It has been a very successful year for Boorowa locals Liz Gregory, her daughter Matilda and their team of ponies who have just cleaned up at both the ACT and Southern NSW Show Horse Championships and the NSW Horse of the Year.
Liz and Matilda work with Emma Rayner of Emerald Equestrian in Bungendore and the very talented riders Indy and Pip Gardiner with five year old Matilda now stepping up to compete in off-the-lead classes, however, the ponies Buzz and Bugzie, Korawyn Show N Tell and Ripple Brook Jitterbug, have been absolute superstars for the team.
Matilda gained a Show Horse Council of Australasia ticket after coming in as runner up in her rider class on Buzz in her first ever show off the lead earlier this month at the ACT and Southern NSW Show Horse Championships at EPIC in Canberra.
At the Pacific Coast Hack Championships back in August Buzz - Korawyn Show N Tell secured his place to compete at Grand Nationals with Pip in the saddle.
Last weekend Liz, Matilda and the team attended the Equestrian NSW Horse of the Year where Bugzie was awarded Champion Child's Small Hunter Pony, Champion Open Small Hunter Pony and Runner Up Leading Rein Hunter Pony, meaning the cute little grey will now be representing NSW in the Equestrian Australian Nationals.
"To say we are absolutely thrilled is an understatement," Liz said.
"What a show we had. We are off to Nationals."
Indy Gardiner rode the adorable Bugzie (Ripple Brook Jitterbug) to win the Champion in what was a hotly contested class with the best of the best from across the state vying for the chance to win a spot at The Nationals.
"Cannot thank super jockey, Indy Gardiner enough for riding him so beautifully," Liz said.
Liz is extremely grateful to Emma and the Gardiner's for all of their help with the ponies and with Matilda.
"Thank you to Emma Rayner for all the hard work she has put into Bugzie these last few months and leading Matilda in the leading rein," Liz said.
"Thank you to the committee, sponsors and volunteers for a wonderful, well run show."