A thrilling finish in the Horseland 2*CCN-s class, saw popular local equestrian Nat Blundell, snag top spot at the March 2022 Canberra Horse Trials.

Blundell riding her home bred and produced Tarburra Puss n Boots, gave a spectacular display of XC riding at the Canberra CCN-s 2* event. Completing one of only 5 clean rounds SJ and riding a cracker of a XC round she moved up to top spot having sat in second place over night after dressage. Deon Stokes riding Fantastic Mr Fox who was sitting 4th overnight after the dressage phase moved upto second place looked superb x country but he was unable to catch Blundell who stormed home to take the win by 2.7 penalties.

The Horseland 2* class saw some solid dressage tests riders with the top 5 closely spaced, Nat sitting in second behind Kim Leibowitz with less than 0.2 between them. A big shake up in the leader board was seen after show jumping .The Linda Thane designed track causing a headache for many , 4a proving a very influential fence with only 5 clears. Deon Stokes moved up from 4th to 2nd , Kim loosing top spot with an unlucky rail.

The Ben Smith cleverly designed 2* X country track claimed a few big names ,however a superb ride saw the only junior in the class Charlotte Wilson riding Bee stinger move up from 23 to 10th. Also climbing the score board ladder was Rebecca Swinton riding moonwalk, after going clear show jumping and one of only four riders to go clear and under time x country she moved from 11th to 7th.

A win for Sam Woods and the stunning SS Eight count in the Grosvenor park CCN-s 1* saw him finish on his dressage score of 26.10,a lovely horse for the future.
Shane Rose won both Bucus rugs Australia Eva 95cm classes, riding Benjamin Boots and The Bandit finishing on his dressage score on both young horses. The R and J Eva 95 Junior was won by Lotus Grant riding Bloomsbury Sir Galahad, the junior section was hotly contested and some superb riding seen.

The Eva 80 cm level had enormous entries filling 4 classes, two senior and two junior sections and having all phases run on the Saturday. Great for spectators and competitors alike. The Riverview farm Sec A, was won by Sam Lyle riding the gorgeous Revelwood Stedintime finishing on his dressage score of 26.10. The Eva 80 cm , Lady Godiva sec.B was taken out by Stephen Mannix riding GP Starkozy ,singing his way around xc and finishing on his dressage score of 28.90.

The junior Eva 80cm, Completely equine section A, was taken out by Kristie Brookes and Arkley Willing and Eva J 80cm CGA contract section b winners were Audrey Green and Urimbirra Somewhere.

he EVa 60cm class also had two senior and junior sections, this entry level proving very popular. The Kane Hunt farrier services section was won by Sarah Glauert riding port Winston.The top three place getters having less than a penalty between them. The Webb equine Eva 60cm sec b was won by Boadecia Mountford riding Henbury Carp diem finishing on a fabulous dressage score of 24.40.The junior Eva 60 Funky brew section a was won by the gorgeous combination Charlize Mackie riding Meersbrooke Iced Liqueur who delivered an 18.4 dressage test. The Wallaroo equestrian Eva 60cm sec b was won by Lydia Proctor riding Entally Whisky no ice, finishing on their dressage score of 27.50, making their trip the from Newcastle worthwhile.

The X country tracks were superbly presented and had some additional challenging lines and jumps for this years event across the levels, the courses being overseen by TDs Belinda Bailey and Kelsey Szczepanik . With so few opportunities to compete post covid and floods competitors were thrilled to be competing again.

It was a family friendly event, with enthusiastic and large support crews accompanying the riders cheering riders through the water complex on the x country . The great weather saw a wonderful weekend of competition for over 330 riders and their horses ,some participants coming from the same families. The Burke family from Yass had 4 family members competing, including Dad, Eamon who took up riding two years ago to spend more time with his girls, all enjoyed the opportunity compete at equestrian park in the heart of the nations capital.

National capital horse trials association is run by a small, passionate committee delivering top class events in the nations capital. Headed by the remarkable and irrepressible Kate Mackenzie and supported by a very dedicated band of committee and club members ,a wonderful event was delivered. Kate was not only event organiser but also rode in the 1* going clear xc while supporting her two children Abbey riding in the junior 95cm and Laura in the junior 60cm .Despite helping run the event other event committee members also competed ,SJ coordinator Lauren Mckintosh, dressage coordinator Felicity Moran( who came third in her class) Kerry Tanner the Xc jj coordinator. Feeding the team and the over 100 volunteers was the amazing Trica and the Canberra Lakes PC canteen provided for the competitors. The event sponsors were encouraged to show their products in a large retail area which remained very busy over both days. .
Congratulations to the Canberra horse trials committee, the volunteers ,sponsors and competitors for bringing a wonderful weekend of equestrian sport to the capital.

Report and photo by Wallaroo equestrian. Fiona Gruen
Full result list

https://www.nominate.com.au/equest/nsw/results/NCHTA0322.htm