Winners of the IRT CCI4* class, Sarah Clark and LV Balou Jeanz, clearing the iconic ‘Laneway Crossing’.

© Manning Photography

Record entries for Naracoorte Horse Trials in its 47th year

By Equestrian Life

The 2021 Naracoorte Horse Trials took place 15-16 May in Naracoorte, SA, with a record-breaking 189 entries.

The event, which started in 1975 as a junior 3DE, has now run consecutively for 47 years with the cross country always held at the same property, Strathyre, with the same landowners. This year, the dressage and showjumping was held at Naracoorte Polocrosse ground, which is about 10km from Naracoorte at Hynam. On the final day, competitors headed up the road to the Wayne Copping-designed cross country course.

In the IRT CCI4*-S, it was Sarah Clark and LV Balou Jeanz that took the win. Fourth after the dressage, the pair finished on an impressive 37.3. Second place went to Sophie Fox and off the track thoroughbred (OTT) Mr Pig on 45.1, while Steph Hann finished third on 49 with another OTT named True Celebre.

The Kentucky Equine Research CCI3*-S saw Megan Jones finish first and second, with Guhr scoring 41.1 and Toulando scoring 42.8. Third place went to Wendy Schaeffer-McDonald riding Sun Quest (OTT), with a score of 73.5.

Olympian Megan Jones took out the quinella in the Kentucky Equine Research CCI3* with her mounts Guhr (1st) and Toulando (2nd). © Manning Photography

Olympian Megan Jones took out the quinella in the Kentucky Equine Research CCI3* with her mounts Guhr (1st) and Toulando (2nd).

© Manning Photography

Megan has been attending Naracoorte Horse Trials since she was 14 years old, and believes it’s a fabulous event with a cross country course that features some of the best going Australia.

In the Little Equine Co CCI2*-S, David Middleton and WEC In The Breeze scored 40 to take the win, ahead of Connie Miller and Delicato (OTT) on 51.2, and Jenny Bowker riding BMS Alexeah on 57.1.

Winners of the Little Equine Co CCI2*-S, David Middleton and WEC In The Breeze, drop into the newly renovated, Wayne Copping designed ‘Lake Stuart’.

Winners of the Little Equine Co CCI2*-S, David Middleton and WEC In The Breeze, drop into the newly renovated, Wayne Copping designed ‘Lake Stuart’.

© Manning Photography

The Mini Jumbuk CCN1*-S went to Asha Warnock and Alhambra Calligraphy on a great score of 31.2, with Sarah Clark in second on 35.3 with Casallia A, and Jessica Hill in third on 39 with ESB Irish Illusion.

Finishing on her dressage score and winning the Minijumbuk CCN1*, was Asha Warnock riding Alhambra Calligraphy. © Manning Photography

Finishing on her dressage score and winning the Mini Jumbuk CCN1*, was Asha Warnock riding Alhambra Calligraphy.

© Manning Photography

In the Evolution Animal Care Y/R CCN1*-S, Chelsea Clarke and Highfield Chiquita’s Chico finished in first place on 33.2. Bella Masters and Samsonite were second on 43.2, while Jasmine Fordham and Burnbank Battalion were third on 48.5.

Chelsea Clarke and Highfield Chiquitas Chico making the best of the excellent going to finish 1st in the Evolution Animal Care Young Rider CCN1*.

Chelsea Clarke and Highfield Chiquita’s Chico making the best of the excellent going to finish 1st in the Evolution Animal Care Young Rider CCN1*.

© Manning Photography

In the EVA level classes, there were some impresssive scores. The Bull Bros EVA95 went to Isabel Houghton and Yoicks Baltimore (OTT) on 30.8; the McDonalds Naracoorte EVA80 (Div 1) went to Kaitlin Smith and Classico on 27.5; the Naracoorte Lucindale Council EVA80 (Div 2) went to Isabel Houghton and Yoicks Kimikain on 30; the Tyre Power Naracoorte EVA65 (Div 1) went to Keely Hutchinson and Mouse Detective on 24.7; and the Equestrian SA EVA65 (Div 2) went to Ella Manning and Viewmont Lisa on 27.8.

Viewmont Lisa, owned by Lindy Young and ridden by Ella Manning, won the Equestrian South Australian EVA 65 (Div 2). © Manning Photography

Viewmont Lisa, owned by Lindy Young and ridden by Ella Manning, won the Equestrian South Australian EVA 65 (Div 2).

© Manning Photography

Isabel Houghton and Yoicks Baltimore safely over the Naracoorte Hotel Brush to finish her course and secure 1st place in the Bull Bris EVA95.

Isabel Houghton and Yoicks Baltimore safely over the Naracoorte Hotel Brush to secure 1st place in the Bull Bris EVA95.

Kaitlin Smith and Classico, winners of the McDonalds Naracoorte EVA 80 (Div 1).

Event Director Ashley Copping was pleased with the record-setting 189 entries, which saw 40 more competitors than they’ve had any other year.

Keely Hutchinson and her little WBx Mouse Detective clearing the last fence to take the win in the Tyre Power Naracoorte EVA65 (Div 1).

Keely Hutchinson and her little WBx, Mouse Detective, clearing the last fence to take the win in the Tyre Power Naracoorte EVA65 (Div 1).

“I would like to thank the committee and volunteers for all their hard work; we had a fantastic team who made everything run seamlessly. I’d also like to thank our long standing sponsors; IRT and Mini Jumbuk have been sponsoring the event since its inception 47 years ago!” said Ashley post event.

Possibly the smallest competitor on course, Harry Manning and his pony Rivington Little Bird, giving the last fence plenty of clearance in the Tyre Power EVA65.

Amongst the many positive results, there was unfortunately a tragic element to this year’s event, with Usman Kahn’s beloved Kasheer passing away following an accident. Equestrian Life and the event would like to extend sincere condolences to Usman and his team.

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