Smartly turned out, not a hair out of place and looking quietly confident as they awaited the steward’s call.
And, those were just the two-legged competitors.
Looking even more splendid beside them were the four-legged stars of the inaugural Spring Horse Show at the Muswellbrook Showground at the weekend.
Smartly turned out, not a hair out of place and looking quietly confident as they awaited the steward’s call.
And, those were just the two-legged competitors.
Looking even more splendid beside them were the four-legged stars of the inaugural Spring Horse Show at the Muswellbrook Showground at the weekend.
The participants’ goal was to add more performance qualifications in Australian Stock Horse and breed classes, as well as hack, hunter or riding divisions, to earn a ticket to the big dance – the 2023 Sydney Royal Agricultural Show next Easter.
Some are professionals, while for others it’s an equally consuming hobby requiring dedication, a love of horses… and a healthy bank balance.
Show organiser Brooke Terry was blessed with perfect weather and a stampede of entries.
“It couldn’t be more perfect,” the Upper Hunter Show Society vice-president and horse section co-ordinator said.
“The sun’s shining, the ground is looking great and we’ve had a massive turnout – we couldn’t have squeezed in another float.
“Everyone has missed the chance to compete much in recent years.
“First it was COVID, then the recent rains meant everything had to be called off.
“Everyone’s been busting to get out with their horses.”
Following the success of the maiden event, Terry hopes to run the Spring Horse Show annually, complementing the Bengalla Upper Hunter Show’s three-day horse event conducted during the annual show in March.
The showground is also home to the town’s Great Cattle Dog Muster.
“Today’s show was staged to help people qualify for the Royal,” she said.
“We got the go-ahead from the ASC and the RAS and I’m hopeful we can run it again next year.”
With just a six-week lead-up, it was decided not to approach sponsors, so there was no prizemoney – just ribbons to further adorn placegetters’ necks.
It was proof, perhaps, that these show ponies don’t need much of an incentive to dress up.
Singleton horse breeder Andrew Buckley was leading yearling filly with Langtree Covergirl, which he purchased from the Langtree Stud in Victoria for his 19-month-old daughter, Allegra.
He sheepishly admits he’s “starting her early”, but not by much.
Sporting her five-year-old sister Sophie’s hand-me-down coat, youngsters like Scone three-year-old Maddie Stafford was one of several pre-schoolers who saddled up in the Funkana ring against kids twice her age.
While designed to be a fun way to involve the pony clubbers, these youngsters already show signs of the competitive intensity of their much older peers.
- Laurie Sullivan
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