By Emma Heath
While last year gave us horsey folks plenty of opportunities to train at home, there’s no doubt we’re all excited to be back out and about in 2021. At GEC, we’ve wasted no time kicking off our calendar of events, and we’re delighted to welcome many newcomers to the club (along with our returning members)
After warming up with a Sandy Lucas showjumping clinic, we held an open riding day on Valentine’s Day, giving new and prospective members a chance to give the grounds a test ride. Then on Sunday 28th February, we held our first competition: a fun Hacking & Games Day (something we hadn’t run in some time).
With more than 40 horse and rider combination and a flawless Summer day (that’s code for ‘hot’), the day was a big success. In our Hacking ring, we were fortunate to have Jess Beckingham as our judge – and with so many beautiful horses competing, she had her work cut out for her selecting winners! Meanwhile bottom arena provided a change of pace for riders, with a trio of classic sporting games on offer.
It was great to see such a diverse range of participants, ranging from seasoned show riders to first timers. Special congratulations to our place-getters and Champions, and a huge thank you to the sponsors of the event, Horseland Dural, who kindly donated a bunch of fabulous prizes.
Just two weeks later, it was action stations once again, as we held our first Showjumping Competition of the year. After disappointment on the jumping front last year (weather AND Covid conspired against us), we were very pleased to finally pull this one off! While it wasn’t quite a balmy day, the showers didn’t deter our enthusiastic jumpers, especially the junior riders who really showed us how it was done.
Congratulations to the first place getters on the day: Oliver Kings (45-50cm), Lola Epthorp (50-60cm), Mia Dwyer (60-70cm), Jake McEvoy (70-75cm), Georgia Cleary (80-85cm and 90-95cm) and Grace Angyalosy (100-104cm). Thanks to everyone who volunteered on the day, especially our course designer Jill Baker, as well as our wonderful sponsors Patchwork Ponies.
Interested in joining the GEC action? We still have some spots available for members. To become a member of GEC (or find out more about the Club) visit www.galstonequestrianclub.com.au
We hope to see you at the Rural Sport Facility soon!
