Carolyn and her four year old gelding “Friand”, who is a newcomer to eventing, were in the lead after the dressage phase. The pair then completed the show jumping and cross country phases of the competition without penalty to take out their class. Carolyn’s other horse Hamish McTavish finished sixth in his class after going clear in the show jumping and cross country phases.

The Wingham Eventing Club ODE is planned to be a bi-annual event with classes that have been designed to encourage newcomers to eventing as well as providing a challenge to the more experienced riders and horses. This new event is a welcome development for an Olympic discipline in which Australia has achieved great success. It is the only event of its type from this side of the Great Dividing Range between Gosford and Queensland.

Not only was the competition exceptionally well run for a first time event, it received very positive feedback from competitors and spectators. The event was made possible by the generous support of the local community and sponsors and relied on many people providing their time to assist with logistics, stewarding and judging - including local equestrian instructors Ross Green, who is an FEI rider and “A-level” judge, and Muriel Plater of Fiddlers Green Irish Stud who both provided their time to judge the dressage phase of this event.

If you would like further information on the Club go to www.bellviewpark.com.au, or contact Belinda Bailey on 0412 770 992.