The three-old, ridden by Jennifer Saunders, performed solidly at the recent Namoi Horse Association practice day in Gunnedah.

“This is his first competition,” Guy said.

“He’s only been broken in for about 12 months, so he did well considering.”

On the neighbouring arena, Gunnedah’s Karen McElroy was riding her son’s horse Galway Park Cassidy to help in the maintenance of its competition standard.

Karen’s children, Jaimie and Ben, recently returned with strong results from the three-day, long form, Quirindi eventing.

Fourteen-year-old Jaimie competed in the 105cm class, winning her junior division and placing fifth overall.

She took out the $300 first prize as the best placed junior in that event.

Son, Ben, also won his 60cm junior division and placed fourth overall.

The 12-year-old picked up $50 cash prize and a gift for his efforts.

The Namoi  Horse Association’s publicity officer Dixie Walker said all riders enjoyed the Gunnedah practice day, particularly the up-and-coming junior competitors.

“It is wonderful to see the under-9 children competing,” Walker said. 

“They are all competent and acquit themselves well.   

“The club is looking forward to having more practice days in the near future.”

The Namoi Horse Association meets once a month on the first Thursday of the month at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club and all are welcome to attend. 

Association instructors give clinics on a regular basis; visit their website (namoiha.equestrian.org.au)or see one of the committee members to find out more.

Organisers also thanked their ‘unsung heros’ Helayne Horder and Dot Bartlett who score and pencil each competition the association runs. 

Thanks also to all who participated and all proceeds from the day went to the Winsor family appeal following their recent house fire.