PG . 16
FEATURE ~ A GARRYOWEN JOURNEY
' Sure A Fine Crystal ' Q-78145 , with proud owner , Angela Balfour , after the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout
everything must fit on the middle hole , and the buckles must do up at the right eye-level . I purchased a made-to-measure bridle , colour-matched to his saddle , which complemented his colour , and a custom-made number holder . I sourced two three-buckle girths for him . When doing those up , the two outside girth straps must sit on the 4th hole of the two outside buckles , and the middle girth strap must sit on the 3rd hole of the middle buckle . Your stirrup leathers can ’ t go back behind the edge of the flap of your saddle . It ’ s precise .’
At the Royal Melbourne Show for five days , Angela was so indebted to her dedicated help team , Leanne , Lisia and Lucinda , who went above and beyond for the whole time ! Duncan had come a long way , and at times , it was hard to keep the emotions in check .
‘ When Duncan and I walked out to the ring for my first class — my rider class — I was quite teary .’ Angela admitted . ‘ I couldn ’ t believe we were actually there . Duncan worked beautifully in every class he was entered into . We placed 6th in my Novice Rider 25 & over , then 3rd in the Novice Show Hunter Hack 16- 16.2hh . Open Hunter Hack 16-16.2hh , Providence Cup . Duncan performed so beautifully and I could not fault his workouts .’
Garryowen day started very early , with Duncan saddled by 6am and ready for arena familiarization , which he handled well .
He ’ d later be washed , groomed and plaited ready for the day ’ s competition , before Angela got herself ready . When the time come for each of the two turnout events , Duncan excelled in performance and behaviour , with Angela , quite lost for words .
‘ In the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout , and the Esquire Turnout class ,’ Angela said . ‘ Duncan gave me the most beautiful workouts in each class , and stood perfectly to have his gear inspected . In the line-up for the Garryowen , Duncan kept it together , despite the huge length of time it took . I was immensely proud of him .’
Yes , Angela is proud to be riding her Quarter Horse , and is even looking forward to trying a few AQHA show classes , perhaps some Western classes , and a class that Duncan has previously been shown in , the Hunter Under Saddle . With his looks , size and lovely movement , he ’ s sure to be noticed !
‘ When I started with Duncan ,’ Angela says , thinking back . ‘ I never dreamed that 12 months on we ’ d be competing at the Garryowen ! In the lead up , we had some tough times , but we never gave up and we still got there , and the rewards have been incredible ! Competing at the Garryowen was mind-blowing , so if our story has inspired someone , don ’ t hesitate ! Have faith in yourself , your horse and never give up , because the sky is the limit and anything is possible !’
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - www . aqha . com . au