Sport
12 December, 2023
Riding high at States
Three Woodford Pony Club members were prominent placegetters as they represented Queensland in the recent NSW Pony Club State Combined Training and ODE Championships.
Maddison Herd was named champion in both of her events, and Amiteal Smith placed second and third while Taylah Smith had a top-six placing.
The three Woodford riders were among nine Queensland representatives while there were about 50 riders from NSW for the weekend at the Nana Glen Sport, Recreation and Equestrian Centre.
Conditions were hot and sunny while the grass was lush and green.
With riders ranging from eight to 25 years of age, the competition consisted of two events – the Combined Training and the One Day Event (ODE).
Both events involved one round of showjumping and a dressage test, while the ODE also involved a cross country course consisting of about 20 fixed jumps over a distance of about 2200m.
Dressage required the rider to keep the horse calm and controlled and show how their riding ability could get the horse to perform some complex movements.
Showjumping and cross country required the rider to set their horse up to jump safely.
Bravery was required of both rider and horse on the cross country course, as the jumps were solid and would not dismantle like showjumping jumps.
Maddison came first in the 17-25 years Advanced 105cm Combined Training and the 95cm ODE, while Amiteal came second in the 13-16 years Novice 80cm Combined Training and third in the 95cm ODE.
Taylah rode well without gaining a placing in the 17-25 years Novice 90cm Combined Training, before coming sixth in the 80cm ODE.
The Woodford trio had previously competed in these disciplines at Queensland championships, but this was the first time they did so at the NSW championships although Taylah had competed in other disciplines at past NSW championships.
Woodford Pony Club secretary Sue Smith said the three girls attended many competitions during the year and also trained at home and attended training days at other pony clubs.
In the process, one of their trainers was former Olympic representative Guy Creighton.
“The girls were extremely proud to be selected on the Queensland team,” Sue said.
“It was a great honour to be recognised for all the hard work they put into training their horses and the many hours travelling to competitions each weekend.
“They were very pleased with their overall placings which were probably better than they anticipated when they were selected.”
Sue said the three Woodford girls felt pressure to perform well, considering it was a state level competition while they were representing their state as well as Zone 26 East Moreton Pony Club and Woodford Pony Club.
“Each of the girls rode to the best of their ability and the results were a testament to that,” Sue said.
The Woodford Pony Club secretary said the trio hoped to attend the NSW championships again next year, while attending nationals was unknown as it was held every two years while the host state for the next nationals event was undecided.
