South said she and the 15-year-old Standardbred joined about 20 competitors in the FEI CAI single star and EA Combined Driving Events. 

In the unofficial single horse classes, South and Ellalou took home first place in the cones event, second in the dressage and first in the 13 kilometre marathon event with a score of 101.13, far outstripping the second place run of 178.89. 

South placed first overall in unofficial single horse classes.

The cones event is similar to a showjumping course, and South took the marathon in stride, crossing the finish line well ahead in time from the other competitors.

Driven dressage is similar to the ridden sport, and teams must halt, walk and trot at different letters and complete certain patterns. All South’s work was done at the walk and trot. 

“There is a canter circle at the FEI event. We’re not up to that yet,” South chuckled.

South felt exhilarated by the results in only her fifth competition.

“Over the moon. The horse went really well and I had a terrific groom for the marathon. Tracey Styles, she’s from Uralla,” she said.

South also benefitted from three lessons with Australian, Boyd Exell, the current world-champion for four-in-hand driving. 

Looking ahead, South said she plans to keep competing and practicing with Ellalou at an unofficial level but has ambitions.

“Later on as I get more proficient, and the horse is better, her dressage has got to improve a lot, but hopefully go official and then, maybe compete at NSW (at the) state titles.”