Success at RDAUK International Musical Drill Ride
We are pleased to announce that students from Jesmond Public School have gained
First and Third Place in the RDAUK Musical Drill Ride Competition (With a Theme or Story - Led) for 2009.
Eight riders from Jesmond Public School participate in the Thursday Riding Program during Terms 2 - 4.
The musical drill ride competition has been a fantastic opportunity to extend the riders skills by
focusing on teamwork,cooperation and correct riding technique.
‘Camelot’ won First Place with a mark of 104/120. This entry also won the RDANSW Musical Ride Competition
in 2007, but was not sent for inclusion in the international competition at that time. The riders for Camelot were
Brittany Carter, Emma Batty, Blake Davison, Jeremy Cooper, Cody Gould and Katelyn Naismith.
This ride was set to a mystical Camelot theme which was designed for the riders current riding ability and
introduced them to aspects which challenged their individual skills.
‘A Tribute to the 2000 Sydney Olympics’ won Third Place with mark of 91/120. For six weeks Brittany Carter,
Caleb Considine, Blake Davison, Katelyn Naismith, Matthew Priestley, Tegan Stevenage, Adam Stojanovski
and Joseph Trajcevski put all of their efforts into their riding and learnt the routine under the supervision
of our Thursday Volunteers.
The ride emulated the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and won the RDANSW Musical Ride
Competition in 2008. Heavy rain on filming day meant a move into the indoor arena and slight last minute
changes to the routine to accommodate the smaller space. Due to illness of two of the students on the day,
Jessica Storey and Claire Robinson (who are both registered riders jumped into the saddle to
ensure the team was complete.
We thank the Newcastle Video Moviemakers Inc for filming both musical rides. They generously donated their
time and expertise in filming, editing and developing the dvd which formed the entry into the competition. Their
professionalism in the filming process added quality to our rides that distinguished it from other entries.
We would also like to congratulate the Thursday Volunteers on this achievement. This is a prime example of the
teamwork shown by all of RT&LH Centre’s Volunteers throughout the year. The promotion of our Centre
in such a positive way in the community will ensure that we are seen as a centre of excellence in volunteering,
riding and carriage driving.
Tracy
Leslie Wins RDANSW Driver of the Year
Stroud carriage driver, Tracy Leslie, was announced as Driver of the Year for 2008 at the
AGM in May. Tracy was presented with her trophy at a recent driving session at Stroud.
The award was based on Tracy's performance in the 2008 State Carriage Driving
Competition where she came first in Dressage and Barrel Race, second in Cones and
fourth in Concours d'Elegance driving Busy Lady.
Tracy, who comes from Gloucester, has been driving for several years and really loves her
driving, especially trotting. Well done, Tracy, we are all very proud of you.
Tracy is pictured (left) with her RDANSW Driver of the Year Trophy.
Vicki Gaunt-Burns Wins Hunter Rider of the Year
Victoria
has been a member of Riding for Disabled (RDA) for 16 years; during
this time she has achieved much under the direction of her coach Wendy Murray.
In 2007 Victoria won 3 firsts at the RDA Regional Dressage Day and was the
Grade 3 Champion. In August, 2008 she competed at the RDA State Dressage
Titles held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park where
she repeated her achievements of the previous year gaining 3 first places
and the Grade 3 Championship.
Her success at the competition was made all the more remarkable by the fact
that the horse that she normally rode went lame some 3 weeks prior to the
event – Vicki was kindly loaned a horse to compete on, but only rode the horse
3 times before entering the area in Sydney.
Previously Vicki had competed at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney in the RDA Mounted Games where she gained
several places. She also rode “Pecos Ebony” when Pecos was named RDA Horse of the Year at the Show in 2003.
Wendy Murray states that she is a pleasure to coach – a willing listener and a very hard worker. She has become
proficient in horse management - being able to catch, groom, saddle and rug her horse. She is always eager to help
Coaches and younger riders during lessons.
Victoria attended Tomaree High School and attended lectures in Horse Management at Metford TAFE for one year.
During this time she worked diligently and impressed the TAFE lecturer with her aptitude and efforts. She has also
attended TAFE courses in Hospitality, Aquaculture and Seafood preparation. She presently works at Shoal Bay Spa
Resort where her happy disposition has made her popular with workmates. In September 2008 she was recognised
for her involvement in community activities by being a recipient the Port Stephens Community Award, later that
year she was also nominated for a community sports award.
Victoria brings a lively happy outgoing nature into her classes at RDA, she regularly attend RDA functions and
fundraisers. It is with much pleasure that Vicki has received for the Rider of the Year (2009) for the Hunter Region.