DRESSAGE kicked off four days of competition at the Warrnambool show yesterday, with more than 50 riders striding out on the arena.
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The interschool and open classes attracted riders from across the state.
Warrnambool Agricultural Society committee member Julie Mischkulnig said the first day ran smoothly.
“It was perfect for dressage. Entries were way up on last year and it has set us up for a few great days.”
St Pius Primary School pupil Makayla Lowther contested the interschool primary preliminary class.
Makayla, 11, is competing every day of the show aboard Forever Zoe, a 13.2-hands-high Welsh/Arab mare owned by her great uncle.
Tomorrow Makayla and Zoe will compete in the interschool showjumping and open horse sections.
Makyala’s mother Sharron said her daughter and Zoe had formed a special bond.
“We only got Zoe in September last year,” she said. “Warrnambool show last year was their first competition. It was a learning curve.”
Since then the partnership has competed at more shows and competitions. “Makayla and Zoe have just clicked,” Sharron Lowther said.
Makayla’s sister Jorgia, 8, will also ride over the weekend on her pony Flicka.
Lily Wade rode Mr Darcy to overall success in the interschool preparatory class, while Indi Officer and her mount Fantastic won the interschool primary preliminary section.
In the secondary school preliminary class, Yvette Cashmore on Lord Bubbles took home the blue ribbon.
Lucy Peters on Wizard won the primary school novice section and Georgie Batten claimed the top prize in the secondary class.
Isabell Cusworth, aboard Bay Riviera, won the elementary interschool class.
In the unofficial open preliminary section Lesley Burchell and Rosewood Sherbet took top honours, with Kerry Box and Gillie winning the novice class.
Virginia Martin and Mubo Captivate enjoyed a successful day, winning the elementary and medium classes.