April 23, 2013
About 60 riders travelled from all over the South Burnett and as far afield as Yeppoon, Gin Gin, Dalby and Maryborough to take part in the annual Zone 8 Dressage Day at the Kingaroy Pony Club’s grounds on Sunday.
Zone 8 covers the area from Kilkivan to Benarkin and west to Kumbia – roughly the entire South Burnett – and representatives from pony clubs in Blackbutt, Nanango, Kingaroy, Kumbia, Wondai, Goomeri and Kilkivan all took part.
All riders at the Dressage Day had the choice of competing in dressage, showjumping or both.
Skilled judges assessed them in action, then passed on tips to improve future riding performances.
Showjumping judge Barry Brunke was typical of many of Sunday’s judges.
He’d travelled down from Maryborough for the day, and relished the opportunity to see the region’s young riders go through their paces.
He said one of the things he enjoyed most about the job was helping young riders improve their skills.
He said there were equestrian competitions of one sort or another almost every weekend in Queensland.
Most riders who were tested under his watchful gaze received useful tips after their try-outs.
“If you’re facing a string of jumps in a row, then try to keep your horse straight on to the jumps,” he advised one rider.
“If you don’t your horse will get a bit twisted and your times will suffer.”
Kingaroy Pony Club organisers said they were very happy with the roll-up, and very pleased with the fine weather despite “a pretty cold start” early in the day.
|
|
|
