Stuart’s Bright Idea is brilliant
This annual event is to raise funds for horse riders with disabilities.
STUART Bowley from Paddock entered the Ulwazi Equestrian SARDA event held at the Ulwazi Farm near Hilton recently. This annual event is dedicated to raise funds on a national basis for horse riders with disabilities.
Stuart’s partner in crime was his four and a half-year-old gelding, Bright Idea, the apple of both his eyes. With Bright’s age in mind (and no doubt his own as well) they entered in the adult 60cm class, which for experienced horses, is a hop, skip and step-over exercise. However, this was Brights’ first time ever show away from home and his stablemates, a big step in his life.
Stuart and Bright executed a fair dressage round on the Saturday morning and made all the basic errors expected, progressing on to the showjumping phase where they had a much-applauded clear round.
On the Sunday morning, Bright was raring to have a go at the cross-country course but Stuart kept a firm hand on the reins and coached him gently through all 13 obstacles. Six minutes and two refusals later, they crossed the finish line triumphantly and, being the last competitor for the day, went galloping past to jump the whole course again.
The setting was spectacular with views over the Umgeni Gorge towards Albert Falls dam, the hospitality generous to the extreme, Bright’s behaviour exemplary for a youngster on his first outing, and Stuart’s performance miraculous for a 63 year old.
Another memory was made, and the lovely green rosette on Bright’s stable wall is ample proof thereof.
