A wonderful conclusion to the 2022 Yarraman Park Australian Young Event Horse Championship held on a beautiful day to kick off the first day of the Ariat Sydney International 3 Day Event.
The championship provides the opportunity for owners and riders of four, five and six year old horses to showcase their abilities as future eventing stars in front of judges Catherine Burrell and Tim Boland. The unique event combines a flatwork pattern followed immediately by showjumping and cross country fences and concludes with a gallop phase to allow the riders to show off the potential of their young mounts.
Taking out the 6 year old class was thoroughbred x warmblood gelding Every Thyme ridden by Kelsy Summers / owned by Emma Weat, followed by Calvados ridden by Jess Sommerfield and third Rockstar Rocky ridden by Merran Wallace.
The 5 year old class won by the warmblood gelding Elysian Fields Oceanus ridden and owned by Tanya Schmidt, second was Repeat After Me ridden by Caitlin Hawkins and third Wimborne Courageous ridden by Deon Stokes.
The 4 year old class was won by the warmblood gelding Lyrical Street ridden and owned by Katie Taliana, second was Holy Moses ridden by Niki Rose and third Dyrring Park Corileckridden by Caleb Lock.
Upon conclusion of all the age groups, the judges re-convened, with assistance from the legendary Wayne Roycroft, to present the prestigious title of ‘Champion of Champions’ to the 5year old Elysian Fields Oceanus ridden and owned by Tanya Schmidt.
The 2022 Yarraman Park Young Eventing Horse Championships judges Catherine Burrell and Tim Boland are both renown 4 and 5* riders here in Australia and internationally with deep experience in understanding what attributes are important in a young horse to be successful at the highest levels. Judging is based on a horses’ potential; including confirmation, movement and mindset to excel at the upper levels of eventing
Catherine said of the quality of horses in the competition that “they could excel at anything” but in particular she was looking for “athletic type horses that are light on their feet, I look for quick footwork which is important in eventing”.
Judges are “looking for horses that have been well produced” explained Tim, “the jumping phase contributes 60% of the overall marks, bravery and carefulness is important. Many top eventing stars have performed well in this class as young horses over the years”
