A huge congratulations to Pheobe Clifton from Grenfell who won Reserve Champion Child's Hack over 16 hands high at the Equestrian NSW Horse of the Year over the weekend.
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Pheobe picked up the ride in the class on the horse Asman owned, trained and ridden by Tahlia Wells from Young.
The 16-year-old rode against the best of the best horses and riders in the state to win reserve champion and qualify to ride for NSW at the Equestrian Australia National Horse of the Year in Melbourne as well as the Southern Cross Show Horse Spectacular at the Sydney International Equestrian Center in March next year.
However, on top of her big win late on Friday night, Pheobe also was placed in the top ten of the Child's Large Show Hunter Hack class on her own horse DQ Bob the Builder, which was a massive feat considering she and Bob are only a relatively new combination.
Pheobe also rode Costar owned, trained and ridden by Tracie Wells of Young in her rider class late on Saturday night where they held their own in a very competitive and large group.
Compared to the majority of competitors in the ring over the weekend Pheobe is only relatively new to the showing scene having only competed on such a high level for a few years, however she not only did herself and her family proud but did Grenfell proud as an ambassador for the town with some big names in attendance.
The competition is extremely fierce and not only having to rely on yourself the riders also have the added pressure of having to make sure their horse is at peak performance as well in a high energy and high pressure environment that started early in the morning and sometimes went right through until late at night.
Over the weekend Pheobe was very well supported by her Mum, Sarah Clifton, her instructor Tracie Wells, Tahlia Wells (who were both also riding) and was cheered on by Antonia Brown from Harden in what was a fantastic result for the local.
Pheobe will be competing again this weekend at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre for the Show Horse Council Pacific-Coast Championships where she will once again ride Asman in the Child's hack and will also be contesting her rider class.
We wish Pheobe the best of luck both this weekend as well as at Nationals when they are finally held in Melbourne.
Rebecca Hewson
A local with a love of local news reporting for the people across the Hilltops and Weddin areas.
A local with a love of local news reporting for the people across the Hilltops and Weddin areas.
