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One weekend in November 2009 we travelled to Kerirkeri with full sisters Tb welsh cob crosses Ballytruckle Shamrock and Ballytruckle Sally Gap on board to compete in the Showhunter registered and training rings.

Present on the day was another of Mill Creek Valiants progeny Red Rupert, owned by Emma Wiggins of Waimate North. He is out of a standard bred mare and is trained for harness and ridden. He has just started in the Showhunter training ring and from his clean action and laconic attitude he should do very well.

Sophie and Sally had a fabulous time competing in the TVARC Points Series 2009 Novice Ring. Their placings were
Showhunter:

• 1st place 70cm
• 1st place 75cm

Showjumping:

• 1st place 50cm
• 2nd place 60cm
• 1st place 80cm

They won Champion Overall Novice Ring SJ
2nd place Overall in the 3 day series
Camelia Park Cup for TVARC member overall winner

Thames Valley Adult Riding Club 3 day Series was a huge success for the Ballytruckle Stud. In such a varied competition the versatility of the Welsh cob was evident in all three phases.

As a result of Nelson damaging his eye severly in late January I have not been able to venture far from home. Currently in early April he is still stabled daily and has numerous ointments and powders administered throughout the day. Subsequently the summer competitions came tyo an end for me and Shamrock as Steve and I cared for Nelson- I feel like my right hand has been cut off as I have always found him to be invaluable with starting the young horses. I have to rethink some of my strategies.

Emma Wiggins took me for a drive in her lovely gig pulled expertly by Rupert. He is by Mill Creek Valiant out of standardbred mare Sasha. He is a 15.2-3 hh chestnut with four whites and certainly knows his job very well, even though he is still only 4 yo!! Emma was telling me all about his training- it certainly was like another era in the gig, people were very friendly and many stopped to talk to Emma. What a fantastic way to get about the countryside.

Yet another riding holiday this summer has seen the family pack the horse truck and join the throngs leaving hot and sultry Auckland. We joined friends Wolfgang and Rosie Sholz on a riding holiday at Te Arai Pt. What a fantastic time away. We had 3 days and two nights there. It wasnt long enough really.

Te Arai Pt

Ballytruckle Shamrock and Hannah competed at the Woodhill Sands 2 * SJ and SH Show late Nov 2008. They were placed fourth in the Welcome Hunter Showhunter 80cm class and won the Category C Flat Class. According to bystanders the entries were smaller than previous years but competition was nonetheless very strong.

Photo below is of Hannah Mills on Ballytruckle Shamrock after 4th placing in Matinganui Farms Classic 90cm at Woodhill Sands in Jan 09.