Written By Kate Shaw

Well, what an event and what a turnout by Horsemens!!

We were treated to 5* arena facilities at the home of arena builder, Shawn Squire, and the weather was on par to make it a beautiful day.

Many of us camped the Friday night and settled in for a cozy meal at the pub, just a short stroll from the showgrounds. Such a warm and welcoming atmosphere as the clubs mingled and chatted over good food and a glass of something delicious.

We took the chatter back to the campsite to walk and check on horses before a nightcap and settling into warm beds for an early night.

The team grew on the Saturday morning with more arrivals, and we sought each other out to see who was first up for a cheer squad! Having just the one (enormous) arena may have capped numbers a little, but it was fantastic to have the opportunity to watch every Horsemens rider's round and ensure there was plenty of support on the ground for each rider.

I felt so privileged, running between riders and horses, helping to make sure everyone was settled and happy for their classes. There certainly was a fair share of nerves between us all (I know my nerves were brimming!), but when you're a part of a team you feel your worries are shared and alleviated, and you manage to achieve more than you thought possible – a successful warm up, managing to enter the arena in one piece, not knocking a rail, remembering the course, finishing the course, coming home with a ribbon, and so many more.

As a lunch-time entertainment (and it was certainly that!), teams of three riders from any club had to negotiate a course of varying heights to come home clear and in the fastest time. I haven't laughed and cheered so much in a long time, and I think the ponies enjoyed the game as much as we did. Of course, Mary Day's team championed the win along with Sonia Broi and Michelle Bassola – hilarious and fantastic fun :)

As the day wound up, we enjoyed celebrating the placings achieved by all club riders at presentations, and it was lovely to see so many stay behind for this and to properly thank the hard-working SVEC committee who put on such a great event.

Of course, the icing on the cake was Horsemens bringing home the High Point Club Trophy – congratulations to everyone who was part of the team.

As everyone packed up, congratulated each other and wearily loaded their ponies for a relaxed drive home, Frana and I sat back to reflect on the wonderful day while our horses grazed as if it was any other day. Happily exhausted, we were the last to leave (including the hosting committee lol).

I am so proud of every single horse and rider who stepped up to have a go. You are all amazing and I see your work and progress. I hope you are all generous with your self-evaluation of the day as you all stepped above and beyond.

If you are reading this and thinking you'd like to have a go at an ARCA Challenge but are not quite sure or have some questions, please reach out to me or any of our committee as we'd love to see you there. I'll even park your float for you if reversing is the worry.

Team results to bring the High Point Club Trophy home:

• Poles – 30cm Optimum Time

  • 3rd Michell Bassola and Gloria

• 45cm Optimum Time

  • 3rd Tony Stahl and Ness

  • 6th Kate Gaspar and Manni

• 45cm Take Your Own Line

  • 2nd Michell Bassola and Gloria

  • 4th Tony Stahl and Ness

  • 6th Kirra Edwards and Solly

• 60–65cm Class 3 – Optimum Time

  • 2nd Frana Jones and Stella

  • 3rd Sonia Broi and TED

• 60–65cm Class 3 – Take Your Own Line

  • 1st Frana Jones and Stella

  • 3rd Mary Day and Rose

• 65cm Class 3A – Optimum Time

  • 1st Ash Farrington and Athena

• 70–80cm – Optimum Time

  • 1st Sarah Tyson and Shiifty

  • 3rd Kate Shaw and Tex

• 70–80cm – Take Your Own Line

  • 1st Kate Shaw and Tex