A thirst for knowledge coupled with an abundance of ability has seen young Lali Alt finish as a top 10 rider in the 6-9 years division at the 2017 NSW Country Show Horse Championships.
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The kindergartener excelled at the four-day event at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) last week and it came as little surprise to those that see Lali train.
“She’s keen, she’s confident and she’s prepared to listen and take on advice,” Jacki Kiehne – who helps train Lali – said of the young gun.
“Only being six, she’s quite passionate about it. It’s something she really wants and she’s tried really hard for.”
Other riders from Glen Innes to attend the championships – which were also used as qualifiers for the Grand Nationals – included Kerry Trow, Rachel Kiehne and Luke Kiehne while Jane Alt also had ponies competing.
Jacki said Rachel and Luke rode well at the event despite missing out on top 10 finishes.
“We didn't really expect huge accomplishments but I was very happy how Rachel rode and Luke had a young horse [Top Shelf Enigma] who he rode really nicely.
“That was the first time we’d done anything at that level. We’ve done royals and those sorts of things but we hadn't done a grand national qualifier.”
Competition was stiff at the championships with big numbers and high quality horses and riders in attendance.
New England and North West Show Horse Association president Shona Charlesworth hoped the event would continue to grow.
“We’re holding it again in 2019 and hopefully it’ll be even bigger,” Charlesworth said.
“This is the third year we’ve run it and each time we’ve run it, we’ve had a high quality of horses. Competitors just love the venue.”
The event started last Thursday with the newcomer, preliminary and amateur classes taking to the stage.
The Friday saw the children compete followed by the open horse classes on Saturday and the Show Hunters on the Sunday.
Horse and riders from NSW, Queensland and Victoria competed at the four-day NSW Country Show Horse Championships.
RESULTS
LALI ALT
Top 10 rider in 6-9 years age division
PONIES
Westlake Entourage: fifth in small pony hack ridden by child under 17 years
Westlake Newsflash: fifth in newcomer large pony hack ridden by child under 17 years (rider Kasey Currall
Westlake Newsflash: second in large pony hack ridden by child under 17 years (rider Kasey Currall)