RIDERS converged on Scone for the Hunter Valley Cutting Horse Club’s October Show over the weekend.
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Competitors came from far and wide for the National Cutting Horse Association event, which also served as a fundraiser for local charity ‘Where There’s A Will’.
Club president Geoff Saxby praised dedicated committee members for organising another successful competition.
He added it would be exciting to return for future events following the announcement of an all-weather facility at White Park.
“We normally run two shows here a year; it’s a great venue and it’ll be even better when the roof goes over,” he said.
“We’ve got fantastic cattle suppliers and there’s been great support.
“Our club members have also done extremely well at this show.
“We’ve got a great committee who puts this all together; it takes a lot of work so full credit to them.”
On Saturday, the $15,000 novice class was taken out by Steve Byrne showing 'Alphacat' for 72 points.
He finished ahead of Dean Holden aboard Jann Simpson's 'Boons Sweet Kitty' with a 71.5 point run and in third place Stephen Felton and 'Spins Tequila Doll' with 71 points.
Winner of the rookies competition, aboard the president's own stallion 'Oaks Spinchex', was Amie Carter marking a 73.
Simon Palmer and 'Some Kinda Dream' placed second with a 72 point showing.
In third place, Jackie McFarlane got better and better with each showing with 'Hi Rainfall' under the saddle.
This pair scored a 70 just a point ahead of Terry Smith and 'BR Fire Storm, while Jon Holgate and 'Amaroo Dually Oak' and Jeanette Moss aboard 'Spins Archer' both scored 68 points to tie for fifth place.
Champion in the senior youth class was Matilda Shumack with a 74 point showing with 'Eyebrows cat' under the saddle.
Kaitlin Smith, aboard 'BR Firestorm', was just one point behind with a terrific 73 point showing to hold out third place Bryce Eather aboard Dan Phillips's 'Bank On The Duck'.
In the juniors, the champion was Peter MacCallum who showed 'Two Timin Tomcat' for 67 points just ahead of Meagan Palmer and 'JB Messina' and Hamish Dunbier aboard 'Docs Jayann tied for second place on 65 points.
The Scone Equine Hospital $15,000 Non Pro had a very strong field and the competition was tight, the scoring high and the crowd was entertained with some very exciting runs.
The winner, marking 73 points, was Matt Caban aboard 'EBS Mainline'. In second place was another club member Lynda MacCallum and 'Broomfield Stylish Oak with 72 points. Third place went to 'Alphacat' under the saddle of Claire Byrne on 71.5 points.
The events on Saturday was rounded out with the Marsh Carney Saddlery Scone Outlet Open Non Pro. Troy Mathews and 'Acres Gunslinger' were the winners marking 72 points.
On Sunday, the Baileys of Greta Snafflebit class kicked off the action. The overall winner was Sandee Rodd and 'Delta Shocking Hand' with 72 points, just ahead of Chris Ware on 'RBH Billy Boonsmal' with Camilla Rea and 'Wombramurra Scatt' on 70.5 points for third.
The Natural Equipment Novice Non Pro showcased a strong field. The best of them all was Stephen Felton aboard 'Spins A Tequila Doll' marking 73 points to take the title, with a 71 point showing from Bryce Eather on Dan Phillips's 'Bank On The Duck' putting them into second place over Lauren Gray and Ronnies Oak.
The Pryde's EasiFeed $5,000 Novice saw some quality young horses ridden by some of the leading trainers.
But, when all was said and done, it was Dean Holden aboard two nominations owned by Holly Clayden that took out the top honours.
The winning run from Dean was on 'Manali Dualmint' and indeed it was a show high point score of 74 points. Dean then showed 'Oak N Starlight' into second place with a 73 point run, pushing James Hodgman's opening 71 point run aboard his own horse, 'Dual Shorty' into third place.
In the Daniel Faint Equine Dentistry $7,500 Non Pro, there were two herds of outstanding combinations all hoping to secure the title. The pairing that topped the table and collected all the prizes were Brodie Jones and her amazing 'CDS Starlight' with a terrific 73 point showing.
Winner in the last class of the day, with a show-equalling high point score of 74 points, was Stephen Felton aboard "Spins Tequila Doll'.
