YOUNG RIDER: HANNAH OVERTON

YOUNG RIDER

Hannah Overton – Reaching for the Stars

This month’s rider is 12-year-old Queensland Young Rider, HANNAH OVERTON.

Hannah has been riding since she was three and it’s very much a family affair.

“I started out riding on a pony called Lucy and got into riding as my older sister Grace and both my parents compete in show jumping,” explains Hannah.

Hannah recently competed at the Australian Championships and placed fourth in the final of the Australian Children’s Title - a class for 14-years-old and under with the height of the final being between 1.15 -1.20 meters.

“I currently compete on Louie (Sonovet Sir Louive IV) who is an 18-year-old French Warmblood and stands at 16.2 hands high,” says Hannah. “I’ve been riding Louie for four months, but previous to him I was riding a 14.2 hand high paint pony called Buddy.”

Hannah works hard for her achievements and knows that it takes dedication to get the results she wants. “I ride at least three times a week at home and compete every second weekend,” she says.

“It’s been a big step up moving from my pony to a horse and jumping 30 centimetres higher than I ever have before. I’ve found that I’ve had to work a lot harder on my strength and keeping my horse forward and straight.”

Hannah’s goal is to be successful in the junior classes of the big shows next season. The larger shows include the Aquis Champions Tour, the Interschool Queensland State Championships and the World Cup Shows, and in November they will trek down to Victoria for the Australian Champs.

“I can’t do all this by myself, so I’m thankful to a few people, particularly to my sister Grace as well as to my mum and dad who help me out at home and at the competitions.”

Louie and Hannah are shaping up to have a wonderful 2019 season and we wish them every success together.

‘ ‘ I’ve found that I’ve had to work a lot harder on my strength and keeping my horse forward and straight

CLUB OF THE MONTH

Townsville Dressage Club

Written by STEPHANIE CAIRNS

Most will remember the time they plaited up for their first Dressage competition and pulled on the unforgiving white jods. For Townsville Dressage Club President, Tony Pickersgill, that moment is still vivid and his love of the sport only grew. It wasn’t long before he was setting up arenas and allocating draws on the Townsville Dressage Club’s Committee.

Fast forward 29 years and Tony is presented with the opportunity to contribute further to this great sport by taking on the role of President on the Committee, a position he has now held for six years with the club celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

“The ride with Townsville Dressage Club has been memorable and rewarding. We’re a small club that like so many others, runs on volunteer hours and passion.

“Being so far north, we’re a bit removed from the opportunities that present in some of the larger areas but this has never been a barrier for the Club in providing development opportunities and a high calibre of competition.

“In 35 years we’ve hosted 10 different coaches, in excess of 150 clinics and over 150 events. The reward comes when you see more nominations and growth in percentages.

“It’s even more exciting when we see our riders compete at the large Southern competitions. We’ve got some very talented young riders coming through from the North.

“Access to quality judging plays a huge role in this success and we’ve been very fortunate to have a number of talented judges all too happy to enjoy a weekend in the tropics, volunteer their time and share their experience.

“The invitation is always open to more quality judges and coaches to visit our riders in the North.

To get in touch with Townsville Dressage Club, email tsv.dressage@hotmail.com or find them on Facebook.

A

B

D

A: Christine Dale on Barringha Gift

B: Pamela Kingwell on Remi Lolita

C: Christine Dale on Belcam Charge

D: Angela Sausman’s AP Swish celebrating a win at our 2018 Championships