Royal Melbourne Horse Show 2009
Summer Royal
Date: Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Author: Carol Hibbert
Unbelievable..................... A pleasant weather day on Sunday 25th January for the New Forest classes at this years Summer Royal.
Mr John While from NSW judged the Mountain & Moorland breeds having previously judged Welsh ponies at the show.
He had visited England in 2008 for a judging stint of 12 weeks and believes that the temperament and versatility of the native breeds will cause them to rise in popularity in Australia as has happened in the UK, with the Working Hunter classes adding greatly to the fun in show classes.
He looked for quality in traditional New Forest type in his choices without any bias for size.
It was pleasing to see the stallion River Valley Tip Toe now owned by the Kennedy family take Grand Champion having been absent from the show ring for quite some time.
Reserve went to the yearling River Valley Red Shoes bred and owned by the Hipwell Brothers.
A double act for New Forest ponies was the result of the Mountain & Moorland Ridden classes.
Champion Ridden M&M went to Ninebanks Tim Tam ridden by Jordy Wright and Reserve to Lauren Farquhar's Habafield Cricket, creating a great tribute to the New Forest breed for their performance abilities.
17 New Forest ponies entered for the New Forest classes but unfortunately only 11 of them competed on the day.
It was pleasing to see newcomer Bain Park Bolero making her first debut in the show ring for the McNaughton family and we look forward to seeing more of her as she matures.
Emily Hartney's work with Habafield De Beers is also a pleasure to see with her gentle and steady approach achieving oustanding movement and obedience from the big gelding.
