THE FSCDA hosted the annual championship weekend at Cobargo on November 29 and 30. The event received record entries with riders travelling from as far afield as Moruya, Cooma and Mallacoota together with a large contingent of local riders.
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The club was fortunate to secure the services of two highly accredited judges, Leslie Gillis and Liz Pugh, who made the journey down from Canberra to officiate over the two days of competition. Thank you also to Hetty Munda from Moruya who stepped in at the last minute to cover one of the rings on Sunday afternoon.
Saturday saw the running of the Preliminary Championship and the musical rides including Freestyles, Pas de Deux and Pas de Trois. The musical section has the combinations creating their own pattern set to music to match the horse’s movement. There were some great themes and costumes on the day.
This year the Club introduced the Brian Mallyon Memorial People's Choice Award for the best musical test. Mr Mal, as he was affectionately known, was well respected and much loved in the local horse community. He was the maestro at the Club Championships since the introduction of the Freestyle section in 2010. The inaugural award went to Trish Hayes and Colleen Meredith for a wonderful rendition of Night and Day riding their black and palomino horses, Clayton Little Lola and Drifters Gold, respectively. It was a landslide decision not to detract from a number of other great routines on the day including the Pas de Trois who achieved the highest percentage score on the day with their "Ride of the Valkyries". The lucky entry draw for voting, a bottle of Chivas Regal, Mr Mal's favorite drop went to Darrel Moxey.
The 2014 Preliminary Champion went to Tanya Rutter and Artistry who won both the qualifying events. Reserve Preliminary Champions was Duncan McLaughlin riding Kholonial Sebastian.
Saturday night the Club held the Christmas party and annual presentation awards.
The 2014 Preparatory High Point Score winner was Rebecca Kelf riding Sirrocco with runner-up going to Elsa Dawson riding Benzabeel. Both horses are recent off the track thoroughbreds proving they can have a productive career after racing. There were also a number of other high achievers over the weekend, including Artistry - now 18-years-old, who initially started their careers on the racetrack.
The 2014 Junior Preparatory High Point Score was won by Paige Moxey riding Brampton Halloween with Alice Dein riding Annichje Van Gelder Runner-up.
The 2014 Preliminary High Point Score went to Leigh Richardson riding Hollands Bend Fidelia with Jess Coleman and Tamaru Sunshine a close Runner-up.
The 2014 Novice High Point Score was won by Sandra Kain riding Kitty Kat with Runner-up going to Lucie Phelan and Cicada Lodge Rhythm N Blues.
The 2014 Elementary High Point Score winner was Jade Moxey and Miss Dalliance with runner-up Sue Schepisi and Friso van Gelder.
The 2014 Medium High Point Score was awarded to Hetty Munda and Windalee Khoster.
The Most Improved Rider 2014 was Victoria Smith with Most Improved Junior Rider being presented to Alice Dein.
The Club's Most Eager to Attend Awards went to Lucie Phelan, Jade Moxey and Jess Coleman who competed at every dressage event offered during the year.
Club Encouragement Awards were presented to Colleen Meredith, Pauline Blair and Sasha Mott who all showed great improvement during the year.
The Most Versatile Junior Award was presented to Tyler Bruest with sister Claire receiving the Biggest Smile award.
On Sunday the Preparatory, Novice, Elementary and Medium Championships were determined with good fields across the levels.
The 2014 Preparatory Champion went to Jayne Edmondson riding Ego Chaos who also won both tests with Trish Hayes and Clayton Little Lola Reserve Champion. The Preparatory level was consistent with both judges awarding the same position to seven of the nine competitors.
Junior Preparatory Champion went to Alice Dein riding Annichje Van Gelder with four year old Claire Breust riding Peanut Reserve Champion.
The 2014 Novice Champion was won by Mikala Walters riding Hobbit with Jess Coleman and Tamaru Sunshine Reserve Champion.
The Elementary Champion was a closely fought contest determined by count back with only one per cent separating the winner Sue Schepisi on the stunning Friesian stallion Friso Van Gelder with Leigh Richardson and Quarryview Hercules Reserve Champion.
The Medium Champion went to Hetty Munda riding Windalee Khoster.
The Judges Encouragement Awards for the weekend went to Leone Creamer, an inspiring competitor at 86 years of age and to Rebecca Breust.
It is interesting to note that our youngest competitor was four and the oldest 86-years of age showing that dressage really is a sport that spans the ages.
