A total of 27 riders and a host of supporters and spectators enjoyed perfect conditions at Barossa Valley Pony Club on Sunday, May 25 for the running of their annual Grade Five one-day event.

The grounds looked a picture and were perfect undertfoot, with several new jumps in place on the cross country course this year.

The dressage phase kicked off with dressage judges Helen Kouzham (adult class) and Jackie Krieg (pony club class) doing an excellent job of judging and scoring in what was a competitive phase of the competition.

Past member Skye Reudiger judged the showjumping phase, with a good number of combinations going clear, however the course was challenging enough for riders to require a fair degree skill not to incur penalties.

Lastly, was the all-important cross country phase where riders and their mounts had to negotiate 20 jumps over a 1600m course.

It was probably one of the most difficult Grade Five courses around and once again saw plenty of ‘thrills and spills’. Fortunately the falls were only minor, with all riders able to remount and complete the course. Those who did complete the course with no penalties were nearly all rewarded with a final placing and should feel justly proud of their achievement.

After the disruption caused by equine influenza last year, causing the cancellation of the Open Showjumping day in October and the cancellation of our Dressage Day in March due to the heatwave, it was great to be back in the swing of things again.

Thanks to all the Barossa Valley pony club members who contributed in so many ways to make the day such a successful event and all our competitors for supporting it.

Barossa Valley Pony Club results:

Pony Club Class:

1st - Georgina Watson on Kilston Flyer (Onkaparinga PC)

2nd - Cathrine Hilton on P. L. Gold Lace Hilton (One Tree Hill)

3rd - Ben Langdon on Commanchie (Waikerie)

4th - Christina Grear on Penndower Picard (Northern Yorke Peninsula)

5th - Chelsea Jordan on Mickey Blue Eyes (Two Wells)

6th - Jamie Kah on Billy (Mount Pleasant)

Adult Class:

1st - Jessica Coenen on Sandlewood New Edition (Equess Park)

2nd - Storm Salisbury on Nyroca’s Monte Tosca (Northern Hills)

3rd - Kristy Pearn on Checkmate (Two Wells)

4th - Amanda Usher on Jellybean Jenny (Pegasus PC)

5th - Cheryl Simounds on Bolder Blaze (Barossa Valley)

6th - Trudy Conway on Lawson Lad (Barossa Valley)