LOCAL knowledge helped as the 36th Australian Quarter Horse Association’s National Championships began at Tamworth’s Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre over the weekend with the Timed events.
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Entry to those first events on Friday night was free, although a gold coin donation was appreciated for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
The AQHA’s Nicky Moss-Smith said team roping locals Jeff Miller and Blake Hallam finished third.
“Jeff and his son Kobe were second and Somerton’s Darrel Brown and Narrabri’s Peter Todd were in fourth place,” she said.
“In the breakaway roping, Attunga cowgirl Helen McVicar took first place and Scone’s Kelly Macrae came second.
“The barrel race had spectators on the edge of their seats as the girls raced it out.”
Shelli Miller (Duri) was first from Nemingha’s Katina Matthews, Willow Tree’s Liz McKinley with Hallsville’s Larissa McDonald fourth.
Today and tomorrow competitors vie for their respective titles in the prestigious Halter and Showmanship classes, as well as Hunter in Hand.
Western classes also start today with Western Pleasure, Western Riding, Trail and Reining.
Hunter Under Saddle competitors will also be in the hot seat today with Western Performance and English classes running through to Friday.
“Good Friday will also see the running of the Western Performance Horse sale, with several beautifully-bred horses on offer,” Moss-Smith said.
“Our Hack and Dressage classes are being held on Easter Saturday. The show will finish up on Saturday with more Reining events, including the Bill Ricketts Memorial Senior Horse Reining.
“The championships are free entertainment the whole family can enjoy.
For more information visit www.aqha.com.au.