Sport
Locals jumping into the saddle and bringing home ribbons

Tommie Parker, Lexie Klein and Emma Karston from Harden Pony Club competed at the NSW State Pony Club Showjumping and Equitation Championships representing Zone 2 at the start of the month with all bringing home some fantastic results.

In the three rounds of the Jumping Equitation Tommie came fifth overall in the 13 and Under 15 age group Championship after placing third, eighth and eighth.

Though Emma didn't bring home a ribbon she placed 13th, 15th and 16th in what were some huge classes at her first ever State Championship with a horse that she has only been on for a relatively short amount of time.

Lexie didn't compete in the equitation portion of the competition, however in the three rounds of showjumping in the 13 and Under 15 B Grade she placed fourth, seventh and eighth.

In the huge C Grade 15 and Under 17 rounds Emma came in 13th, 14th and 16th while Tommie finished fourth overall in the 13 and Under 15 B Grade with a third, fourth and eighth.

"What a weekend for our Zone 2 team," Zone 2 president Antonia Brown said. "Congratulations on all your hard work.

"Well done on great teamwork and being wonderful ambassadors for Zone 2."

As a huge bonus for the Zone 2 team they were lucky enough to meet former pony cluber and current Olympian Shane Rose during the event, taking the time out of his very busy schedule, having just competed at Versaille, to spend some time with Tommie, Emma and Lexie and fellow Zone 2 members Ellie Whittaker from Bribbaree Pony Club and Pheobe Apps from Young Pony Club.

"I think the highlight of the weekend was meeting Shane Rose," Antonia said.

"We are all very proud of you, well done to you and your super grooms."

Last weekend Tommie competed in the Equestrian Australia ACT National Capital Horse Trials in the EvA 80. Eventing is combination of dressage, showjumping and cross country with the rider with the lowest score or number of penalties being the winner.

Tommie was in a huge and very competitive field for the two days of competition and ended up coming home with the win beating out adults and other junior riders. The most recent win is another feather in the Harden rider's cap having already had a massive year in the saddle.