The annual Country Fair and Horse Trials took place on Sunday, June 23, at St Leonards Equestrian Centre in Launceston, writes Nicole Forrester.

Soaring over the show jump. (Picture: Nicole and Robert Forrester)
Soaring over the show jump. (Picture: Nicole and Robert Forrester) (Nicole and Robert Forrester)

With various stalls, festive food and beverage stands; and over two hundred competitors with their beautifully turned-out horses, spectators of all ages were treated to an action-packed day. The normally tranquil landscape of mares with foals in green pastures was transformed into a hive of activity, with show jumping and cross-country events, while the local rugby fields became temporary arenas for the dressage classes.

Dressage on the rugby field in the drizzle. (Picture: Nicole and Robert Forrester)
Dressage on the rugby field in the drizzle. (Picture: Nicole and Robert Forrester) (Nicole and Robert Forrester)

Horse trials, also known as eventing, requires a rider and horse to compete against other competitors across the three disciplines of dressage, show jumping and cross-country. Eventing requires mastery of several styles of riding and a strong rapport between rider and horse.

A number of food stalls kept spectators well fed. (Picture: Nicole and Robert Forrester)
A number of food stalls kept spectators well fed. (Picture: Nicole and Robert Forrester) (Nicole and Robert Forrester)

Andy and Catherine Reeve of St Leonards, assisted by a team of volunteers, medics and a vet, once again provided a day of suspense and excitement for competitors and spectators alike. Commentaries on the show jumping, and the cross-country events echoed through the fields, while horse and rider teams sped around the courses, damp turf flying beneath galloping hooves.

Mare and foal standing together. (Picture: Nicole and Robert Forrester)
Mare and foal standing together. (Picture: Nicole and Robert Forrester) (Nicole and Robert Forrester)

We look forward to another day of adrenaline, entertainment and socialising soon, when the professional eventers will be competing at the St Leonard Horse Trials on August 10 and 11. The events will be more challenging, with larger fences to jump with a higher degree of difficulty.

Section winners

Section A, Class BE 90 — Oxford ridden by Torie Sleep.

B, BE90 — Saratoga Candyman, Keira Parsons

C, BE90 — Bennys Double Diamond, Marie Webber

D, BE90 Open — Sula Symphony, Rupert Batting

E, BE90 U18 — Ath Bui Dunboy, Isla Willmington

F, Go 90 — Hold On My Heart, Max Forster

G, BE80 — Hevans Royal Revolution, Max Forster

H, BE80 U18 — Holnest Frodo Baggins, Florence Caswell

I, BE100 — Sparhanger Velvet, Tichy Sanders

J, BE100 — MGH Hermes, Padraig McCarthy

K, BE100 Open — Uncle Desmond, Poppy Burner

L, Go100 — I Will Bite, Fiona Rawle

M, BE100 Plus — Sugar Rai, Fleur Jackson

N, Novice — MH Libbysauraus Rex, Ludvig Svennerstal

O, Open Novice — Geluk G, Molly Adams

There were a number of interesting obstacles to tackle. (Picture: Nicole and Robert Forrester)
There were a number of interesting obstacles to tackle. (Picture: Nicole and Robert Forrester) (Nicole and Robert Forrester)