Show Ring News
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DAVIS SANDERS HOMES 
HIDDEN VALLEY EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Northern Highway, Wallan

Sat. 25th & Sun. 26th January, 2003

Open Galloways - Preliminary Round
Highlights - Page 1

Sunday the 26th was a perfect day for showing horses.   The temperature got to the mid 20's and the light cloud cover filtered the sun's glare.  The grounds at Hidden Valley were in very good condition considering the drought and the greenery was refreshing and a rare treat as we have become used to seeing brown grass everywhere.  The going had the hard edge taken away by the watering program  The Hidden Valley estate is fortunate to be self sufficient regarding irrigation water.

The work arena was set out to give the competitors plenty of room to show off the horses and we saw some very impressive work with flowing extensions and serpentine loops which helped the judges to assess the suppleness and training of the horses.

I think that the galloways of today are very difficult to judge as they vary in type from the heavier, most 'old fashioned' type of weight carrying galloway to the modern  of small thoroughbred refined with riding pony blood.  This exhibits are gorgeous and usually have movement to match their good looks.  No wonder their is a lot of interest in 'pony dressage' this type of horse could excel in this discipline as well as in the show ring.

gmikanijewelloftherealm1.jpg (20530 bytes) Mikani Jewell of the Realm was first to go from the line up in the Preliminary Round of Open Galloways.

 

She was ridden by
Francesca Christie.

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Mirinda Height of Fashion was next to go.  This is a very sensitive 'redhead' and was well ridden by Briony Payne.  This lovely mare is owned by Robyn and Peter Barry from Mirinda Stud in Nar Nar Goon in Victoria. 

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Janpril Park Valentina and Shelley Penny showed why there is hardly a major showing award which has evaded them.  Shelley is an expert in presentation and show horse training.   She wore 'two hats' this weekend - the competitor's top hat and the merchandiser's cap!  Shelley makes a great range of rugs and other gear specially designed for show horses.
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Sarah Lindeman on her lovely chestnut Silkwood Renaissance were next to work and did a great job.  The horse was balanced, correctly flexed and showed definition in his transitions - all of this  I have come to expect from Sarah as her performances are usually difficult to fault.  Sarah has great posture and this stability is reflected in her horse's ease of movement.
gfhillcroftpromise1.jpg (19179 bytes) Hillcroft Promise and Susannah Buckley
were next to leave the line-up.
They perfermed very well with a flowing
exhibition of good training.

All of these photos are available in a large file size
contact Berni on cyberhorse@ozemail.com.au

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