A GOLD class standard of ponies, horses and riders will be on show in the main arena in all classes of this years Rosewood Show horse event.
Chief Steward Pat Lenihan said that competitors will be travelling from all over Queensland to be part of this year’s show.
“This year’s spectators will be treated to an elite standard of top breeders and competitors with their horses and ponies who will be participating in different classes in the arena on Saturday,” he said.
“After years of uncertainty the nominations are very impressive and each class is guaranteed to show what these top breeders and competitors are all about.
“Country shows such as Rosewood are so important to all of these people, because points are accumulated to go towards being selected to enter the bigger shows such as the Royal Brisbane and the Melbourne shows.
“Months of preparation and lots of money is put into preparing for these shows, and it takes skilled training and a lot of time to prepare the horses.”
For Pat this is a life time tradition, his father Pat Senior attended the Rosewood Show from a young boy and now all of the family is involved in the organisation and running of the event.
“Before becoming Chief Steward, I competed alongside my siblings every year in the show, in hack and pony classes, it was always a busy time of the year, so I do understand what the competitors go through,” he said.
“Supporting and volunteering my time to the horse events does mean a lot to me, because it is one of the main events that families come to see, and it is a highlight of my year.
“The early morning starts, washing and preparing the horses, ensuring our clothes and gear was all immaculate and then the full day of competing, it is a full time job for some.”
In memory of one of Rosewood Shows past Life Members the late Gordon McGeary, Pat came up with the idea of creating an event that showcased the talent and performance of both horse and rider through a challenge.
“This challenge is called the Gordon McGeary Challenge, it consists of a hack class, jumping, opening and closing gates, and a course where the horse and rider are judged on both performance and presentation,” he said.
“Among these obstacles the rider will also be expected to complete cattle cut out, where one beast will be selected and the horse will be observed on how it handles the challenge.
“This takes a lot of control, the horse must be calm and must be able to adjust to be a great all rounder, the judges watch carefully and the winners are placed from first to fifth.
“Overall, there is so much that will be taking place in my section and I spend most of my day in the arena, the people who I have met and the families who get involved all make it enjoyable and keeping the family tradition going is very special.”
