THE Eastern Zone Horse Trials, hosted by Kellerberrin Riding and Pony Club recently, went beyond all expectations in numbers of entries and the way the eastern zone clubs coped.
There has been much positive feedback from those who had travelled to compete.
About 110 entries resulted in 103 starters and needed four dressage arenas to cope, and the club was fortunate enough to be able to place one arena on the shire oval.
All went smoothly with Saturday morning dressage, afternoon show jumping and evening meal in the snug Coulahan Pavillion.
Some brave souls accepted the invitation to “dress for dinner” and the social buzz was silenced when a couple of beautifully frocked hairy “ladies” from Narrogin made their appearance.
A big thank you to all who contributed to the evening meal and catering throughout the weekend, particularly Debbie Alberti and her merry band who masterminded catering efforts, and Jaimee Arthur who, with others, manned the junior drinks stall all weekend.
Camping was not too chilly, but the early morning start was an effort for some.
However, all was in place and started well with A grade riders, three of whom last year represented WA in National PC events.
Jackie and Tracey Lloyd from Serpentine and Catherine Britza from Balkuling rode well but Britza misjudged an apex and fell.
She was taken to hospital by the skilled St John Ambulance officers.
Britza’s horse received a few quick stitches and both were back on deck soon after.
The remainder of the cross country was incident free throughout the grades apart from some younger riders who may need a couple more years of experience before tackling such a competition.
Crowds gathered at the water complex although maybe spectators do not realize that there are also some challenging and picturesque fences out back near the cemetery.
It was great to have so many eastern zone riders do well among such competition, to complete is to win and to receive a purple completion rosette is an honour well earned.
Country riders do not have exposure to many such events unless they travel, so this event was a great training experience.
For many an emotional part of the presentation was the official unveiling of a plaque and dedication of the Show Jumping Arena in the memory of Heather Stevens (Antonio), who was a rider, coach and office bearer for many years.
Heather’s family were present as James Scott paid tribute to her and reminisced about her help with his own children and their riding.
Another tribute to a past rider was the presentation of the Shelly Compagnoni Trophy for the A or B grade rider closest to optimum time on the cross country.
This was won by a deserving Kahli Rose and Mr Vain from Kalgoorlie.
The weekend was family orientated with a few non horsey dads joining local golfers for 18 holes on the Saturday and some families continuing their journey to Kalgoorlie and The Golden Nugget horse trials the following weekend.
The increase in riders travelling to Kellerberrin is interesting and maybe reflects the growing interest in country life.
One metropolitan group jokingly suggested they move here just for the friendly, efficient pony club.
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