Gallery & Results

There must be something about the date of 1 August as it always seems to fall during inclement weather (reference the first celebration in 2009 at Quartz Hill Farm), but this did not hamper the attendance of a large number of ARABS Inc members from making their way to Meracious Arabians at Bungonia, NSW.

The members followed directions provided by our hosts, Ian and Nicole Mepham, where it took somewhere between 40 minutes and an hour and a half for us to drive from our starting points to our destination.  Coming from Gunning I drove into parts unknown, a journey taking me through the beautiful village of Bungonia, with its lovely stone cottages and of course the popular gorge.

After taking some interesting gravel roads, I found my destination “Meracious Arabians”.  Meracious means “being without mixture or adulteration; hence, strong; racy”, and this definitely would fit the Purebred Arabian breeding pathway that Ian and Nicol have committed to in their selection of bloodlines.

Ian and Nicole showed us around the stud with its well maintained fences and grounds sheltered amidst native forest, a truly unique Australian environment.  The horses came up to us for scratches and cuddles, and seemed to really enjoy the attention.

There was an opportunity to see how Ian and Nicole introduce a maiden mare to be bred to a stallion.  At this point their beautiful stallion,  Karbon (TS Malik [Br] x Karmaa [US]) was paraded to the crowd with cries of oohs and aahs.  He is definitely a lovely stallion, with smooth profile and lovely reach of neck ending in a beautiful head.  He will do the stud proud.

At this point we were directed to the BBQ area where we were introduced to the wonderful Meracious hospitality - nibbles, salads and gourmet sausages.  The scene became quiet as we quaffed local wines and sampled the foods, by this time the weather that had been cold, became colder and windier, with almost blizzard like conditions threatening.  However, this did not deter the members as we feasted on Nicole’s home made desserts – mini cheese cakes, pastry things filled with chocolate and berries.  Nicole I would like the recipe for the ricotta balls with the rosemary and other herbs to garnish a wonderful warm entrée!

By this time the weather was coming over quite nasty with the clouds now dark and threatening, so we thanked our hosts and made a hasty retreat.

On behalf of ARABS Inc I would like to thank Meracious Arabians for their wonderful hospitality, the great foods and for sharing their beautiful horses with us.

 

 

 

 

2009-2010 HIGH POINT WINNERS

Unfortunately we did not have many entrants so this season and some that entered did not submit points. Nonetheless the two competitors/horses below competed very successfully and accumulated lots of points over the season WELL DONE!
So please keep an eye out for the 2010-2011 high point competition that will commence from 1 September 2010.

Congratulations to our 2009-10 High Point winners:

Mandy Lewis with Lac La Biche Playboy
Halter - Derivative Gelding 4 years and over
Versatile/Ridden - Derivative Gelding Overall

Judith Field with Jindalla Park Make N Magic
Halter - Derivative Gelding 2years and under 4 years

 

Mandy Lewis and Alison Hudson, President		Judith Field and Alison Hudson, President

 

 

An Autumn Affair 2010

We were blessed with a glorious autumn day in the Nation’s Capital. The picturesque showground at Hall was buzzing with horses and riders of all shapes and sizes, competing in 5 rings.  This year we added a couple of special Feature Events, a Feature Hack Class and a Foal Feature. These were keenly contested and a great success.

Garlands for the Feature Hack and the Supreme Foal of the Show were made and donated by Judith Perkins of Applegum Arabians (she should start a new cottage industry making garlands).

Carol Hore from Coolinda Park also made and donated garlands for Champion Purebred Foal and Champion Derivative Foal.  Thanks to both these girls.

The Supreme Foal exhibit was awarded to the elegant Coolinda Park Walencia. It was pleasing to see Carol Hore competing with some special babies.

The Feature Hack, hotly contested by some talented and exciting horses, was won by Mandy Lewis on her beautiful grey pony Lac La Biche Playboy.

Spotted amongst the competitors during the day were members Ian and Nicola Mepham of Meracious Arabians they brought along two outstanding foals by their stallion Karbon. These two babies were placed first and second in the Purebred Arabian Foal-Male. Their manners were impeccable and a great credit to their owners.  Nicola was also seen enjoying riding her typey young purebred filly Meracious Marousha whom she has recently broken in.

Jill Medvecky and her daughter Kerry were there too with their recent purchase, the lovely Mulawa Magnolia (Magnum Forty Four x Thumbelina) who was awarded Supreme Led Arabian Derivative.

Another one of our club members Jane Hanson, was delighted when her mare Sahibi Kalila was awaded Champion Purebred Female.

Gary Weavers of Al Ruqa Arabians, a relative newcomer to the purebred world, was excited to win the Supreme Purebred Arabian exhibit with his elegant bay colt Al Ruqa Kazar.

Ray Hudson of Quartz Hill Farm had a huge grin watching his granddaughter Danielle Foster competing in the Beginners ring.  She too was all smiles. This was only her second show and she successfully competed in anything and everything on her trusty mount Blocker who is about 20?.

Other notable awards were Supreme Champion Ridden Purebred, Makeher Jazz and Supreme Champion Ridden Derivative, Harrington Park Simply Divine.

This committee is determined to ‘bring back fun to horse shows’ and this day went a long way towards doing that.  It was very satisfying to us all to see the smiles on the faces of happy competitors.

The Canteen did a roaring trade and many thanks to all our helpers and friends without whom these days would not be possible. We were most grateful for all the offers of help we received both on the day and for the future.

– Alison Hudson, President
  

After a busy and successful National Capital Horse Show in November 2009, ARABS Inc. committee, members and show volunteers took some time out in December to relax at Judith Perkins’ rural retreat at Bellmount Forest and celebrate a Christmas get together.  The weather was perfect and it was pleasant sitting under the shady, vine covered pergola overlooking the picturesque Caroline Creek Valley with its 100 year old elm trees and, of course, the Apple Gum Arabians.

The varied and delicious dishes were provided by all who attended and Jane Hanson’s macadamia, smoked chicken and mango salad was very popular as was Rex’s wonderful Iceberg salad.   Discussions went on until well into the afternoon when Kevin asked if a paddock tour could be conducted!

The first paddock visited was the mare paddock where there was a mix of mares including the black Richmeed Medallion Arabian Warmblood mare, “Byalee Mantilla”, the grey Kandahar ibn Kazra (UK/NZ) daughter, “Kazablanka”, the Buckskin Arabian Pinto mare, “Yandilla Tequila on Ice”, the Purebred mare, “Pasquinell Karistal (by Saracen Karim – Can) and the gentle, black thoroughbred mare, “Ensemble”.

A visit to paddock 2 introduced the Purebred Gelding, “Scorchin” (Aust Champ and Res Aust Champ), who has had a successful show and performance career at halter and under saddle. 

The cheeky Purebred mare, Coolinda Park Eksplojza, on lease from Coolinda Park, wanted to see what was going on and demanded to be part of the action.  She entertained the visitors with a lovely extended trot, tail up over the back with snorts of delight as she flew across the paddock!

Last but not least, the inspection ended up with meeting the Purebred “Rescue Stallion”, Hamamas Bey Barron (Sunshine Bey – USA x Windsor Park Gaiety) who decided that it wasn’t worth the effort to strut his stuff.  He showed what a wonderful nature he has when he just yawned and looked like he was asking “You want me to do what?” when encouraged to even raise a trot!

On returning to the shaded comfort of the pergola, we relaxed, until well into the afternoon, with many of us relaying our treasured experiences with our lovely Arabian horses.  The time just flew and then it was a quick good bye and wishes of Merry Christmas before we all departed for our respective homes to feed our equines.

A big thank you to all those who attended the Christmas event and to all those who contributed the various dishes and nibblies.  We can now relax over the break and look forward to getting back into action in 2010!

A two-day equestrian spectacular at the Bungendore Showground saw many riders and horses from across the ACT and local NSW region competing for glory on 17-18 October.

 The ACT and Southern NSW branch of the Arabian Riders and Breeders Inc. (ARABS Inc.) scheduled their Spring Fling to cater for beginner, novice and open categories of competitors with a “Funkhana” on the first day, and a “B”class Arabian show on the second day.

The “Funkhana” featured rings catering for beginner, novice and open categories of competitors, unofficial dressage, and sporting and novelty classes for those more adventurous riders. 

The three categories had a high point component for the most successful competitor in each category and bronze medallions were presented to the successful competitors at the end of the day.  Local competitors made up many of the awards in the categories.

The day finished up with fun classes such as the “horse that looks most like its rider” (where the rider had to explain why they thought their horse looked most like them), horse with the longest coat and the fancy dress class where Santa Claus, Minnie Mouse and other fantasy characters emerged from their horse floats. 

The sporting activities included bending, flag, egg and spoon and sack races.  Many of these were time trialled throughout the day with an exciting runoff for final placings.

“The first day of the Spring Fling program was a great opportunity for many beginner riders to participate in a less formal and fun-filled environment,” said ARABS Inc vice president Judith Perkins. 

“They were able to gain the experience and confidence they need to compete at a higher level whilst proudly coming home at the end of the day with a few ribbons.”

The second day was the Spring Show, with halter and ridden Purebred and Derivative Arabian classes being judged by Arabian Horse Society Panel Judge, Greg Roach, who travelled from Victoria to attend. 

Greg is a well known equine artist in the Arabian world and he donated a lovely painting for the raffle that will be drawn at ARABS Inc’s major event, the National Capital Horse Show, on 27/28/29 November at Canberra’s EPIC.

“The four other rings were well patronised with hacks, galloways, ponies, riders and beginners,” said Judith.  “The quality of the horses was high, and many owners took the opportunity to expose their young stock to the relaxed show environment for the first time. There were other breed groups besides Arabians that were judged by local and interstate judges.”

“ARABS Inc. felt privileged to be the first ‘outsider’ group to utilise the wonderful facilities at the Bungendore Showgrounds.” 

“Having access to the new kitchen meant that the usual catering menu could be broadened.  We had people lined up for quality steak sandwiches, chips and hamburgers being freshly cooked whilst the customers were waiting.”

“We were delighted with the support provided by local businesses and individuals to ensure that the weekend was a success and we are deeply grateful to all who sponsored events and assisted with activities. The assistance of the local pony club and the showground trust was really appreciated.”

The ARABS Inc. committee and competitors agreed that the Bungendore Showground had such great facilities. In fact, the weekend was so successful that the committee is looking forward to scheduling a similar program in the near future.

 

 

Photography by Nicole Hewitt - All Creatures Photography

'The EPIC Showgrounds in Canberra on the last weekend in November was once again a mecca for quality horse flesh as competitors from Qld, NSW, Vic and the ACT assembled for the 2009 National Capital Horse Show(NCHS).  As well as the AA Class Arabian show NCHS also provides a number of other breed rings, open Hack, Galloway and Pony rings and the hotly contested All Breeds Halter and Ridden Challenges. A sausage sizzle sponsored by Future Farms on Saturday evening provided an opportunity for competitors to mingle while enjoying the spectacle of the All Breeds Challenges.

The judges for the arabian rings were Jack Maritz ( South Africa - purebred halter), Vicki Franklin (Qld - part arabian halter), Jennifer Saunders (Qld - led anglos, arabian warmbloods, quarabs, arabian stockhorses and ridden arabian derivatives), Paul Morath (Vic - led arabian ponies, arabian riding ponies and ridden purebreds) and Graham Smith (NSW, arabian youth classes)  while Mary Brun (Qld), Allan Willett (Qld) -  Mieke Bigg (Qld), and Lia Blackett (SA)  adjudicated over the remaining rings.
 
 
Senior all Breeds Halter Challenge     Imoan Sadaq   exhibited by Robali Stud
Junior   "      "          "         "             Strathford Davinci    exhibited by K Strath
Senior all Breeds Ridden Challenge    Robali Razzamatazz   exhibited by Robali Stud
Junior   "     "          "            "            Strathford Davinci    exhibited by K Strath

Grand Cahampion Purebred Exhibit     Quartz Hill Farm Ooh La La    exhibited by Quartz Hill Farms
Grand Champion Derivative Exhibit     Strathford Belcanto  exhibited by K Strath          
Champion Purebred under saddle       Bullion   exhibited by E Adams & Future Farms
Champion Derivative under saddle      Concertoff    exhibited by Future Farms
Aloha Stud Challenge (Grand Champion ridden arabian/arabian derivative)  Concertoff   exhibited by Future Farms.

 

 

DRESSAGE RESULTS

Class 2 - Official 2C

Class 2 - Official 2C - Ponies

Class 3 - Official 3C

Class 3 - Official 3C - Ponies

Class 4 - Official 4C

Class 5 - Official 5C

Class 6 - Official PSG

Class 7 - Assoc 1A

Class 8 - Assoc 1A

Class 8 - Assoc 1A - Ponies

Class 9 - Assoc 2A

Class 9 - Assoc 2A - Ponies

Class 10 - Assoc 3A

Class 10 - Assoc 3A - Ponies

Class 11 - Assoc 4A

Assoc P4 - Ponies

Class 12 - Assoc 5A

Class 13 Yr 1B

Class 14 Yr 1D

Class 15 Yr 2B

Class 16 Yr 2D

Championships

 

 

 

 

Approximately 40 members and friends gathered at Quartz Hill Farm for a barbecue lunch to celebrate our horses birthday on Saturday 1 August.

While everyone enjoyed lunch, provided by the new committee, they had an opportunity to mingle and meet other Arabian horse owners and members from as far afield as Orange (go Michelle!). After lunch our new President, Ally Hudson, welcomed the guests and introduced the new committee and thanked them for being a great group to work with.  She then gave an informative demonstration on applying makeup to the Arabian showhorse. For her model Ally used her lovely 3 year old colt Quartz Hill Farm The Startrekker.

Another excellent demonstration followed.  Bianca Chatillon demonstrated plaiting the mane while Letitia Toms demonstrated putting in a false tail (so that it doesn't slip, or worse, fall out) and then of plaiting the tail.  This again was very informative with lots of tips, and these young ladies expertise is something to which we can all aspire.  Judith Perkins' (Vice President) gorgeous and patient purebred gelding, Scorchin, was used as a model for this exercise.

Guests then had another opportunity to mingle, catch up and enjoy an afternoon drink.  It was generally agreed that it was a great day enjoyed by all with the club gaining new members and others showing interest.

Thanks to everyone for coming and making this such a great day.

 

President - Alison Hudson	Kevin Cantwell, Vice President	Plaitting & False Tail Demonstration!!!
Members eagerly watched on during the demonstration!	Mingling Members	More happy Arabs Inc. members!
	Something 'very' interesting happening over there!	New friends and old friends...
Make-up demonstration.	Valuable information being shared here!	QHF Startrekker
		Some groupies???

 

 

The Summer Sizzler Show was well supported by competitors, with some very good numbers in some classes! The purebred arabian classes saw some new faces, and the classic head and classic trot classes were hotly contested. The eventual Supreme Champion - Quinta Essentia (River Oak Imprint x Northampton Edissa) wont the Classic Trot, and the classic head was won by Ridgecrest Jamalii (Alii IMP USA x Eastwind Exotica) who was also Champion Mare.

The derivative classes were huge as well, and the Supreme award went to Sahibi Sarazin (Kandahar Ibn Kazra UK/IMP NZ x Bibaringa Britta), who was Champion Derivative Gelding. Champion derivative stallion went to Betar Masquerade and the Champion mare was Birdwood Maid of Honour.

In the Hack rings, Supreme ridden hack went to Samuel J, ridden by A. Stone. Supreme ridden galloway went to Mayflower Bellington, L Micklethwaite and the Supreme ridden pony was Westlake Grand Affair.

I will also add that there most impressive to see was a young boy competing in rider 6 years and under class. The little fellow was also spotted competing at Bungendore Show! Congratulations to M. Finck, and his gorgeous pony Leahey.

Everyone seemed to have a smile on their faces, especially as midday came closer and the smell of sausages, steak, egg and bacon wafted across the grounds! Many competitors couldn't resist and took the opportunity to grab a spot of shade to enjoy their lunch and catch up with friends.