Pony Club Championships a popular drawcard

Those selected for the jumping equitation state team were Sienna Potter (Zone 6),Brooke Coyne (Zone 2) Phoebe Church (Zone 9) and Mahli Pereka riding (Zone 7).

The showjumping state team selected were Lily Short (Zone 6), Chelsea Jefferies (Zone 6), Millie Williams riding (Zone 13) and Molly Boden (Zone 6).

The highly coveted Percy Bishop award for the highest aggregate score for both jumping equitation and showjumping on the same horse and rider combination was Amy Cunzolo riding Finch Farm Curtis (Zone 15).

Charleville parents Charmaine and Paul Thureson made the long haul to Dalby with theirs daughters Riley and Jordyn, and their much-loved off the track Thoroughbreds, for the them to compete at the Pony Club of Queensland championships over the weekend.

"When you have two daughters who have a love of horses and are focused on showjumping, you give them every opportunity," Mrs Thureson said.

She said while her daughters are gifted the horses after a life of racing by two local trainers Mark Johnstone and Shane Iverson, it is up to them to make something of them.

"My husband rides track work here in Charleville, so we always have some prior knowledge on the horses when they come to us", Mrs Thureson said.

She said the off the track Thoroughbreds provide some kids with a great opportunity to learn to ride horses.

Daughter, Riley said she lost her pony when she was nine and he was replaced with an off the track Thoroughbred Beau, who was five.

"He was very rewarding as we taught each other to jump and grew together," she said.

Riley and Jordyn joined with another Charleville local Millie Williams to be the only representatives for zone 13.

Millie and her old mare Florrie took out the 12 and under 70 cm showjumping championship over the the weekend.

Millie has now been selected for the Queensland Showjumping Team and will compete at National level; she is the youngest member at 10 years old.

For Innisfail mother Julianne Madsen, the 3000 kilometre round trip to Dalby is very worthwhile.

"We made the trip because my daughter Lahni qualified and wanted to attend," Mrs Madsen said.

"Pony club championships is an great experience as we have limited competition in the north.

"Lahni learned to experience competition going from about seven kids here, to more than 30 in her group."

Mrs Madsen said that overall the weekend was about building her daughter's confidence and social skills.

"She was placed 10^th in her group, which was pleasing, but it also showed her how to be a good sport."

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