be an event that will continue to grow from strength-to-strength.

More than 500 horses and riders competed in 50 classes and qualifying rounds, which included junior and young riders competitions, held over the weekends of 20-22 July and 27-29 July in near perfect riding conditions. It had an international flavour with riders from New Zealand and the Philippines competing against our top Aussie combinations, which included Pryde's EasiFeed's sponsored rider, Chris Chugg.

Chris is Australian international rider with 25 years experience at Grand Prix level. He represented Australia at two World Cup finals and winning Nations Cup teams. Producer of international horses Mr Currency (Barcelona Olympics - Spanish Team) and WS Scandal (HRH Princess Haya), Chris has competed in over 200 World Cup qualifiers and has headed the Pacific League three times (twice on the home-bred Diamond B Ego).

Even though Queensland is experiencing hideous drought conditions, the groundskeepers at Elysian should be congratulated as the arena looked spectacular. The organising committee headed by Event Director, Ulli Klatte of Belcam-Klatte Farm, did a brilliant job in pulling it all together and the event was extremely professionally run with little details being attended to which included people who trawled the grounds regularly to ensure they remained pristine.

The VIP area in the main polo building was a hub of activity giving country and "Coastie" attendees the best view of the proceedings whilst sipping champagne and being served a delicious gourmet lunch.

Walking the Course

Even though the atmosphere was relaxed for the spectators, the excitement kicked in with the jump off rounds which saw dual World Cup Final representative, Chris Chugg and the 9-year old Belgium stallion, Vivant took out the Gold Classic in spectacular style with two clear rounds and no time penalities.

Chris Chugg with the Australian Sporthorse Breeders' imported stallion, Vivant

Needless to say both Chris and his wife Helen, who herself is an accomplished dressage rider and stable manager and stud master at their Diamond B Farm based in Glossodia, NSW are rapt with Vivant's performance and said, "We really love the feed; the horses do incredibly well on the larger cubes of BioMare Cubes and the EasiResponse means no wastage.

Photos from the event

Chris Chugg wins the Gold Classic

Full Results

Click here to see the Feedsafe Certificate (in full size) ... this is your guarantee of 'best practice' in the horse feed manufacturing industry.

Visit the Pryde's Feeds web site for the complete product range and feeding information.

Pryde's Feedsafe Certificate

Pryde's Nutritionist can custom make diets to meet the specific needs of your horse.

© Cyberhorse 2007 Tracy Mayhew