Ms Freebody rode KA Rosko in the Preliminary division, while Ms Dawson entered Obar Hooley Dooley in the Novice tests, at the Cobargo showgrounds on the weekend of November 25 and 26.

Both riders took home Reserve Champion sashes.

Ms Freebody said KA Rosko was well bred who had 47 starts before retiring from racing.

However, a freak accident cut short the brown gelding’s new showjumping career when the horse broke his pelvis while in the paddock.

“I was his chance to rehabilitated,” Ms Freebody said.

That was three years ago, now KA Rosko is a consistent performer in dressage with this performance his best so far; winning one test and placing fourth in the other.

Ms Freebody attributes much of her success to her trainer, Narooma showjumper Sandra Kenny.

“I couldn’t do it without her help and guidance,” she said.

In the Novice division, Ms Dawson’s 7-year-old gelding did everything right for his rider.

“Obar Hooley Dooley was excellent,” Ms Dawson said.

“He has really come into his prime this last month.”

Ms Dawson bought the chestnut from Sandra Kenny about a year ago and rides the horse in dressage and jumping competitions.

“We competed in showjumping the week before this event,” she said.

She said although her horse could be spooky, he settled well at the championships.

Ms Dawson was pleased with Obar Hooley Dooley’s lateral movements; moving sideways to demonstrate ambidexterity.

“The leg-yields were much improved – he went well both ways, in both tests,” Ms Dawson said.