Horse power to the fore

THERE was a lot of horsin’ around at Tooradin’s premier Horse Trials Competition on 1 August.
About 500 people, including City of Casey mayor Geoff Ablett, attended the HRCAV (Horse Riding Clubs Association Victoria) event at the Tooradin Estate property, owned by the Francis family. It was run by the Langwarrin-based Peninsula Horse Riders Club (PHRC) in conjunction with Nyora Equestrian Club.
PHRC committee member Tracey Perrott said the mayor was so impressed with the scale of the competition that he pledged “another $750 of sponsorship money towards covering the event expenses”.
More than 160 competitors braved strong winds to participate in dressage, cross-country and showjumping. Ms Perrott was a jump judge in the afternoon, and said she struck a chord with the competitors she viewed.
“I remembered my own rush of adrenalin high as I rode my own horse earlier, and jumping at speed over the fences,” she said.
“This is the true reward of running a successful horse trial, providing a fun challenge for riders to test their skills. It is a way of putting back something into the HRCAV movement, as few horse trials are held on this side of Melbourne, and even fewer held on good going.”
Ms Perrott said all profits from the event would be used to keep the club rallies running, buy uniforms and equipment and provide clinics to members.