THE first official King Island Show event and judging is held the weekend before Show Day and is dedicated to horses.
Skill and training were on display during Saturday’s dressage events.
Saturday featured Dressage and Hacking events and on Sunday came the Jumping and Games. The competition and spectator numbers were good on both days, especially considering the chilly wind and decrease in horse ownership across the island.
Supreme Led Exhibit winner Finn with a proud Erika Buhck.
The Pony Club is recovering, with fourteen new young members who share ponies, equipment and even clothing, which keeps costs down for families. Finnglenny of Hillcrest – a Purebred Highland Pony, owned and ridden by Erika Buhck – was awarded Supreme Led Exhibit in Show. “Judge Katy Brown was impressed with his correct conformation, perfect tracking and excellent bone structure,” Ms Buhck said.
Pony Club juniors Holly and Jenna Davis with Beatrice Davis-Cook at the jumping and games on Sunday.
“Super proud of Rusty for winning his walk trot and scoring the top score for the day. Sid surprised me with Champion Led and Smartest on parade. We got a bit excited in the rider class, bucking doesn’t impress the judge,” Kirsty McKenzie said on Saturday.
Pixie with Lachlan, left, Odin and Eleanor Cox, along with mum Jessica and Oma Audrey Hamer.
Pixie was a hard-working little pony over the weekend. Owned by Kerry Ansley, she has been on loan to the next generation of Hamer family riders.
Siann Ansley on Milton, Amara Ansley on Tess, London West on Mel Mel and Searra Perry on Rumi.
Judge Brown gives the thumbs up
The King Island Show has a long tradition of judges flying in for Show Day. Many return year after year and are authorities in their specialist areas and judge shows across the country.
The Pavillion attracts CWA judges from Tasmania and Victoria and, out in the field, livestock and event judges come from a variety of backgrounds.
Judge Katy Brown is from country Victoria and has been featured in magazine stories, ABC Landline, and judged at the Royal and regional shows and is a breeder. In blustery conditions, she was out on the Showgrounds course from 10am until 5.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday judging the horse class events. “I was privileged to judge at the King Island Show and had a lovely time”, Ms Brown said.
Visiting show judge Katy Brown presented the young Pony Club junior members with their ribbons and sashes.
“Our pony stud ‘Senlac’ is 50 years old this year and I have a long history with mountain and moorland ponies. My interest in conservation breeding of rare breeds of animals extends to other species including pigs, sheep and cattle. I have served over the years as a Director of the Rare Breeds Trust, President of the Australian Pig Breeders Association, President of Huntly Pony Club and Highland Ponies Australia.”
The Rare Breeds Trust aims to conserve livestock breeds at risk of extinction due to mechanization and intensive farming. This includes cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry breeds that have fallen out of favour for production reasons, or whose use has been replaced by machines. Breeds known for their hardiness, genetic robustness, temperament and mothering ability are dying out.
Ms Brown emphasises the importance of preserving these genetics for the future, as these breeds are best equipped to withstand environmental stressors. “I love coming to events like the King Island Show and in particular being with the younger club members. It is a pleasure to work with young people in agriculture and provide mentorship,” she said.
“I was particularly impressed with the camaraderie on King Island and thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the wonderful horse people. I saw some very brave little riders giving it their all and commend the Pony Club on its efforts… a shout out to Sharon Frosi, who makes a terrific toastie.”