Jumpers show grit in Classic

Riders from Busselton Horse and Pony Club proved to be tough competition against talented riders from across the State at the Horserail Busselton Jumping Winter Festival.

Busselton Horse and Pony Club vice president Caroline Lill said the Busselton event was one of only eight show jumping events in WA to offer heights of 1.30m.

"We now have the expertise, the reputation and very good support from local business to run this event," she said. "The comprehensive program attracts some of the best riders from WA and interstate, exposing our local riders to top quality competition."

Busselton Horse and Pony Club riders were strong in the Leeuwin Equine Veterinary Hospital Arena, placing in most classes they competed in.

Todd Brokeman placed first on his horse Toledo in the 65cm class and Annie Creek came first in the 50cm Optimum Time class riding Judaroo Rainbow.

Emma Courtney-Bennett placed second in the 90cm-1.04m class on her horse To Infinity and took out Best Presented horse. One of State's top riders, David Dobson, took out Saturday's Horseland WA Classic on his horse Oaks Zena, with local rider Maddison Stephen claiming second and third on her horse Carmen and Cambridge.

The weekend's main event, the EWA Horserail Horse of the Year Qualifier, was won by Caitlin Bolger, who entered four horses into the class and in an extraordinary effort rode three horses into the jump off and managed to secure first and third place.