Hack of the Year
Story - Anna Sharpley
Ane enthusiastic and vocal audience (helped in part by the Friends of Werribee bar) were generous with their applause from the outset.
Proceedings got underway at 4.30pm with the National Junior Rider Championship which went to Kellie Thomas from Queensland. At only 13 years
The Senior Rider title went to a very elegant Pam Ahern from Victoria. Pam, looking marvellous in top hat and short coat is one of our most outstanding show riders.
The National Pony of the Year not exceeding 12.2hh was Oliver of Sheldean from NSW. A charming chestnut pony, Oliver, owned by Kerrie Donovan, was ridden by one of the many expert young professionals Sara Muratore from just out of Sydney.
Francesca Vale, Lesley Walkinshaw and Trent Walkden's Dresden Park Reneé, the Queensland representative, has won countless Championships and the very elegant Riding Pony by Owendale Mr Pickwick, added the '96 National title to her
Bob Laing and Bruce Flood's Royalty started favourite for the Hack title. The beautiful grey from NSW did not disappoint, laying claim to 'the' Hack of 1996.
Cheryl Lawrence with Tasmanian entry Joint Masters, were not sure they would make the trip
Runner up Pony up to 12.2hh
Galloway
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Held at the National Equestrian Centre, Werribee Park , last December and like the Academy Award Presentations, the National Hack of the Year has that 'see and be seen' atmosphere about it. A party mood prevailed as the State EFA Hack, Galloway and Ponies of the Year rode off for the National title. There were representatives from every State and Territory.
of age Kellie is a very experienced and polished show rider and a great competitor.
enviable list of successes. Ridden by Trent, the bay mare was certainly the peoples choice for the National Champion Pony of the Year (over 12.2hh and not exceeding 14hh).
Owendale Mr Pickwick was also the sire of the Champion Galloway Dresden Park Matrice. Both Reneé and Matrice were bred by Michelle Banks from Heathcote in Victoria. Matrice, the Victorian Galloway owned by Linda and Darryl Hayes and George Collins,
was ridden by Linda.
to Werribee. However, they were pleased they did, as the very handsome black Thoroughbred gelding was named runner up.
Pony over 12.2 and not exceeding 14hh