Eventers of all ages memorised dressage tests and flew high over obstacles in the annual New England Girls’ School One Day Event on November 19 and 20 at the school’s equestrian centre.
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More than 200 riders entered the event which tested them and their horses over the two days.
The competition has been running since 2012 and this year was predicted to be one of the best yet with entry numbers higher than ever.
Event secretary Ali Pettit said it lived up to expectations with many riders throwing their hat into the ring already for next year’s event.
"They really, really enjoyed it. We had a lot of positive feedback,” she said.
"Everything worked in our favour, the weather was fantastic, the grounds were great and we couldn't have been much luckier than what we were.
"We even got thank you cards from people and lots of very excited competitors will come back for next year.
"It was a great success and we are looking forward to another one.”
With competitors travelling from all over the state to enter, the school’s equestrian program was put to the test and many of the young riders featured on the podium after the final results were tallied.
"We had a very competitive 1* class with one of our girls, Lucy Ramsay winning it,” Pettit said.
"[She was] followed by one of our other girls Tilly McCarroll coming a very close second.
"They were the only two that in cross country, were on time and jumped clear, no one else was on time.
"Isabella Arabejo was the highest junior in the EVA 105.”
The event organisers prepared the course and painted cross country jumps which proved difficult for some combinations.
"They surprised a few horses but it was great, everyone really liked them,” Pettit said.
"It made them ride a little bit more than they had to in previous years.”
Plans are in the works to hold the event again in 2017 with a date earlier in the year expected.