Sport
23 January, 2025
Showjumpers head to Mortlake
THE Caramut Riding Club Showjumping Festival brought competitors from across western Victoria to Mortlake over the weekend.
The event, held at Tea Tree Lake Reserve on Saturday and Sunday, drew in 200 entrants in what Caramut Riding Club president Leah Teal said had been a “successful weekend for the club”.
“We had really good numbers and entries despite the weather being a bit warmer,” she said.
“Most of the riders competing on the day came from the Geelong area, and we had people coming from as far west as Haywood.
“There was plenty of riders from the local area, including lots of young riders which was really good to see.
“We had two full days of classes with events designed around younger horses and riders getting involved.”
Mrs Teal said there was no shortage of talent on display among the competitors, including one Wangoom rider earning recognition for her accomplishments.
“It was a really good showing from the riders,” she said.
“A lot of young local riders and all the classes were well ridden, the jump offs well contested and everyone rode well, had a go and we had some good results.
“One award we’ve given out for the past five years is the Junior Encouragement Award, given in memory of Robbie Leishman.
“He was a Caramut Riding Club life member and a beloved official who officiated in the region for decades.
“This year the award went to Layla Williams from Wangoom – it was her first time stepping up to jumping 70cm and our judges, Angela Hodgetts and Matt Lee Mohr, felt she deserved that award for her riding.
Mrs Teal said there was no shortage of support on the day as family and friends came out to support the competitors, and plenty of locals stopped by to watch on.
“It’s good for there to be something happening in Mortlake, another event for the community,” she said.
“We’ve been running this event for over 30 years now, and it keeps rolling along.”
The Caramut Riding Club will return to Mortlake for its premiere event – the Western District Showjumping Championships, featuring the Binnie Barclay Grand Prix, in March 8-10 over the Labor Day long weekend.
“We’ll be drawing on former Olympians, top level riders, and classes catering to junior riders,” she said.
“A lot of the riders competing this weekend can compete then, in addition to more experienced competitors.
“A lot of people have said it’s a very competitive event but a relaxed atmosphere, with premiere jumping in the one ring as opposed to two or three.
“It prevents people running backwards and forwards to different rings, sole focus stays there.”
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