What’s happened to the good old days of HRCAV Showing, where everyone gave it a go? A day of fun and laughter, more like a gymkhana than a serious “show”. For many, that relaxed and inclusive style of showing seems to be becoming a thing of the past. So how can we bring the fun back to showing and make it appealing to members who might not feel experienced or confident in the discipline?
Why don’t more people show?
These reasons will probably resonate with many of us:
- The pre-dawn start to the day.
- Having to plait – especially if you’re not a good plaiter or your horse has a mane like a scarecrow.
- Not having the correct gear or fancy vest.
- Standing around all day between classes.
- “My horse isn’t a show horse.”
- “The judge won’t like my type of horse.”
- A boring, standard program.
Sound familiar?
Breaking with tradition
We thought, let’s break with tradition and create an innovative program that removes some of the barriers to participation. So we did!
Our show attracted huge positive feedback and brought together both experienced competitors and those just looking for a fun day out. We were thrilled with entries of around 50 horses and riders – especially considering we were in the middle of a heatwave and had recently watched with concern as fires threatened towns in our part of the state.
The weather forecast promised a mild day (we all know how forecasts can change!), so we held our collective breath as the day approached. Thankfully, the Weather Gods smiled on us with a mild and sunny day. Even the downpour during the Highpoint presentations didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits – in fact, it was refreshing to feel rain on our faces again.
What made this show different?
A civilised start time: We started at 10.30am, allowing competitors to sleep in a little or travel from further afield without stress.
No plaiting – hooray! It was strictly no plaiting. Sighs of relief all round! Horses were free, comfortable and happy.
Relaxed dress code: Polo shirts were encouraged – no vest, no worries. You can still look smart in a polo, and it’s far more comfortable in warm weather.
Two rings = less waiting: Ring 1 Judge: Sharon Singh – Judged Smartest on Parade and Mount Suitable for HRCAV and Ring 2 Judge: Julia Grave – Judged the Ridden Mount and Rider classes.
This allowed more flexibility in the program and gave us space to add extra classes to cater for a wide range of horses and riders. Classes such as Show Hunter, Suitable for Nav Rides, Best Educated, Suitable for 3PE etc.
A proper lunch break
Most official classes were completed before the one-hour lunch break at 12.30pm. Horses and riders could rest, eat, and recharge – and it made running the canteen worthwhile too!
We were pleased to see that very few competitors left at lunchtime. Both rings resumed with healthy numbers, and several classes had to be split, with ribbons awarded in both sections.
Smooth running all day
Having two rings and a very on-the-ball marshal (thanks Sam Mizzi!) kept delays and clashes to a minimum. No standing around for hours waiting for your next class.
Great prizes and special awards
Championship winners received product vouchers from The NRG Team, which were very popular (who doesn’t love NRG products?)
The Champion Mount Suitable for HRCAV was presented with the Fran Sozzi Award. Fran was a founding member of our club who sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer. Fran was an active committee member, competitor, and passionate supporter of the MMS class, often winning championships on her favourite coloured pony. It was only fitting to honour her memory with this award.
We also presented Highpoint Awards for each Level, determined by points earned in the official classes. Pryde’s Easifeed generously provided a bag of EasiMash for each winner.
The Overall Show Highpoint Champion received a beautiful inscribed show rug sponsored by Horseland Eltham.
In addition, we offered a range of Special Highpoint Awards (Pony, Standardbred, OTTB, Coloured, Newcomer, and Masters), adding extra interest and a strong sense of fun. Pryde’s again generously sponsored these prizes.
There were a lot of very excited winners!
Results:
Champion Smartest on Parade
Champion: Vanessa Eastaugh & Elton Jazz
Reserve: Karen Cook & Thalaba Ruby Dreaming
Champion Ridden Mount
Champion: Lorraine Swanson & MP Total Eclipse
Reserve: Jackie Kerry & Hayes Parl Harlow
Champion Rider
Champion: Bianca Fiorentino on Loriot Peek a Boo
Reserve: Steph Gardner on Sheikh Yabouti
Champion Mount Suitable for HRCAV (Fran Sozzi Award)
Champion: Elise Binks & EK Bellisima
Reserve: Jennifer Robinson & Heathville Jasper
Champion Show Hunter
Champion: Lisa Waddell & NEP Briar Isabella
Reserve: Sunny Miller & Cayuse Xtreme
Champion Led Horse or Pony
Champion: Mandy Edwards & Brian Epstein
Reserve: Karen Cook & Thalaba Ruby Dreaming
Highpoint Awards
Advanced: Karen Cook & Thalaba Ruby Dreaming
Level 1: Bianca Fiorentino & Loriot Peek a Boo
Level 2: Ruby Robinson & Nordic Dancer
Level 3: Lorraine Swanson & MP Total Eclipse
Level 4: Jennifer Robinson & Heathville Jasper
Level 5: Vanessa Eastaugh & Elton Jazz
Special Highpoints
Pony: Bianca Fiorentino & Loriot Peek a Boo
Standardbred: Kathryn West & Future Bliss
Off the Track TB: Ruby Robinson & Nordic Dancer
Large Breed: Jackie Kerry and Hayes Park Harlow
Coloured Horse: Lisa Waddell & NEP Briar Isabella
Newcomer Horse: Vanessa Eastaugh & Elton Jazz
Masters Rider: Jennifer Robinson & Heathfield Jasper
Champion Highpoint of the Show
Elise Binks & EK Bellisima
Thank you
A huge thank you to everyone who supported our show:
- Our sponsors The NRG Team, Pryde’s Easifeed, and Horseland Eltham
- Our hardworking club members
- Our judges for embracing the innovative program, sharing their knowledge, and offering encouragement
- And of course, the competitors for their friendliness, enthusiasm, and great sportsmanship.
This show proved that with a few simple changes, showing can once again be relaxed, inclusive, and – most importantly – fun.
See you next year!
This article first appeared in HRCAV Chaff Chat and is reproduced here with HRCAV’s kind permission.
