Last Saturday I was thrilled to receive an invitation to present the overseas judges of the 2011 Arabian Gala Event with a memento of their judging experience. This included a copy of my novel ‘Tails Carried High’.

The presentation! From left to right Cathy Murphy Wright, Carmel Rowley, Jenny Klemra. Photograph Tracey Bavinton

Arriving early I caught the end of several ridden Arabian classes before the Saturday evening special event, The Heather Park Equestrian “Golden Garland” a performance class. This event comprises a free work out with several compulsory moves. I have to say, I loved this class, all sizes competed from the most precise pony up to a tall, divine, dapple grey. Even the freezing weather couldn’t take away from the polish and expertise of both horses and riders, all were impeccably turned out and ridden. This class is just what is needed to showcase the true versatility of the Arabian breed.

Golden Garland judged! Photograph Tracey Bavinton

A big congratulations to all the entries but an extra special congratulations to the fantastic winner Naaman Montana so beautifully ridden by Rebecca Lovett. What a proud moment for Naaman Montana’s owner Lara Bennett. The Arabian Gala Event reflects the ongoing enthusiasm and forward thinking of it’s organisers and I wish continued success for the future.

The amazing Naaman Montana. Photograph Tracey Bavinton

If you would like to know more about the Arabian Gala Event or join The Arabian Valley Horse Club Inc. go to : www.arabianvalley.com.au or join The Arabian Valley Horse Club Inc. on Facebook.

Thank you to Tracey Bavinton for allowing me use her wonderful images on my blog. If you would like to have some very special photographs taken of your horse you can contact Tracey http://facebook.com/tracey.bavinton or email: traceybav@yahoo.com.au
You can also visit Tracey’s website and browse through all the photographs of the Gala Event. www.traceybavintonphotography.com.au

Below a little about the 2011 judges of the Gala Event.

INTERNATIONAL HALTER JUDGE Ms Cathy Murphy Wright- USA  In addition to being a highly respected trainer, Cathy has been accepted as a Level I judge. She has already had the distinct pleasure of judging the U.S. Nationals, Canadian Nationals, Youth Nationals, Brazilian Nationals, several regional shows and countless class A shows throughout North America, Australia, South Africa, and Brazil. Despite the other demands on her time, she has chosen to remain personally active with instructing youths and adults in developing their individual skills and confidence. As a result, Cathy’s students learn to be more personally involved, not only in the training of their horse, but in the development of their skills of judging, evaluation, and horsemanship.

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE JUDGE Ms Jenny Klemra – NZ  Because of my passion for horses, and being surrounded with horses at a very young age, I was lucky to come across my first Arabian at the age of 12. My life changed forever at that moment, and I knew that at some time I would breed Arabians. I formed our stud, Golden Shelter Arabians in the mid 1970’s. Having ridden and competed successfully at shows, dressage, eventing and pony-club, I knew that I wanted to improve on the type of horses/ponies of that time and improve them with the Arabian. To give them presence, movement and a beautiful look.

YOUTH JUDGE Mrs Sharyn Hungerford – QLD  Our family stud, Annandale Arabians, has bred many successful Purebreds, Arabian Ponies, Quarabs, Anglos, and Arabian Warmbloods over the last thirty years, and are based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. I currently ride FEI Prix St Georges level Dressage, as well as competing in many different classes at Arabian and Agricultural Shows. My passion is Dressage but also Western Pleasure, and I have been fortunate enough to have been awarded Australian Champion Western Pleasure four times with three different horses. I have also been presented Australian Champion titles in dressage, halter, costume, bridle path, Arabian under saddle and working stockhorse. I try to take particular interest in our Arabian Youth Riders, and encourage them to participate in all disciplines with their Arabian horse.