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Equestrian WA

August 11, 2022

EVENTING STAR TESSA SHARMAN-FARRELLY SHARES HER EQUESTRIAN JOURNEY

Local Eventing star Tessa Sharman-Farrelly sat down for a chat with Equestrian WA to reflect on her equestrian journey - including her early days in the Wheatbelt, what she loves most about the sport and her future ambitions!

 

Tell us about how you became involved with riding and equestrian sport? When did you start and who introduced you? Were there any particular things that influenced you getting involved?

I grew up on a farm in the Central Wheatbelt, and my Mum was horsey, so it was just a way of life for us. From before I could walk, I was sitting on a horse, I have photos of me in nappies riding on our ponies, and my love for the horses grew into a love of competing and producing horses as I got older. I am lucky enough to come from a family who always supported my passion. My Mum, although she never competed to the level I have, always encouraged me to keep aspiring to be better and supported me in every way. And even though my Dad never really understood the ‘horses’ he always supported me financially until I could support myself.

 

What are the things that you love most about riding and equestrian sport?

From the riding side of things, I love the sense of achievement when you produce a horse from scratch through to the high levels of the sport, in any discipline. At the start it always seems impossible to think the horse will ever be able to perform to those levels, but slowly and surely with the right education they get there and before you know it you are achieving things you never thought possible. And from the sport side of things, I love the community and friends that I have from the sport. I am lucky enough now to run a business in the Equestrian industry, along with being on a number of committees, so that has thrown me further into the sport, and the support and friendship that has come from both of these avenues is massive and means a lot.

 

Can you tell us more about your horse/s and what they mean to you?

I currently have two horses in my stables. Rita is my main horse, and she is incredibly special to me. She came into my life when I felt a bit down and out in the sport. I had two top level horses that just weren’t what I had hoped they would be, and I wasn’t sure where to go next. Then Rita came along - an opinionated pushy mare, that has talent to burn, and she really set my soul on fire again to train another horse through to the top level. And the baby of my stables is a lovely gelding called Cuba who I purchased in January from Caitlin Bolger at Riverwood Lodge. He is only four (4) years old, so I am currently just training him lightly and competing at low level while he finishes growing. He is a very exciting prospect for the future, and is already proving to be a little superstar.

 

What level of competition are you currently competing at? How many times a year do you compete?

I am currently competing at 2 star level eventing with Rita, she will upgrade to 3 star at her next start later this year, and Cuba is currently competing at 80cm eventing. Somehow we find ourselves at a competition most weekends. Eventers like to branch out and go to showjumping or dressage days to work on those phases.

 

What is your proudest achievement so far in equestrian sport?

Hmm this is a tough one, as I have lots of moments that I am proud of over the years. Most recently though it would have to be my trip to the Melbourne International Three Day Event. Rita & I finished 2nd in the 6 year old Young Event horse class, and then 13th in the CCI2* L from over 70 starters. I was so proud of my amazing horse for her performance at that event.

 

What are some of your future goals and aims within the sport, both short and long term?

I am hoping to qualify for and compete at the Adelaide International Horse trials next year in April with Rita in the CCI 3* L class, and then maybe we will be back there in the next few years to contest the 5 star. I would love to start in a 5 star event one day, so hopefully I have the horse currently in my stables that will help me achieve that goal.

 

Does anyone in your life play a role in supporting your involvement or providing inspiration?

Growing up, my Mum was my support with my horses, and although she isn’t involved now like she use to be, she is still very much there in the background. And of course my amazing husband is now my biggest supporter. He attends every event with me that he can, and in addition to the moral support, he is also the best groom around. The horses absolutely love him, and although he didn’t grow up in a horsey family, he is very skilled with the horses and is able to help me with them at events. I don’t ever really compete with a groom, even when I have multiple horses, and I can only do this because Gerry is there and always ready to help with whatever is needed.

 

Can you tell us something interesting about you that we don’t know? How would someone describe you?

Haha I would prefer not to know how people describe me!! That’s their business not mine!!

No seriously, I think most people see me as a straight shooter, some appreciate it and some don’t, but I am a loyal person who will always stand up for what I believe is right and will support others when needed.

Something interesting…I have a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with a Major in Accounting and worked as an accountant for several years before moving to work at Horseland. All of this how led me to where I am now, owning my own business - Spooks Riding Australia.

 

Above: Tessa on the cross country course

Credit: Waylib Photos

 

Below: Tessa and Rita flying high

Credit: Tilly McDonald Photography

 





REGISTER NOW FOR STEWARDS SEMINARS TAKING PLACE AT THE WOOROLOO 3DE

Thanks to Competitive Edge - funded by EA High Performance, a Stewarding for Riders and Stewards Seminar will be held at the Wooroloo TeleMedVET International 3 Day Event.

These FREE seminars, presented by Chris Wallis (Vic) as FEI Steward General and a Level 3 FEI Eventing Steward, are available to all steward specialisations:

THURSDAY 18 AUGUST @ 2:00PM - 4:00PM: INTRO TO STEWARDING COURSE

Theory session, suited to those interested in stewarding. Those that seek to do more stewarding are encouraged to also join the EA Stewards Course (Fri-Sat).

REGISTER NOW

THURSDAY 18 AUGUST @ 6:00PM - 7:30PM: STEWARDING FOR RIDERS - BITS, BRIDLES, FEI APP

Meet the Steward team members and how their role can support riders. Also covering principles of bits and bridles allowed in all eventing phases and riders are encouraged to bring their bridles and bits along for advice and discussion in line with the rules. Engaging and open forum to seek clarification on the FEI App and any other questions riders may have. Open to all riders and Zoom link will be enabled for those offsite.

REGISTER NOW

FRIDAY 19 AUGUST AND SATURDAY 20 AUGUST @ 8:30AM - 4:00PM

Two-day course based largely in the field stewarding and
its function with trot up, dressage, cross country, post cross country processes and SJ.

REGISTER NOW

Participants are welcome to purchase their own meals via the event food vans available.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear as there will be some walking involved viewing aspects of the competition for stewarding.

For further information and enquiries contact Jacinta Withoud via 0404 376 626 or jacintawithoud@hotmail.com



For all your Dressage News please visit their Website!

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Please be advised of the following that are now available on the EA website:

• EOI’s are now open to host Major Australian Dressage Championships information & application form can be located on the EA website - HERE


SECURE YOUR SPOT IN FINAL MASTERS OF DRESSAGE MASTERCLASS ON AUGUST 24

SECURE YOUR SPOT



HORSE OF THE YEAR PROGRAM AND WORKOUTS NOW AVAILABLE

The EWA Show Horse and Endeavon Products Horse & Rider of the Year program and workouts are now available on the Equestrian WA website

Entries close via Nominate on Monday 8 August at 9pm. Late entries will not be accepted.

This year’s event will feature classes for Off the Track Thoroughbred sponsored by OTTWA, classes for Purebred Arabian, Arabian Derivative and Arabian Performance Index sponsored by the Western Australian Arabian Horse Association and Ridden Shetland.

Horses do not need to be registered with EWA to compete in the Arabian classes but the rider must be either a competitor, participant or adult riding member of EWA to compete and horses must be registered in their relevant registry with the Arabian Horse Society of Australia to compete.

Horses do not need to be registered with EWA if they are only competing in the OTT class, however the owner must be an EWA competitor member and the horse must be registered when competing at the Australasian Show Horse & Rider Championships.

Riders must hold a minimum of Adult Rider membership of EWA to compete in the OTT class at the State Horse and Rider of the Year. Race name and OTT Passport Number of the horse must be included with the entry. Click here for more information with regard to obtaining an OTT Passport Number. 

Horse of the Year Program

Lead Rein

First Ridden

Rider under 12 years, 12, 13 & 14 years

Rider 15, 16 & 17 years, 18 years up to inc 25 years and over 26 years

 

SHOW HORSE LEADERBOARD UPDATED

Follow the progress of the EWA Show Horse Leaderboard on the Show Horse WA webpage. The leaderboard now includes results from Riverside and the Winter Gala.

The remaining leaderboard dates for the year are below:

HOY: Friday 9 September - Sunday 11 September
WAAHA: Saturday 8 October
Albany Horsemans: Sunday 9 October
Perth Horse & Pony Club: Sunday 16 October

 

WHISKERS POLICY

A horse’s sensory hairs may not be clipped and/or shaven or otherwise modified in any way under penalty of elimination from the event.

Individual sensory hairs may be removed by a veterinarian to prevent pain or discomfort for the horse. Areas of hair that must be clipped, shaven or removed to allow veterinary treatment are exempt from this rule.

A phase in period of six months is being introduced to ensure horses are competing with sensory hairs. From 1 July 2022, horses found competing with clipped/shaven/otherwise modified sensory hairs will be issued a recorded warning.

Visit the Equestrian Australia website to access the general regulations.


RIDERS MANUAL UPDATED

The Showjumping Riders' Manual has been updated as of July 2022. Please visit the Jumping WA webpage to access the manual and familiarise yourself with it. 


GET YOUR ENTRIES IN FOR THE PERTH ROYAL SHOW!

Perth Royal Show entries are still open!

Visit the Royal Agricultural Society of WA website for more information.

Entries close on Sunday 14 August 2022 at 5:00pm.


FOLLOW OUR STARS IN THE UPDATED LEADERBOARDS!

The Masters Series Leaderboard and Newcomers Leaderboard have both been updated on the Equestrian WA website - making it easier to follow the progress of our stars in the Eventing world. Make sure to check them out. 


 

 


SUPPORT OUR TALENTED PARA-EQUESTRIAN RIDERS THROUGH BECOMING A PE JUDGE

BOOK NOW VIA TRYBOOKING




GET INVOLVED IN PRCD'S EA CARRIAGE DRIVING CLINIC

Peel Regional Carriage Drivers are delighted to announce their EA Clinic with Jessica Meredith on Saturday 3 September and Sunday 4 September.

(Please note that this is a new date. The original date was listed as Saturday 10 September and Sunday 11 September)

The cost to participate in the clinic is $60 per lesson and a venue will be confirmed shortly. 

Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge as the past Equestrian Australia (EA) Chairperson for Carriage Driving, with extensive experience in driving and the rules and regulations required within EA. PRCD are offering lessons with Jessica to enhance your driving and EA rules awareness.

There will be a limited number of driving lessons therefore to secure your lesson/s payment must be made on application.

Non-PRCD members who are EA members may apply to drive, pending on entry numbers and only with committee approval.

For more information and to register contact PRCD Secretary, Vicki Lee via prcdsecretary@gmail.com


ARCA - UPCOMING EVENTS  

SUNDAY 28 AUGUST

Wanneroo AEC - Dressage Event

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

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For more information on these events and the Adult Riding Clubs Association of WA - visit their website and follow them on Facebook.









REGISTER FOR THE NORTHAM AGRICULTURAL SHOW!

The annual Northam Agricultural Society Annual Show takes place on Saturday 10 September.

There are a number of events open to EWA members, so CLICK HERE for the program and get involved!


WA ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION FUTURE EVENTS

Saturday 8 October 2022

Official Show Horse and Leaderboard Qualifier

Perth Polo Fields, Guildford


Saturday 8 October 2022

WA Arabian Horse Association Inc Ridden Horse of the Year

Perth Polo Fields, Guildford


Sunday 9 October 2022

WA Arabian Horse Association Inc Breeders Showcase

Perth Polo Fields, Guildford


Saturday 5 November - Sunday 6 November 2022

WA Arabian Horse Association Inc All Arabian Show

Perth Polo Fields, Guildford

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Enquiries for all of the above events can be forwarded to committee@waaha.com.au

For more information on the WA Arabian Horse Association visit their website.


EWA gratefully acknowledges the support of the Department of Sport and LotteryWest.


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Tel: +61 8 9296 1200
Fax: +61 8 9296 1194
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