Tall In The Saddle

March 24th, 2016

Young riders Chase and Jet Donoghue from Nairne can barely wait to ride in the Horses in Action competition this April, especially when it means winning ribbons and chocolates.

Two year old Chase is the youngest entrant in this year's event and is looking forward to riding his Shetland pony, called Fire, in the encouragement ring.

Event organiser Cherie Hitchinson said the encouragement ring is for younger or inexperienced riders to have a go at their first competition.

“We hold a lot of fun competitions like 'the pony with the longest tail' and 'fancy dress',” Cherie said.

“In the past we have had children dress up as police officers, knights, fairies and princes.”

Four year old Jet Donoghue will be competing for the second time and knows how much fun the novelty competitions can be.

He particularly looks forward to the sack race and thread the needle events.

Their mother, Leanne, is an experienced horse rider who has also been competing since she was four years old.

Leanne plans to use her ride at Horses in Action to qualify for the Royal Adelaide Show Horse Show later in the year.

Event organiser Cherie Hitchinson said riders must have enough agricultural wins to qualify for the Royal Adelaide Show Horse Show.

“Last year we had over 100 horses and 80 riders and we are on track to have similar numbers this year,” she said.

“We have people coming from Kingscote on Kangaroo Island and from all over the state.”

“It's one of the last agricultural shows before the Royal Adelaide Show so it is very popular.”

Events at Horses in Action include the encouragement ring for younger riders, the gymkhana ring, the open qualifying ring and the open led ring. Side saddle and novelty competitions will take place in the afternoon.

In the gymkhana ring, horse and riders compete in everything from the Texas barrel race to the handy pony obstacle course.

A great deal of effort goes into preparing horses and ponies for the event, which is something Leanne thinks is important to teach her sons.

“They help to brush, wash and feed them,” Leanne said.

“Riding teaches them patience, how to set goals and aim for them, how to practice and having determination.”

Cherie said it's a beautiful sight watching the competition as a spectator.

“Competitors put a lot of years into preparing their horses for these events,” Cherie said.

“It's quite impressive to watch the riders in their jackets on horses that are clean with manes plaited - some horses even wear make-up,” she said.

This year for the first time in the open ring they will have a Shetland pony feature which Cherie said will draw some intrigued spectators.

“The event is free this year for spectators to come and watch and we think they will love the side saddle and novelty competitions in the afternoon,” Cherie said.

“The judges will explain why they chose the winners so it's very educational at the same time.”

Leanne loves how riders of all ages and abilities can participate in Horses in Action.

“It really does cater for everyone,” she said.

Three aggregate prizes will be awarded on the day including the Frank & Jacob prize for most successful local horse and rider combination, the JN Murray & Leather work prize for most successful horse and rider combination and the prize for the champion and reserve champion sportsmanship encouragement horse and rider combination.

Horses in Action will be held on Sunday, April 3 at Dunn Park Oval in Mount Barker and is held in conjunction with the Mount Barker Show. Gates open from 6.30am and competitions will begin from 8.30am. Spectators are encouraged to park in the Mountain Pool carpark and walk across the footbridge.


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