The annual State Sporting and Campdrafting Championships took place in Scone on April 26 and 27.
It was a fabulous event, with riders coming from Queensland, and as far north, south, east and west as the NSW border takes us.
Due to Scone being in such a convenient location, with very little travel required, Dungog Pony Club had a fantastic representation.
To attend these championships, certain qualifying times and drafting scores needed to be met, and the following riders all were able to reach this standard.
Sporting championships
For the sporting phase, Hannah Olsen, Emily Baker, Aleah Sullings, Jessica Neave, Skye Maytom, Alexis, Lucy and Jazmin Neilson and Amanda Clarke were all outstanding in their effort and to be able to achieve a top 10 place at this level is a remarkable achievement.
Jessica Neave, Alexis, Lucy and Jazmin Neilson were all able to do this.
Jessica Neave in her very first State sporting championships was ecstatic, receiving a second State ribbon in the newest State sporting event, the Running T.
Congratulations Jess, and we look forward to many more years of you representing both our club and zone at all future State Sporting Championships.
The youngest rider for both our club, and also the youngest rider ever at 7 years, having represented our zone, was Jazmin Neilson..
Jazmin took it all in her stride, and was also successful in the Running T, getting a sixth place State ribbon in the under 11s.
Jazzy was thrilled, and we can’t wait for her future successes at this level.
Lucy Neilson also in the under 11s, had another very successful State Championships. Lucy gained a top 10 place, in five out of the seven events, bringing home five State ribbons, and for the 2nd year in a row, was the highest pointscore winner for our zone.
Well done Lucy, for a job well done.
Lucy is a tremendous advocate, for hardwork and persistence, with the results speaking for themselves.
Alexis Neilson in her very first year in the older age group, the under 13s, had great enjoyment, taking home first place State ribbon in the Bon-Field-Bounce, also being 2nd fastest qualifier in the Flag race, and eventually taking home the fifth place in this event, after unfortunately dropping a flag in the final.
As said above, to gain a place at this level of competition is outstanding, and to bring home a blue ribbon is a major achievement. Well done Lex.
Commiserations to Skye Maytom, who had the misfortune of having a tumble at the barrel race, and was subsequently unable to compete for the remainder of the day.
To all sporting representatives, congratulations to you all, as I know many of you were in the top 20 in a lot of events. This was a huge effort by all.
Campdrafting championships
Many of our Sporting riders backed up the next day for the campdrafting, with Sarah Caslick making her debut at these events.
Other competitors were Hannah Olsen, Emily Baker, Aleah Sullings, Skye Maytom and Alexis and Lucy Neilson.
Again Dungog showed their true colours, with some magnificent results, and also with their determination and passion for the sport.
It was great to see Skye Maytom out there competing after her fall the previous day. For everyone watching Skye, they knew what a valient effort it was, as she rode through the pain, and really only had the use of one arm. Great effort Skye, we were all very proud of you.
The under 12s draft was hotly contested with the two Neilson sisters and Sarah Caslick. All three reached the final, and with Alexis wanting to defend her title from 2008, it made for a great competition.
Lucy, in her first year of campdrafting at State level, was overjoyed with taking home second, and Alexis was very proud of her third place.
Sarah was overjoyed to take home tenth place, a great effort from the three Dungog girls.
The under 17s had Hannah Olsen and Emily Baker flying the flag for our club. What a great job they both did.
Hannah Olsen had a great score in the first round, along with Emily Baker, and they both subsequently made the final. Hannah came out first and she set the pace for the rest of the final competitors.
Hannah had a beautiful second round, and proved unstoppable, taking home first place, and subsequently State Champion for under 17s for 2009.
Emily Baker took home ninth place overall.
Great job girls, and what a remarkable achievement by all.
In the under 25s draft, Aleah Sullings had an excellent camp, and good first peg, but could not turn it to the second peg, after racing down the hill. Good effort Aleah.
The Campdrafting Championship presentation had some very excited young girls, along with their very proud parents, grandparents and friends.
Hannah Olsen was named in the overall State championship team, and then Hannah again, with Alexis and Lucy was named in the overall championship zone team, making them all eligible if they wanted to pursue the Queensland championships later in the year – girl power at it’s best!
For Dungog being only a relatively small place, this achievement is second to none. Dungog Pony Club members continue to shine in all aspects of the equine sport, and to think that for the past three years, (Alexis Neilson 2007, Lucy Neilson 2008 & 2009) Dungog Pony Club has had the highest point score rider for our zone in the sporting, and the past two years, two of our members being named State campdrafting champion for their age (Alexis Neilson 2008 & Hannah Olsen 2009) is a real phenomenon.
Thank you to all who helped make these championships such a success, to our club instructors, guest instructors, parents and supporters, who continue to help our riders achieve such great success, but most of all, enjoy this fabulous sport. Shelley Neilson.
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