Despite her passion for the sport, local Helena South was blown away by her success at the recent Equestrian NSW Driving Trials at AELEC in Tamworth.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Competing with her beloved mare Ellalou, South returned from the FEI CAI one and two star events with a national title under her belt after a full week of activities from October 7-10.
“It’s an FEI event, which means it’s Olympic level,” South said. She was judged by five International Equestrian Federation judges, and said she was surprised but pleased with her results.
Around 24 entries from New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria took part. A clinic from internationally acclaimed carriage driver Boyd Exell was a highlight for South.
After putting in their all, South and Ellalou took home a first in the marathon, first in the cones and third in dressage, by a hair. Her impressive results added up to a first in the national combined section.
South didn’t expect much from the dressage on Saturday. With Ellalou the only Standardbred there, South was worried she would be penalised for an irregular trot.
“They’ve sometimes got a funny gait,” she said. Care from a chiropractor and an equine massage helped the mare overcome the problem, and the pair improved on last year’s fourth place with a strong third.
“The second place-getter had 69.30. I was 69.60. I was that close to getting second,” South said.
“I was really pleased.”
South had an even better run in the cones that afternoon, finishing under the time limit.
“I got a clap for that,” she laughed.
“Not many people went under time, so I was very pleased.”
With four knockdowns, South had 12 penalty points altogether. She said it was such a tough course, there were no clear runs this year. South had the least knockdowns of her club. Her strong performance resulted in her first win of the weekend.
“I was rapt with the cones,” she said.
“It was brilliant, and the marathon was fantastic.”
The marathon was a 13 kilometre course in three sections. During the standard vet check, South said Ellalou’s heart rate of 48 was the best of the lot.
“She said ‘Wow, this horse is relaxed!’” South smiled.
South took on the marathon obstacles with gusto, and credited her groom Michael Borg for helping her prepare for and navigate the challenges.
She said the entire event was run very well.