April
Sydney Royal Easter Show Time!
Well an amazing time was had again at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. I was once again privileged to be part of the Girls, Girls, Girls Extreme Stunt team. The team includes girls from all over Australia performing death defying stunts on horse back. This years team members were: Christy and Melissa Connor from Taralga NSW, Bec Circosta and Jacinta Maurer from WA, and myself from Central QLD
We performed the truck stunt daily in the main arena at lunch time. This amazing stunt sees us girls gallop out on horse back from the centre of the arena to chase down a truck. We then leap from a perfectly good horse to a ladder on a truck that is travelling at about 40km an hour, and climb to the top under the watchful eye of our trainer and mentor Heath Harris, from Harris Entertainment.
This year involved a world first, where team member Christy Connor, the Girls, Girls, Girls Extreme Stunt teams director decided that as the original stunt had previously been performed, we needed a new angle! Christy performed the jump to the truck Roman Riding a team of horses. It looked spectacular and proved why she is the first ever Australian Roman Riding Champion. Christy supplied all the horses for this years show making it easy for the rest of the team to fly in from the other states and save the long drive.
The Australian Trick Riding Championships was held at the Sydney Royal Show this year sponsored by Hawkesbury River Saddlery. The girls did a fabulous job and it was fantastic to see some new faces and competitors performing new tricks. The toughest thing for me was being on the side lines!
Check out Heath Harris's website www.harrisentertainment.com and Christy Connor's www.ccequine.com.au
Well an amazing time was had again at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. I was once again privileged to be part of the Girls, Girls, Girls Extreme Stunt team. The team includes girls from all over Australia performing death defying stunts on horse back. This years team members were: Christy and Melissa Connor from Taralga NSW, Bec Circosta and Jacinta Maurer from WA, and myself from Central QLD
We performed the truck stunt daily in the main arena at lunch time. This amazing stunt sees us girls gallop out on horse back from the centre of the arena to chase down a truck. We then leap from a perfectly good horse to a ladder on a truck that is travelling at about 40km an hour, and climb to the top under the watchful eye of our trainer and mentor Heath Harris, from Harris Entertainment.
This year involved a world first, where team member Christy Connor, the Girls, Girls, Girls Extreme Stunt teams director decided that as the original stunt had previously been performed, we needed a new angle! Christy performed the jump to the truck Roman Riding a team of horses. It looked spectacular and proved why she is the first ever Australian Roman Riding Champion. Christy supplied all the horses for this years show making it easy for the rest of the team to fly in from the other states and save the long drive.
The Australian Trick Riding Championships was held at the Sydney Royal Show this year sponsored by Hawkesbury River Saddlery. The girls did a fabulous job and it was fantastic to see some new faces and competitors performing new tricks. The toughest thing for me was being on the side lines!
Check out Heath Harris's website www.harrisentertainment.com and Christy Connor's www.ccequine.com.au
March
On Set with "Road To The Show"
The Girls, Girls, Girls Extreme Stunt Team all met at the lovely Ashbrookes Farm owned by Heath and Krissy Harris for filming a documentary on the features and attractions at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Unfortunately some inclement weather prevented full truck stunt footage however we kept busy with individual interviews and performed some tricks showcasing the trick riding and roman riding.
Check out some of the promo's here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpypVu_jxMo
The Girls, Girls, Girls Extreme Stunt Team all met at the lovely Ashbrookes Farm owned by Heath and Krissy Harris for filming a documentary on the features and attractions at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Unfortunately some inclement weather prevented full truck stunt footage however we kept busy with individual interviews and performed some tricks showcasing the trick riding and roman riding.
Check out some of the promo's here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpypVu_jxMo
October
Well some running repairs on my knee will prevent horse play for some months yet, But we have still done some super stuff whilst on a horsey time out.
I was privileged to spend some time with an amazingly talented lady Amanda Lynn Person. Amanda Lynn in one half of The Crack Up Sisters, and presented the aptly named. "Struthie's Up the Awesome Boot Camp!" Amanda Lynn has a super act that travels over the country enthralling audiences with acrobatics and slap stick comedy. She gave me some tips to polish up our performances with presentation and showmanship, and some great advice for engaging the audience.
I was privileged to spend some time with an amazingly talented lady Amanda Lynn Person. Amanda Lynn in one half of The Crack Up Sisters, and presented the aptly named. "Struthie's Up the Awesome Boot Camp!" Amanda Lynn has a super act that travels over the country enthralling audiences with acrobatics and slap stick comedy. She gave me some tips to polish up our performances with presentation and showmanship, and some great advice for engaging the audience.
September
Well I have been spoiling my boys again this time its Jomax Horsesnax what a great idea, and all my horses love it! Here is some information about these wonderful little treats:
Jomax Horse Snax are not just a fantastic treat, they are a high energy snack, rich in Linola and Molasses & contain all 7 or the major elements as well as the 11 essential amino acids horses require daily.
Linola Gloss contains ground Linola seed, Molasses, Psyllium Husks, Barley, Maize and other (secret) natural ingredients. No artificial additives at all. Linola is an oilseed developed by the CSIRO through conventional plant breeding.
Jomax Horse Snax are a neat alternative to grain when out & about. With a unique fatty acid profile & a high nutritional value, Jomax Horse Snax are ideal to feed as a snack where grain is not convenient or appropriate.
Jomax Horse Snax are not just a fantastic treat, they are a high energy snack, rich in Linola and Molasses & contain all 7 or the major elements as well as the 11 essential amino acids horses require daily.
Linola Gloss contains ground Linola seed, Molasses, Psyllium Husks, Barley, Maize and other (secret) natural ingredients. No artificial additives at all. Linola is an oilseed developed by the CSIRO through conventional plant breeding.
Jomax Horse Snax are a neat alternative to grain when out & about. With a unique fatty acid profile & a high nutritional value, Jomax Horse Snax are ideal to feed as a snack where grain is not convenient or appropriate.
August
NEWS JUST IN
Dynamrigan Banjo wins the Westpac Bank Star of the Year 2013
The Westpac Bank Star of the year is a prestigious annual award for Australian Stock Horses. It is an award that recognises horses that have been an ambassador to the Australian Stock Horse Society, performing outside of the competition arena and in the public eye, displaying the ideals of the Australian Stock Horse- good temperament, type and most of all versatility.
It is a fantastic honour for our boy Dynamrigan Banjo to win this prestigious award. Over the year we have travelled many thousands of kilometers performing for Rodeos, Shows, Pony Club Events, Race Days and functions. We have had some tremendous feedback on our wonderful team, I am always proud to state that the horses in my versatile team are Australian Stock Horses. My breed of choice
Dynamrigan Banjo wins the Westpac Bank Star of the Year 2013
The Westpac Bank Star of the year is a prestigious annual award for Australian Stock Horses. It is an award that recognises horses that have been an ambassador to the Australian Stock Horse Society, performing outside of the competition arena and in the public eye, displaying the ideals of the Australian Stock Horse- good temperament, type and most of all versatility.
It is a fantastic honour for our boy Dynamrigan Banjo to win this prestigious award. Over the year we have travelled many thousands of kilometers performing for Rodeos, Shows, Pony Club Events, Race Days and functions. We have had some tremendous feedback on our wonderful team, I am always proud to state that the horses in my versatile team are Australian Stock Horses. My breed of choice
July
What a fabulous month away! We packed up the ponies and made our way to Atherton Show in the Atherton tablelands to perform for a super crowd. They breed them tough up there- the rain didn't bother anyone, they said this is how the show is every year, the stands were packed!
We got to enjoy few days sightseeing around the tablelands before setting up camp at Mareeba. Thankfully the sun came out and that arena was AMAZING! We couldn't wait to get in there and practice and when we performed it was as if the horses had wings! They flew around the arena at top speed ensuring that each trick was just as daring and spectacular as we had promised. I have always wanted to go to the Mareeba Rodeo and it certainly did not disappoint. The people were great, the arena was massive and the atmosphere was amazing.
From Mareeba we made the short trip to Cairns and began preparation for a big few days. The Team at Running Wild did 15 shows over three days, which was an absolutely mammoth effort from all involved. We had two main arena acts daily, and three acts in the heritage arena. We debuted another new act for Dude, "Dog gone it" and of course Dudes favorite act "The Bank Robbers" plus our usual trick and horsemanship demonstrations. We had much of what we came to know as "liquid sunshine!" However the drizzly the weather, the crowd just kept on coming!
The definite highlight though for the girls was riding "Star" the Texas Longhorn Steer, he was just gorgeous! Many thanks to Melville's Animal Farm, they even let Lily ride him in the arena as the lead up to our night trick riding performance which had the crowd and some other peoples horses very excited.
Who can spend time in North Queensland with out enjoying some of the beautiful beaches, the ponies had a few days off after their wonderful effort and we got to enjoy some time in Port Douglas.
After a few days to take in the local sites it was time to head to Tully. Another lovely show with plenty of people, and some more Liquid sunshine well it is the town with the golden gumboot as a town attraction :-)
All too quickly that brought us to the trip home, but what a fantastic trip!
We counted up that over three weeks Running Wild performed 24 times to over 150, 000 people.
We got to enjoy few days sightseeing around the tablelands before setting up camp at Mareeba. Thankfully the sun came out and that arena was AMAZING! We couldn't wait to get in there and practice and when we performed it was as if the horses had wings! They flew around the arena at top speed ensuring that each trick was just as daring and spectacular as we had promised. I have always wanted to go to the Mareeba Rodeo and it certainly did not disappoint. The people were great, the arena was massive and the atmosphere was amazing.
From Mareeba we made the short trip to Cairns and began preparation for a big few days. The Team at Running Wild did 15 shows over three days, which was an absolutely mammoth effort from all involved. We had two main arena acts daily, and three acts in the heritage arena. We debuted another new act for Dude, "Dog gone it" and of course Dudes favorite act "The Bank Robbers" plus our usual trick and horsemanship demonstrations. We had much of what we came to know as "liquid sunshine!" However the drizzly the weather, the crowd just kept on coming!
The definite highlight though for the girls was riding "Star" the Texas Longhorn Steer, he was just gorgeous! Many thanks to Melville's Animal Farm, they even let Lily ride him in the arena as the lead up to our night trick riding performance which had the crowd and some other peoples horses very excited.
Who can spend time in North Queensland with out enjoying some of the beautiful beaches, the ponies had a few days off after their wonderful effort and we got to enjoy some time in Port Douglas.
After a few days to take in the local sites it was time to head to Tully. Another lovely show with plenty of people, and some more Liquid sunshine well it is the town with the golden gumboot as a town attraction :-)
All too quickly that brought us to the trip home, but what a fantastic trip!
We counted up that over three weeks Running Wild performed 24 times to over 150, 000 people.
June
New Toys, Tricks and Secret Stuff ready for our North Queensland Show Run!
We are training hard, don't be fooled by Dude sitting down on the job!
Many thanks to Russell Smith from Smith and Co Tent Hire, for his crafty work on Dudes new bean bag.
Banjo, Dude, Lily and I have been working a number of new elements for the show and have a few new tricks up our sleeve and even an entire new act! We can't divulge too much, you'll have to come and see for yourself at Atherton, Cairns and Tully Shows next month!
Yay, last minute booking! Guess what Mareeba we are headed for your rodeo! Hang on to your hat, the girls from Running Wild are headed for town and there is only one speed- flat out!
Many thanks to Russell Smith from Smith and Co Tent Hire, for his crafty work on Dudes new bean bag.
Banjo, Dude, Lily and I have been working a number of new elements for the show and have a few new tricks up our sleeve and even an entire new act! We can't divulge too much, you'll have to come and see for yourself at Atherton, Cairns and Tully Shows next month!
Yay, last minute booking! Guess what Mareeba we are headed for your rodeo! Hang on to your hat, the girls from Running Wild are headed for town and there is only one speed- flat out!
May
Competitions and Show Time Fun
Well May is our local show run again and for once we were actually competing instead of performing!
We had some practice at a Cutting School and then put our new found knowledge and skills to work as we competed in the Stockmans Challenge at Springsure.
Dude did us all proud and came home with the goods. Top scoring Rookie in the Challenge, Reserve Champion led Quarter Horse, and even some Hacking Ribbons.
Our newest equine member Dusty aka "Lazy D Dun Doing It" from Lazy D Performance Horses at Stanwell, Queensland made his showing debut. Dusty placed fourth in his led stock horse class and had his first opportunity to see fireworks and the hustle and bustle of show life. We are happy to say that he took it all in his stride and we think he will be a lovely addition to our liberty team. He is just a yearling at the moment so things will be very steady but we are super excited about his future!
We had some practice at a Cutting School and then put our new found knowledge and skills to work as we competed in the Stockmans Challenge at Springsure.
Dude did us all proud and came home with the goods. Top scoring Rookie in the Challenge, Reserve Champion led Quarter Horse, and even some Hacking Ribbons.
Our newest equine member Dusty aka "Lazy D Dun Doing It" from Lazy D Performance Horses at Stanwell, Queensland made his showing debut. Dusty placed fourth in his led stock horse class and had his first opportunity to see fireworks and the hustle and bustle of show life. We are happy to say that he took it all in his stride and we think he will be a lovely addition to our liberty team. He is just a yearling at the moment so things will be very steady but we are super excited about his future!
March/ April
Sydney Royal Easter Show Time!
What a fantastic few weeks! We loved the chance to catch up with the rest of the trick riding crew. We had 13 girls and plenty of horses all performing as part of Harris Entertainments Girls Girls Girls Extreme Stunt Team. We did three performances a day for the 14 day duration of the show plus a few big days of rehearsals at the start.
We did plenty of media promotion with early morning TV shoot for Sunrise on Ch7, we also had some of our team members in the Daily Telegraph, as well as video clips and Pinkys interview on Saturday Disney.
First up at lunch time every day was the Truck Jump Stunt, picture a truck driving at 45-50km an hour around the track in the main arena; our job was to gallop out from the centre and chase down that truck! We then would jump off our perfectly good horses and climb up the ladder at the back to stand on top, what a thrill!
Next up each day was the trick riding performance in the Schmid Arena, ten girls flying around the arena atop new and seasoned ponies alike. Sydney got to see some first class trick riding with the likes of Christy with her famous "Crupper jumps", Jacinta with her beautiful "Swan", Carly and her own trick "Cupids arrow", Bec and her breathtaking "Suicide drag", Pinky and her amazing "Back bend", Lily and her gorgeous "Shoulder stand" , Alicia and her super new horse with "Flank drag", Cody and her lovely "Mane Drag", and super trick rider Tara with her wonderful "Spritz", Teleah with her daring "Under the Neck" and my favourite the "Full Fender".
My two lovely boys where both fortunate enough to be the mount of choice for the Ring Master; Bill Pickens as he oversaw the running of the grand Parade during the show as well.
Each evening ten riders performed a troupe drill in hippodrome (standing up) as part of Darcys Quest the main arena night time show. We had long silver cloaks that moved like liquid metal as we circled around in single file then rode up ten abreast into a wheel.
But the day does not stop there, us girls all enjoyed a few weeks of catching up, shopping, singing along with our resident guitarist Chad from the WA crew, and our crazy Kiwi Anna who kept us laughing in fits, oh and plenty of dancing! So after a massive month Banjo, Dude and I made the long trek home but we wouldn't have traded it for the world, what a blast.
We did plenty of media promotion with early morning TV shoot for Sunrise on Ch7, we also had some of our team members in the Daily Telegraph, as well as video clips and Pinkys interview on Saturday Disney.
First up at lunch time every day was the Truck Jump Stunt, picture a truck driving at 45-50km an hour around the track in the main arena; our job was to gallop out from the centre and chase down that truck! We then would jump off our perfectly good horses and climb up the ladder at the back to stand on top, what a thrill!
Next up each day was the trick riding performance in the Schmid Arena, ten girls flying around the arena atop new and seasoned ponies alike. Sydney got to see some first class trick riding with the likes of Christy with her famous "Crupper jumps", Jacinta with her beautiful "Swan", Carly and her own trick "Cupids arrow", Bec and her breathtaking "Suicide drag", Pinky and her amazing "Back bend", Lily and her gorgeous "Shoulder stand" , Alicia and her super new horse with "Flank drag", Cody and her lovely "Mane Drag", and super trick rider Tara with her wonderful "Spritz", Teleah with her daring "Under the Neck" and my favourite the "Full Fender".
My two lovely boys where both fortunate enough to be the mount of choice for the Ring Master; Bill Pickens as he oversaw the running of the grand Parade during the show as well.
Each evening ten riders performed a troupe drill in hippodrome (standing up) as part of Darcys Quest the main arena night time show. We had long silver cloaks that moved like liquid metal as we circled around in single file then rode up ten abreast into a wheel.
But the day does not stop there, us girls all enjoyed a few weeks of catching up, shopping, singing along with our resident guitarist Chad from the WA crew, and our crazy Kiwi Anna who kept us laughing in fits, oh and plenty of dancing! So after a massive month Banjo, Dude and I made the long trek home but we wouldn't have traded it for the world, what a blast.
Downer EDI Blackwater sponsors our time away from work to come to Sydney Royal Easter Show!
As you can imagine with all our performances on the show run my annual leave total usually sits pretty close to zero. But when the chance of a lifetime comes up to go and perform at the Royal Easter Show, I asked the boss for a little help and some extra time away.
We thoroughly appreciate Downer EDI's extra few days of annual leave so that we can make it to the biggest show in Australia!
Many thanks, Downer :-)
Photo's used with permission from Downer EDI and BMA Blackwater.
Please do not copy :-)
We thoroughly appreciate Downer EDI's extra few days of annual leave so that we can make it to the biggest show in Australia!
Many thanks, Downer :-)
Photo's used with permission from Downer EDI and BMA Blackwater.
Please do not copy :-)
Feburary
Training and keeping up with the little things
Well its that time of year- spoiling ponies time! As every horse owner knows we need to keep our equine friends well looked after so that they can work to the best of their ability, so it was time for the Dentist, Tracy Watts. Equine Chiropractor and muscle manipulation by Tork Cowan, and time for all of our yearly vaccinations too plus we stocked up our new shipping container with plenty of hay and feed in case of the wet weather that is s synonymous with Queensland.
Then they really did get spoilt some more - latest season fashions- fly rugs (if its not raining its bloody hot this time of year!) and then I even splashed out and made them a pretty blue halter each as well.
Then it was time to train and refresh the boys with some schools. We did a challenge school with Red and Jo McConnel, I was extremely pleased with Dude and his second go at working cattle, hes such a true little allrounder :-)
Then they really did get spoilt some more - latest season fashions- fly rugs (if its not raining its bloody hot this time of year!) and then I even splashed out and made them a pretty blue halter each as well.
Then it was time to train and refresh the boys with some schools. We did a challenge school with Red and Jo McConnel, I was extremely pleased with Dude and his second go at working cattle, hes such a true little allrounder :-)
January
Happy New Year!
Well all to quickly a 2012 has come to a close and a New Year unfolds. Cheers to new beginnings and new goals. The ponies have been enjoying a holiday during the warmer weather and Christmas festivities, and now we begin to prepare for another amazing year. Its lovely to get to the stage where we are performing for previous clients again and gaining new ones through word of mouth and our reputation.
We have a number of exciting booking this year that will see the trusty old ford clock up a fair few kilometres as we head even further North for the show run to Cairns and also back down into NSW for some exciting secret business.
My amazing husband has been busy using his talent to spoil me. He has converted a plain shipping container into a fantastic new feed shed/ tack room with a shelter and stable for my horses.
We have a number of exciting booking this year that will see the trusty old ford clock up a fair few kilometres as we head even further North for the show run to Cairns and also back down into NSW for some exciting secret business.
My amazing husband has been busy using his talent to spoil me. He has converted a plain shipping container into a fantastic new feed shed/ tack room with a shelter and stable for my horses.
November
Equitana Melbourne
November saw us excited to make the trip to Australia's biggest horse extravaganza; Equitana in Melbourne! Due to work commitments preventing Nell from competing, Banjo our wonderful Australian Stock Horse made the trek all the way from Central Qld to be the mount of choice for my gorgeous sister Lily. Mum and Lily travelled from the Hunter Valley NSW, and we flew down ready to watch Lily compete with the finest Trick Riders in Australia.
We had so much fun aside from a few hiccups with flights- who knew when you book tickets you could end up flying into the wrong airport! Thank gosh for Mothers! Mum was happy to drive out at an ungodly hour to pick us up and deliver us to the other airport in Melbourne so we could pick up our hire car. We did find driving around Melbourne a bit hazardous and after a few funny incidents with people beeping horns, hook turns and a parking ticket later we were buzzing around quicker than the taxis.
The first round saw the riders complete two compulsory tricks and two freestyle tricks, the result determining the riders going into the final the next day.
Banjo looked a picture of health and it showed as he flew across the Tuff Rock arena, with Lily in fine form, I tell you what though I think I had my heart in my mouth more watching than I ever have competing myself! I was so nervous, but of course she performed beautifully.
All of the competitors looked fabulous and performed so well, the final was going to be an absolute nail biting finish!
So there I was sitting in the airport to go back home ready for work watching the Trick Riding Final on Live Stream on my phone, I was so excited cheering the riders that the other people around must have thought I was crazy! Our boarding call was made and it was still just moments before the presentation, talk about suspense! Seconds before our planes final boarding call Lily was sashed as reserve champion by a single point. I was so proud of my sister competing for the first time in the senior section, and achieve so much.
All of the competitors and event organisers did an amazing job It was wonderful to watch the team work between all of these riders and the support, I am so glad to be part of a sport with so many helping hands.
We had so much fun aside from a few hiccups with flights- who knew when you book tickets you could end up flying into the wrong airport! Thank gosh for Mothers! Mum was happy to drive out at an ungodly hour to pick us up and deliver us to the other airport in Melbourne so we could pick up our hire car. We did find driving around Melbourne a bit hazardous and after a few funny incidents with people beeping horns, hook turns and a parking ticket later we were buzzing around quicker than the taxis.
The first round saw the riders complete two compulsory tricks and two freestyle tricks, the result determining the riders going into the final the next day.
Banjo looked a picture of health and it showed as he flew across the Tuff Rock arena, with Lily in fine form, I tell you what though I think I had my heart in my mouth more watching than I ever have competing myself! I was so nervous, but of course she performed beautifully.
All of the competitors looked fabulous and performed so well, the final was going to be an absolute nail biting finish!
So there I was sitting in the airport to go back home ready for work watching the Trick Riding Final on Live Stream on my phone, I was so excited cheering the riders that the other people around must have thought I was crazy! Our boarding call was made and it was still just moments before the presentation, talk about suspense! Seconds before our planes final boarding call Lily was sashed as reserve champion by a single point. I was so proud of my sister competing for the first time in the senior section, and achieve so much.
All of the competitors and event organisers did an amazing job It was wonderful to watch the team work between all of these riders and the support, I am so glad to be part of a sport with so many helping hands.
August
Mackay Harbour Beach Races
What a fabulous idea! With a strong crowd of over 5000 the Mackay Harbour Beach looked fantastic for the inaugural “$20,000 Broo BeachClassic”.
The Day featured 6 Heats run over a straight Sand Beach 600mt Course open to any breed of horse. The winner of each race won $500 and was invited to contest the final race of the day, “The $20,000 Winner take all, BROO BEACH CLASIC”
Running Wild Equestrian Entertainment performed two trick riding shows over the day. The atmosphere was fantastic and the horses flew along the sand. Our youngest member Bree stepped up to the challenge of her third ever performance with delight and wowed the crowd with her trusty stead "the Dude". Both the horses took it all in their stride being the first ever time on the beach, not to mention having choppers flying overhead.
Our team was fortunate to have the lovely hospitality and photography skills of Margaret and Alan Chalmers. Margaret captured some lovely shots that even featured in The Downunder Magazine.
Keep an eye out for next years event which is sure to be even bigger and better! The event will be run from Thursday 15th of August to Sunday 18th August 2013 (The Beach Race Day being the main event on Sunday 18th August).
People interested in competing should initially contact Mick Pope via email mackaybeachhorseracing@hotmail.com or check out the Video Clip by following “Mackay Harbour Beach Race Day” on Facebook.
The Day featured 6 Heats run over a straight Sand Beach 600mt Course open to any breed of horse. The winner of each race won $500 and was invited to contest the final race of the day, “The $20,000 Winner take all, BROO BEACH CLASIC”
Running Wild Equestrian Entertainment performed two trick riding shows over the day. The atmosphere was fantastic and the horses flew along the sand. Our youngest member Bree stepped up to the challenge of her third ever performance with delight and wowed the crowd with her trusty stead "the Dude". Both the horses took it all in their stride being the first ever time on the beach, not to mention having choppers flying overhead.
Our team was fortunate to have the lovely hospitality and photography skills of Margaret and Alan Chalmers. Margaret captured some lovely shots that even featured in The Downunder Magazine.
Keep an eye out for next years event which is sure to be even bigger and better! The event will be run from Thursday 15th of August to Sunday 18th August 2013 (The Beach Race Day being the main event on Sunday 18th August).
People interested in competing should initially contact Mick Pope via email mackaybeachhorseracing@hotmail.com or check out the Video Clip by following “Mackay Harbour Beach Race Day” on Facebook.
June/July
Mackay Regional Council Awards
The team loaded up and headed to Nebo undercover arena for a Outback themed awards night for the Mackay Regional Council awards. The set up was lovely with a camp oven cooked tea to serve a black tie occasion. Bree and I performed two shows; a liberty act and a trick riding performance. We even had an interview with Ch 7 Local news, and also a short story in the paper.
Click here to watch our TV Interview
May/ June
The local show run
Thought the weather may have affected some of show programs it certainly didn't dampen our enthusiasm. I couldn't wait to see my sister again as she made her way North ready to rock the socks off our local shows. But before the shows started we had to hit the sewing machines for some new costumes! Big task for us girls who are much more comfortable sewing up horse rugs and bridles!
Running Wild kicked off the local run with some performances at Springsure Show before the rain cancelled the second day. We had one of our star pupils from our trick riding lessons earlier this year, pint sized superstar Bree with us for her debut trick riding performance. She did a fantastic job and the hometown crowd certainly let it be known with sounds of clapping and cheering ringing out throughout the grandstands. Lily wowed the crowd flipping in and out of the saddle vaulting every which way, and I was happy to demonstrate my favourite new trick from the 2011 trick finals Under the Neck.
Another first for June saw us debut our new comedy act at the Emerald Show "Partners in Crime" Dude and I have been working hard on a new act, and it all came together under the big top for the sponsors meet and greet night before the show.
The next day we performed again and I got to meet Guy Mclean who had been watching from the crowd, it was lovely to get good feed back from such a well known Aussie performer and trainer.
Our trick riding and liberty acts continued and unfortunately all too soon it was time to see Lil on her way home again.
Running Wild kicked off the local run with some performances at Springsure Show before the rain cancelled the second day. We had one of our star pupils from our trick riding lessons earlier this year, pint sized superstar Bree with us for her debut trick riding performance. She did a fantastic job and the hometown crowd certainly let it be known with sounds of clapping and cheering ringing out throughout the grandstands. Lily wowed the crowd flipping in and out of the saddle vaulting every which way, and I was happy to demonstrate my favourite new trick from the 2011 trick finals Under the Neck.
Another first for June saw us debut our new comedy act at the Emerald Show "Partners in Crime" Dude and I have been working hard on a new act, and it all came together under the big top for the sponsors meet and greet night before the show.
The next day we performed again and I got to meet Guy Mclean who had been watching from the crowd, it was lovely to get good feed back from such a well known Aussie performer and trainer.
Our trick riding and liberty acts continued and unfortunately all too soon it was time to see Lil on her way home again.
March/ April
More lessons and training
Well the new horse King has been progressing well, we have been doing a lot of exercises to become soft and supple. As well as beginning to educate him with all sorts of things that a trick horse may encounter, as well as a few basic trick riding tricks, he even came for an excursion to pony club camp.
Pony Club camp what a big few days! Dude and Banjo excelled themselves as they had well over 40 kids a day climbing over all them learning some basic confidence building exercises and some learning a few little tricks. I felt like I had run a marathon by the end of the day after running laps of the arena in the sand for two days straight.
We have been working on our own acts and producing some new elements so all I can say is watch this space :-)
Pony Club camp what a big few days! Dude and Banjo excelled themselves as they had well over 40 kids a day climbing over all them learning some basic confidence building exercises and some learning a few little tricks. I felt like I had run a marathon by the end of the day after running laps of the arena in the sand for two days straight.
We have been working on our own acts and producing some new elements so all I can say is watch this space :-)
January
Learning and refining skills-
Well January was another busy month for Running Wild, after the festivities of christmas and the new year it was straight back to the practice pen.
I thoroughly enjoyed having my gorgeous sister Lily visit to help out with a trick riding clinic in Emerald. Over four days we beat the heat with a group of four keen young girls and by the last day there was some weary legs both equine and human but the grins were still all from ear to ear! I must say we were very impressed with the talent out there in Central Qld!
I thoroughly enjoyed having my gorgeous sister Lily visit to help out with a trick riding clinic in Emerald. Over four days we beat the heat with a group of four keen young girls and by the last day there was some weary legs both equine and human but the grins were still all from ear to ear! I must say we were very impressed with the talent out there in Central Qld!
After enjoying a few days to relax and treating the horses to swim in the Fairbairn Dam, Lily and I then prepared to hit the road for an amazing opportunity to learn and refine our own skills with the wonderful and talented Riata Ranch girls.
Jennifer Welch-Nicholson and Brandi Phillips travelled over from California to put on a number of schools for some lucky Aussies. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting fellow trick riders and appreciated their time and dedication. Lily and I have plenty to practice and are keen to use new techniques to train our horses as well!
Jennifer Welch-Nicholson and Brandi Phillips travelled over from California to put on a number of schools for some lucky Aussies. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting fellow trick riders and appreciated their time and dedication. Lily and I have plenty to practice and are keen to use new techniques to train our horses as well!
December
We have a new team of horses to train!
Running Wild will be the proud new owner of two buckskins from Lynelle at Silkwood Ridge Quarter Horses.
Duke and King will be joining our show and learning the tricks of the trade over the next few months and we are sure that they will make a statement with their gorgeous looks as a beautiful liberty team, trick riding and roman riding pair!
We cant wait til they arrive in January!
We will be sure to keep you posted!
Duke and King will be joining our show and learning the tricks of the trade over the next few months and we are sure that they will make a statement with their gorgeous looks as a beautiful liberty team, trick riding and roman riding pair!
We cant wait til they arrive in January!
We will be sure to keep you posted!
November
***News Flash!!!***
Nell and Lily, Australian Senior and Junior Trick Riding Champions at Equitana 2011
Equitana was an amazing experience! It was great to catch up with trick riders from all over Australia at Equitana held at Sydney in November.
Girls travelled from far and wide ready to compete in the Australian Trick Riding Championships, myself from Central Qld, Jacinta and her amazing team from WA and of course many of the inspiring girls from NSW like Christy Connor and Cody Wilson Peterson, and Roz Bourke. We all stopped at Heath and Krissy Harris's place ready for some last minute training and inspiration before taking trick riding to Equitana. Although we had small fields in the senior and junior sections they were extremely talented! Special mention must go to Chirsty Connor who did an amazing job performing tough vaulting tricks with a heavily strapped foot. She was actually on crutches when not riding! Also the WA team for borrowing horses after their massive trip over and managing to pull off fantastic tricks.
Lily did an amazing job to win the junior section after placing second in the compulsory trick section and then winning the freestyle trick section. This was Lily's final year in the juniors and she has now left the undefeated junior champion! Watch out seniors next year!
I also enjoyed success at Equitana winning both the compulsory and freestyle section and bring home the overall champion white trick riding saddle that I had borrowed for my wedding two months earlier. After working hard for my final freestyle trick, I was extremly happy to pull of the "Under the Neck" stunt that had not been performed in Australia in many years.
Girls travelled from far and wide ready to compete in the Australian Trick Riding Championships, myself from Central Qld, Jacinta and her amazing team from WA and of course many of the inspiring girls from NSW like Christy Connor and Cody Wilson Peterson, and Roz Bourke. We all stopped at Heath and Krissy Harris's place ready for some last minute training and inspiration before taking trick riding to Equitana. Although we had small fields in the senior and junior sections they were extremely talented! Special mention must go to Chirsty Connor who did an amazing job performing tough vaulting tricks with a heavily strapped foot. She was actually on crutches when not riding! Also the WA team for borrowing horses after their massive trip over and managing to pull off fantastic tricks.
Lily did an amazing job to win the junior section after placing second in the compulsory trick section and then winning the freestyle trick section. This was Lily's final year in the juniors and she has now left the undefeated junior champion! Watch out seniors next year!
I also enjoyed success at Equitana winning both the compulsory and freestyle section and bring home the overall champion white trick riding saddle that I had borrowed for my wedding two months earlier. After working hard for my final freestyle trick, I was extremly happy to pull of the "Under the Neck" stunt that had not been performed in Australia in many years.
August
We Got Hitched!
On a gorgeous August afternoon, Steve my partner of six years and I were married at The Botanical Gardens in Emerald.
We enjoyed a personal day with close friends and family for a relaxed ceremony and reception and then a night of shenanigans.
My gorgeous bridesmaids were Samantha Clark and my sister Lily-Rose. Steve's grooms men were Jahn Jones and Best friend from school Adrian Thompson.
Friends came from near and far to enjoy the celebrations and of course the animals were involved with Dude being the transportation of choice into the reception. Banjo starred in some amazing shots from James J Laws and also Steve's dog Sasha was the ring bearer.
We enjoyed a personal day with close friends and family for a relaxed ceremony and reception and then a night of shenanigans.
My gorgeous bridesmaids were Samantha Clark and my sister Lily-Rose. Steve's grooms men were Jahn Jones and Best friend from school Adrian Thompson.
Friends came from near and far to enjoy the celebrations and of course the animals were involved with Dude being the transportation of choice into the reception. Banjo starred in some amazing shots from James J Laws and also Steve's dog Sasha was the ring bearer.