THE Far South Coast Dressage Association (FSCDA) hosted a weekend of dressage at the Bega Showground over the weekend, riders travelling from as far afield as Cooma, Nimmitabel, Wyndham, Nethercote and Moruya to participate in glorious conditions.
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The club was lucky to secure the services of Mark Dowling, a nationally renowned competitor and Equestrian Australia-accredited coach and judge based at Bowral.
On Saturday, riders had the opportunity to book a 30-minute protocol session with Dowling, where they could receive feedback on any training issues.
Mark focuses his training equally on the horse and rider, with a goal to extract the very best from both in a calm, sympathetic manner to make the combination harmonious.
The club also organised a jumping equitation clinic, conducted by well-known local equestrian Marie Smith, travels throughout NSW each year to judge at the PCA NSW State Jumping Equitation Championships.
Both sessions were thoroughly enjoyed by the participants and spectators alike.
Sunday was a club competition day, with riders able to put the training advice to good effect in the competition ring.
There were some excellent improvements seen, and Dowling was joined in the judging by Cooma’s Kim Kleven and Mark Cloonan from Sale.
There were in excess of 60 tests booked over five levels from preparatory to medium, and Leigh Richardson from Coolagoolite took first first-placings riding two different horses.
Junior riders Paige Moxey, Alice Dean, Shelly Kleven and Jade Moxey were all very competitive, taking home many placings.
Paul Phelan from Cobargo received Mark Dowling's encouragement award in recognition of his improvement over the two days, while Kim Kleven was awarded Colleen Meredith of Bega the Ring 1 encouragement award.
Full results can be found on the club website at www.fscda.com.au.
The next monthly meeting will be held from 7pm on Tuesday, August 5 at Club Bega, and all members and friends are encouraged to attend.
The club’s next event will be a working equitation competition at the Cobargo Showground on Sunday, August 17.
For further information and online entries, visit the club website.