PG . 13
Angela Balfour &
SURE A FINE CRYSTAL Q-78145
A GARRYOWEN JOURNEY
WORDS BY : LYN HOFFMANN © 2024 D PHOTOS BY : ANGIE RICKARD PHOTOGRAPHY & ANDREA DUNN
Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout competitor , Angela Balfour and her lovely gelding , Sure A Fine Crystal Q-78145 , recently turned the heads and hearts of many competitors and spectators at the event . Used to the traditional class breeds , like Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods , they could not believe there was a Quarter Horse competing , and so well , too !
For Angela Balfour , of Werribee , Victoria , the Garryowen dream unintentionally began for her when she was a 10yo , riding her Welsh Pony at Pony Club . The level of presentation in traditional showing had caught her eye , and she knew in her heart it was what she wanted to do . With dreams to compete at the Royal Melbourne Show , qualifying for the Royal became her biggest goal . She showed various Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods at Agricultural Shows , and not only qualified to compete at the Royal , but also the Show Hack Council HOTY Show . In 2011 and 2012 , she competed twice in the Garryowen , then riding Thoroughbreds , going on to continue showing and riding the more traditional class breeds .
‘ I ’ d been having bad migraines ,’ Angela explained . ‘ So had sold my Warmblood , with no idea that I ’ d soon be meeting my next top level show horse . It was early 2023 , and an 11yo palomino Quarter Horse was advertised on social media , as a beginner ’ s horse . A friend was keen , so I helped her buy the gelding , sight unseen . But after just a few rides at home , it was clear Duncan wasn ’ t for beginners .’
Duncan and his friend the Donkey
Wanting to know the horse ’ s history , Angela called Duncan ’ s breeders , Lizzie and Don Newnham . Sired by
2024 AQHA ~ NOVEMBER / DECEMBER ISSUE