THE results from the state youth show are out and word around the stable is, it was an outstanding turnout of young riders and horses, showcasing all that stock horses have to offer.
The 40th annual state youth show, hosted by the Australian Stock Horse Society (ASHS) NSW Management Council, was held at Scone on the October long weekend
The event usually runs as a stand alone competition, but it coincided with the school holidays, it ran in conjunction with the NSW breeders championships and futurities.
About 150 young riders from across NSW and Queensland attended the prestigious event.
NSW Management Council secretary Louise Best, Mudgee, said the weekend saw the top young ASH members compete in riding, hack and working classes.
“All riders showed their skills at such a high level, which is a credit to their dedication and horsemanship,” Ms Best said.
Long-time ASH members Teena Bridge, Manilla, Tracy Heinrich, Temora, Kate and Cameron Jones, Gunnedah, Mandy Blomfield, Mount Olive, and Iain Hyde, Wallarobba, were the judges for the weekend.
Wallacia rider Dylan Smith, 13, was the star of the event, taking out the major award, the Malcolm Field Memorial Award for supreme ridden horse of rider, in memory of the late stud breeder from Pilliga.
Mr Field was a proud member of the ASHS, breeding horses with his wife Judy under their Nandeye ASH stud.
He was well-known in the show ring and was a strong advocate of youth involvement in the society.
It’s the second consecutive year Dylan has won the award, which began three years ago to recognise the best rider of all ages and classes.
Dylan, whose family members – including his younger brother Mitchell – are also regular ASH competitors, won the award for the second consecutive year on Smada Pheonix,
In the under 13 years challenge, Rebecca Wilson won on Doongara Power and Rose. Isabelle Burke, riding Wiregrass Witches Destiny, was second, and Amy Cheney was third on Doongara Primrose.
Krystal Blackwell won the 13 to 18 years challenge on Orlanga Impact. Second place went to Teigan Meyers on Todds Tiger Lillie and Kloe Anderson, riding Coolidowns Condrad, was third.
Isabella Burke was the overall champion, achieving the highest point score for the event on Wiregrass Witches Destiny.
Ms Best said she expected next year’s event to be even bigger as youth memberships grow within the society.
