The weekend of the 7-8th June was the Winter ARCA challenge with Avon Valley Riding Club Hunter Trials. The club put on a super event, with classes to suit all levels.

There were 12 riders entered but unfortunately due to injuries not all could ride. There were lots of supporters to cheer the Horsemens riders on and everyone had a super time and there were also some sashes won. Well done everyone.

Below are some pictures and feedback from some of our riders.

Michelle Bassola - Rode on Saturday

This year’s ARCA Winter Challenge was a Hunter Trials competition, hosted by Avon Valley Adult Riders Club in Northam. The competition catered for every type of horse and rider combination, consisting of two different rings, one for green horses or riders, and those with a stronger survival instinct, and the “big course” for the bold and brave adrenaline seekers who were confident to navigate a course of x-country jumps and obstacles out in the open field. Horsemen’s ARC had members represented in both rings and competing on both days. It was obvious that Avon ARC had put a huge amount of effort into the design and preparation of both courses, and they looked great!

There were many achievements for our members over the weekend, including me! I arrived early on the Saturday morning, with my daughter’s green pony, Gloria, in tow. We competed in ring 1 and my goals were to successfully and calmly attempt all of the obstacles and also achieve a nice, controlled canter somewhere on course.

I felt very proud of Gloria, even when she needed extra time to believe me that the tarp was safe to cross. She wasn’t convinced about the rubber ducks in the kiddy pool either and eyed them very suspiciously as we navigated through that obstacle!

Mary and Sonia rode amazingly out in ring 2. Mary’s horse was the only one that I saw canter across the bridge… very impressive indeed! It was great to have a few of our members there to support and cheer for us and video our rounds :-) It was also super fun to hang out with and cheer for friends from other clubs.

The whole atmosphere of the event was very friendly and encouraging. At the end of the day there were plenty of rosettes to go around, which was the icing on the cake! Reflecting on a wonderful day at the Winter Challenge, I absolutely must also mention another highlight - the Chicken curry and rice soup from the Avon canteen!! It was so delicious that I requested the recipe and will share it with everyone. You’re welcome ;-)

Ashlyn Farrington - Rode on Sunday

I had so much fun at the ARCA Winter Challenge on 8th of June at the hunter trials in Northam. With little preparation I was a bit nervous about how the day would pan out for me and Athena, however we both had so much fun giving the challenge a go and going outside of our (but mainly my!) comfort zone.

The atmosphere was so supportive, and everyone was super encouraging regardless of riding level or adult riders club – it was really lovely to have so many people I didn't know offering words of encouragement as I went out for our round. They had a range of heights so everyone could participate in the weekend, and it was so nice to see a range of horses and riders out there giving it a crack! I found that by the end of the day I had made so many new friends from all around Perth!

Overall, it was such a special event and was a great opportunity to get out and try something a bit different that I don't usually do, in a controlled and encouraging environment. If you want to make some new friends while having fun with your horse, the ARCA challenges are perfect!

Pictured below left - right:

Sonia & Ted (Picture 1 & 2), Mary & Alfie (Picture 3), Michelle & Sonia receiving their rosettes! (Picture 4)