PREMIUM
Sport

Benalla horse trials draw a crowd

Talented: Taylia McMillan. Photos: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed

The Rose City’s equestrian centre hosted the Marshalls+Dent+Wilmoth Benalla Pony Club Horse Trials 2024 on Saturday, March 2, with great feedback from competitors and attendees.

Benalla Pony Club president Tim Ward said the event went off without a hitch.

“The numbers at the event were well up on last year,” Ward said.

“The competitors all got the experience and the thrill of a horse trial.

“And it really is a thrill for the young riders.

“They get to do all three phases — Dressage, show jumping and then a cross country round.”

Ward said the cross country course was spectacular this year thanks to the efforts of all mums and dads to get it set up.

“It was fully dressed with plants and trees,” Ward said.

“The feedback we got was that it was sensational. There were a lot of smiling faces from the kids and also from the adults that were riding.”

Ward said this year there was an “ungraded” section for the younger children.

“So even the little ones could have a go. We haven’t had that before.”

Ward said he wanted to thank all the generous sponsors who made the event a success.

“Everyone went home feeling very happy, and we saw a lot of smiling faces from people who came to compete and watch.

“It was a great effort from the pony club committee and members.”

Splash: Alice McLeod. Photo by Contributed
Talented: Alice McCleod. Photo by Contributed
Confident: Ella Hogan. Photo by Contributed
Day out: Isla Feldman, Imogen Ramage and Rylee Dowell. Photo by Contributed
In the water: Jess Andrews. Photo by Contributed
Skilfull: Liza Askew. Photo by Contributed
Jumping: Ruby Davis. Photo by Contributed