Horse Riders Hold First Event

The winners of the South Burnett Working Equitation Club’s inaugural competition proudly displayed their ribbons after judging concluded (Photo: SBWEC)

November 5, 2020

Organisers of an equestrian sport that can trace its roots back to Portugal, Spain and Italy were delighted when their first competition at Nanango Showgrounds attracted 53 competitors from across south-east Queensland.

The South Burnett Working Equitation Club (SBWEC) was formed in June last year to bring the sport to the region.

It is now one of six Queensland clubs affiliated with the peak body, Australian National Working Equitation Ltd

SBWEC president Julie Brown said working equitation was an equestrian discipline focused on creating harmony between horses and riders.

The sport began in Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, where it was largely based around daily farm duties.

It has a strong emphasis on training and versatility.

Participants can use any style of tack; the sport is open to all breeds of horses; and all ages and genders can take part.

Working Equitation includes a dressage component, obstacles and speed around obstacles.

It also includes a compulsory cattle sorting component at State and National levels.

The club is now based at the Nanango Showgrounds, and it held its inaugural competition on August 29-30 after Nanango’s Heritage Bank gave the group a Community Grant.

The grant allowed the club’s 14 members to buy and build obstacles for the event.

Fifty-three competitors representing five Queensland working equitation clubs took part in competitions across all divisions, including 14 local competitors keen to take up the challenge.

The champions were:

SBWEC Introductory: Michelle Gittoes and ‘Maverick’ from South Burnett Working Equitation

Open Introductory: Kuyan Rider and ‘Beltane Elka Star’ from Samford Equestrian Group

Participant Preliminary: Yvonne Smith and ‘Fizzacat’ from Noosa District Working Equitation

Competitor Preliminary: Julie Brown and ‘Kobie’ from South Burnett Working Equitation

Debutante W: Ros Lipp and ‘Remi Lord Locksley’ from Darling Downs Working Equitation

Consagrados II: Linda Shore and ‘Boulevarde Gabrielle’ from Darling Downs Working Equitation.

“South Burnett Working Equitation is a very friendly, supportive club run by club members for club members,” Julie said.

“We’d like to gratefully acknowledge Heritage Bank Nanango for their generous support.”

Riders who’d like to find out more about the club are welcome to phone Julie on 0417-749-910, send her an email or sign on to the club’s Facebook group