Barastoc HOTY 2009
Date: Tuesday, 21 April 2009Author: Carol Hibbert
APSB classes at Barastoc HOTY Feb 2009
Hearts were heavy for those who set off for Barastoc this year following the tragic loss suffered by so many Victorians as a result of the Black Saturday bushfires.
The occasion at least provided an opportunity for the horse community to talk and share experiences.
It was obvious most people had other things on their minds than just showing.
APSB classes were held on Saturday on the polo fields, a beautiful venue to compete at with neat lawns (had to have been watered) and white pavilions but the smoke from the fires hung heavy all around.
Most APSB competitors were disappointed to find no clear ring numbers and timetabling in our APSB section, an issue that will need discussion with the Barastoc committee who took over this section of the show.
Of the 19 enteries in the New Forest section only 9 ponies presented on the day.
It seems owners left stallions and youngstock at homein an effort to lessen their workload in the wake of the fires.
Grand Champion New Forest exhibit went to Habafield Copper Charm.
Ninebanks Tim Tam took the Ridden Mountain & Moorland Show Hunter Championship and Habafield Cricket the Reserve.
Mountain & Moorland Show at Barastoc 2009
Miss Anne McGrath (UK) who judged the New Forest pony classes had a keen eye, an excellent memory and an obvious love of her work as she systematically considered each pony in every class that came before her.
She paid close attention to type and straightness of movement asking the age of each pony before her.
Competitors appreciated her care to find something positive to comment on with each pony, a very professional judge.
She and Lizzie Bryant (UK) both chose the hunter type pony under saddle.
Lauren Farquhar's Habafield Cricket winning Champion Ridden New Forest and Champion Ridden M&M in both Junior and Open M&M classes topping it off with Supreme Ridden M&M.
