VAS Saddle Horse Championships a huge success

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The VAS Ltd Saddle Horse Championships was a successful weekend for all involved.  The number of horses attending was impressive as competitors tried to keep cool in the warm conditions.  The programme of classes was judged by 2 judges from Western Australia, 1 from South Australia, 1 from New South Wales and 1 from Victoria which gave a broad range of scope and experience.

Saturday brought the Off The Track State Final in the evening which proved to be very popular with both spectators and competitors.  The warm weather didn't deter them as they worked out for the coveted title of State Final Winner with the opportunity to represent Victoria at the prestigious Nationals.  The prize money of $1000 went to retired racehorse Excellingly ridden by Sarah McMaster. 

Sarah McMaster and Excellingly ride into history claiming the State Title for Off The Track

Sarah McMaster and Excellingly ride into history claiming the State Title for Off The Track

Sunday brought a much more humid day but that didn't stop the huge number of horses trying their hardest to win the red, white and blue ribbons and the sought after garlands. 

A highlight for Sunday was the inaugural Standardbred classes showcased by the Alabar HERO program Final.  This was the first year for the HERO series which has been well attended throughout the agricultural shows this year.  A total of 26 horses qualified for the event so it was a fantastic show of old favorites.  With the rehoming and educating of retired race horses gaining popularity show societies will no doubt jump on board and provide this class for its competitors which encourages another breed to get out there and show the world just what it has to offer.

Eboni Knights and Equity Wizzbang (affectionately known as Maxwell Smart) made history as the first winners to don the colorful garland, ribbon and rug as well as taking home a $1000 cheque.  Eboni stated that she's had Max for 8 years, he couldn't canter and she couldn't ride so they have certainly come a long way from then.   

Eboni Knights and Equity Wizzbang take home $1000 and the title of Winner of the HERO Final

Eboni Knights and Equity Wizzbang take home $1000 and the title of Winner of the HERO Final

VAS Ltd Dairy Cattle State Finals held at International Dairy Week

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Tatura Park is hosting International Dairy week once again.  The State Finals for the Dairy Judging and Parading took place Sunday January 15th.  The 2 Victorian representatives this year at the National Finals are Cally O'Shannassy and Renee Anderson. 

Dairy Parader results are as follows -

1st - Renee Anderson          2nd - Lora Schulz     3rd - Zali Deenan

L - R Zali Deenan, Lora Schulz & Renee Anderson.  Winners of the State Final of the VAS Ltd Dairy Paraders Competition.

L - R Zali Deenan, Lora Schulz & Renee Anderson.  Winners of the State Final of the VAS Ltd Dairy Paraders Competition.

Dairy Judging results are as follows -

1st - Cally O'Shannassy    2nd - Tamara Loughridge    3rd - Rachel Dickson   4th - Karl Munden

L - R Cally o'shannassy, tamara loughridge, Rachel Dickson & karl munden.  winners of the state final of the vas ltd dairy judging competition.

L - R Cally o'shannassy, tamara loughridge, Rachel Dickson & karl munden.  winners of the state final of the vas ltd dairy judging competition.

Junior Beef & Dairy Parader Competition Regulations

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With the Spring Show season well under way make sure you know the'new' regulations as of 2nd July 2016 if you are thinking of Parading Beef or Dairy Cattle.  These are -

  • Age of Parader must be 8 years & over as of the day of the show.
  • Parader must be attired in suitable clothing including solid shoes or boots.
  • Handler to lead a heifer only under 2 years (as of the day of the Show).
  • Handlers Animal must be eligible for breed registration with their respective breed Society or entered in an ordinary class with details of exhibit on the respective Show/event entry form for insurance purposes.
  • The judge may ask the Parader to swap animals if required.
  • Adult or Steward assistance is acceptable for Parader under 12 years. (Preferred that parents or siblings are not the assistance)
  • Competitions can be split into several age groups depending on the number of entries and level of experience.
  • Parader Competitions are conducted under the FCAS & VAS Ltd regulations and National final competitors must be over 15 years of age at the time of the State final and reside within Victoria.