presentation line-ups and results were close, but the judges ultimately tipped their hats to Yalambi’s Cambridge, bred by the Hovell family at Yalambi Farm Stud and owned/ridden by 22 year old Maddison Stephen. The win represented the second time a Yalambi Warmblood has captured the overall title, with Yalambi’s Waltzing Matilda being the inaugural Horseland Young Showjumping Horse Champion in 2011. Several Thoroughbreds and eventers lined up alongside the purpose-bred horses at presentations. Interestingly, the 5-Year Old winner, Devereaux Sea Salt, owned by Trish Hall and ridden by her daughter, Tia, is a Thoroughbred x Stockhorse initially destined to play polo. Other class winners were four-year old Nikko, owned and ridden by Caitlin Bolger, and Oaks Redwood, owned by Rebecca and Steph Tucker, who rides and trains the seven year old chestnut gelding. “I look for horses that are forward-thinking, responsive and eager as youngsters, who jump naturally out of their shoulders,” commented Chris to the spectators when summing up the competition. His brief ride on each of the four horses enabled him to clarify things he’d seen as eyes on the ground, and his comments gave onlookers and riders an insight into what a professional rider of his stature looks for and likes in young showjumpers. The event also received support this year from Yalambi, Barrabadeen Performance Horses, DvZ Stud and Lucy Galovicova through Kentaur Australia, local stud breeders that have based their breeding programs primarily on European bloodlines and are producing exceptional jumping horses. In addition to putting the spotlight on young jumping horses, Swan River Showjumping’s June event also showcased record numbers of the state’s top younger riders through Healthway’s Go for 2 & 5 Jumping Masters Qualifiers. Healthway sponsorship has provided enormous encouragement for young riders, and the club reinforced its healthy living message on the weekend by offering baskets of fresh fruit for riders and carrots for their horses. Above: Heath Ahmat and Serene Dream won the 1.05 Go for 2 & 5 Jumping Masters. Below: FIve Year Old winner Devereaux Sea Salt and Tia Hall.