Troy Wilson and Georgia Kennedy have successfully qualified to compete at the 2011 Grand National Horse Championships following their runner-up performances at the ACT and Southern NSW Hack Championships.

Next year’s Grand Nationals will be held at Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Hosley Park on April 15, 16 and 17.

The event is widely recognised as Australia’s premier hack and riding event, open to entrants who gained performances at the highest level in the preceding 12 months both at state and national competitions.

This event is judged by international judges usually from the UK.

Troy qualified his horse True Calling to be able to compete in the Open Show Hunter over 16hh Championships and will also be competing in the rider 17 and under 21 years age group of which he qualified for at 2010 Canberra Royal Show as champion boy rider under 17.

Georgia qualified her horse, Roseagle Sea Rover, in the Open Small Show Hunter Galloway.

The 2010 Grand Nationals saw both Troy and Georgia competing with Troy succeeding as a top 10 finalist in the rider 17-under 21yrs and gaining experience in the same event.

He will contest the 2011 Open Show Hunter Hack over 16hh.

This will be the fourth time Troy has qualified.

Georgia gained valuable experience last year riding Phil and Kerry Wheatley’s pony (Warra-wong Park Leith) in the Show Hunter Pony over 12-ne 12.2hh.

With this experience it will only benefit her aboard her own Galloway.

The show hunter classes have been created for the horse which demonstrates a bit more substance than that which is generally seen in an Open Hack class, but is expected to demonstrate the ability to provide a smooth, even ride and reliable temperament.

The show hunter should exhibit sound confirmation, be free from hereditary defects and unsoundness.

The show hunter’s compete on the flat only and do not need to prove they can jump.

The workout should be similiar to that of the traditional open hack classes but should include a hand gallop and a change of leg at the canter.

Other local riders who performed well at the ACT and Southern NSW Hack Championships in the championship events were:

Tayla Wilson: Top five finalist rider under 12yrs.

Brooke Bartlett: Top eight semi-finalist rider under 12.

Katie O’Neill: Top eight semi-finalist rider under 12, top eight (Jacaranda Blue of Artsworth) finalist open large pony.

Lauren Wheeler: Top eight semi-finalist rider 12-under 15 years.

Kate Otton: Top eight (Corndale Checkmate), semi-finalist large show hunter Galloway.

Maddison Wheatley: Second leading rein pony (Warrawong Park Leith).

Troy Wilson also achieved two top five performances.

He was a finalist rider 17-under 21yrs and semi-finalist (Xaarmabeel) open hack 16.2hh and over.

Many other placings were obtained in the preliminary and amateur events.

These were also highly contested by Sallie Slater-Cash, Emma Donnelly and Keith Rollason.

Bega and surrounding areas are extremely privileged to have top coach Les Friend travelling to Bega on a monthly basis.

He is a nationally accredited coach who has had success with many riders at the highest level.