The Opportunity of a Lifetime!
May this year saw the opportunity of a
lifetime presented to me on behalf of the
Australian Quarter Horse Association
and Beijing Horse Racing Culture
Exchange Co., Ltd. Myself and renowned
Aussie Barrel Racing Champ Vicki
Schiller had been invited to compete at
the annual Damao International Horse
Fair, Damao county, Baotou City, Inner
Mongolia.
We left Australian shores on 7th of July
for a cultural experience, witnessing just
how our sport runs on the other side of
the world. First stop was Beijing, where
we not only had the chance to visit the
'Forbidden City', but walk the famous
Great Wall of China! The ornate detailed
architecture of the historical building
was mind blowing and an experience I
will never forget. A visit to the famous
Hongqiao Markets five story building
was next on our agenda. We visited
'Sharon's Pearls' an establishment where
high profile politicians and government
officials frequent regularly. Needless to
say this saw a few souvenirs purchased
for family and friends, where price
negotiation is the way of trade.
The next section of our adventure was
a five hour flight to Hohhot, followed
by a five hour bus journey through the
landscapes of Inner Mongolia ending at
our destination of Damao. Once settled
into our accommodation facilities we
were on the road again for a two hour
drive for the ceremonial
welcome for all
international competitors.
Ceremonial rice wine and
large silk sashes were
presented with famous
Chinese vocalists being
amongst the festivities.
The following day was
our chance to immerse
ourselves in Chinese
culture at the Grand
Parade opening of the
Damao International
Horse Fair. A grand entry
style procession ensued
where international and
local competitors carried
flags around the track
in a spectacular display.
Traditional cultural
costumes were worn by
many with Mongolian
ponies, camels, kites and
fireworks contributing
to the mass celebration
of the annual horse fair.
The featured disciplines
we were able to watch
included Ranch Working,
Timed Trail, Dressage,
Barrel Racing, Pole
Bending and an Equine
Beauty Contest.
Competition day was now
here! After careful study
of the horses in Barrel
Racing competition with
the regions competitors,
it was then announced
which horse we had
drawn to ride in the
competition. International
riders randomly selected
out of a hat their pairing
with an imported
American Quarter Horse that they would
jockey for the event. A short 20 minute
bonding time was allocated before the
commencement of the International
Riders Barrel Race.
I drew the only stallion in the
competition. Having observed the Bay
Black's run in the previous section I
formulated my game plan. The time
came... and despite my apprehension of
riding a horse I had only become
acquainted with 20 minutes earlier and
in a saddle four inches too large, we
managed to run the fastest time of all
international riders and beat the actual
horse's best ever timed performance.
Overall I was delighted to have placed 4th
in the competitions entirety. Following
the cessation of competition a ceremonial
presentation commenced, where
honorary credentials and prize money
was awarded to the successful riders.
I would like to take this opportunity to
express my external gratitude to the
Australian Quarter Horse Association,
the Beijing Horse Racing Culture
Exchange Co., Ltd., David Snodgrass
and Anton of the AQHA China, my travel
buddy Vicki Schiller and most of all to
Pauline Stuart Fox and Tamra Clark for
not only selecting me for this unique
opportunity, but all the organisation in
making this trip happen.
Calla Matthews
September • October 2015 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine Page 11