As reported in the last pony club edition, several of our members made the long journey to Glenn Innes to compete in the annual NSW State Campdraft and Sporting Championships.
These championships consisted of riders from all over NSW and the very best of Queensland where riders had to qualify to attend.
Members were Aleah Sullings, Luke Griffiths, Hannah Olsen, Jessica Neave and the Neilson sisters, Alexis, Lucy and Jazmin.
The weekend got off to a good start with zone 25 being led by team captain Luke Griffiths winning the vet check presentation for the fourth time in succession.
Special thanks must be made to Shiralee Adams and Sue Woolaston for their time and effort in making our horses and riders shine.
Saturday morning was off to a chilly start and competition was very stiff. In fact the standard of competition far exceeded last years championships at Scone.
Congratulations to Aleah Sullings who competed in the associate group. Aleah received her very first sporting championship ribbons at this years event, placing in the top 10 in three events.
Alexis and Lucy Neilson both competed in the under 13s, they both had to work very hard and success was determined with very little time difference between first to tenth.
Lucy Neilson got off to a great start in her first event the diamond flag placing fifth, with Alexis placing ninth.
Alexis started off with her least favourite events and couldn’t wait to get to the faster ones, bonfield bounce, flag and barrel, where she got eighth, sixth and fourth respectively.’
Jazmin Neilson was the youngest of zone 25 team again, competing in the under 11s. Both Jazzy and “Rupee” got off to unbelievable start, placing second in the diamond flag and she then ended her day with a eighth in the bonfield bounce.
Presentation was at the end of day where riders received their NSW State Sporting Championship sashes. Dungog riders came home with nine state ribbons between them, which is a wonderful feat.
I must make mention of Hannah Olsen who had to have a substitute horse after the unfortunate death or her own mount. Hannah was not far out of a top tenth place in several events and I believe she had some of her quickest times to date.
Jessica Neave’s championships were over for another year, and Jess went home with a smile on her face as she too competed very competively and had some excellent individual times.
Sitting around the camp fire Saturday night we had some very satisfied riders who were reflecting on their great day.
Sunday came around quickly and the NSW Campdrafting Championships got underway with the under 12s. We had Alexis and Lucy Neilson competing in this age group.
Cattle were very tough and the judging was very different. Lucy made it through to the final where she received her eighth place state ribbon.
Hannah Olsen was in the under 17s age group and things were looking very promising in the camp with both Hannah and “Fancy” working tremendously.
However as we all know things can change very quickly in campdrafting and Hannah did not get to complete the course.
Our two associate riders, Luke Griffiths and Aleah Sullings also made it through to the State final, with Luke being extremely excited to place second and Aleah tenth.
NSW State Championships are an enviable event to attend and to have our local riders consistently place in the top 10 each year is a tremendous reflection on their hard work and dedication to their chosen sport.
Remember these riders are competing against the very best from NSW and Queensland. In 2010,12 top 10 state placings from Dungog riders is a great achievement.
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