Sally and nine-year-old Jaffa combined to win the NSW Pony Club Dressage Championship in the 15 under 17 age division in Bowral, qualifying for the September nationals in South Australia in the process.

The success at state level surprised Sally, who had modest expectations  after Jaffa’s recent struggles with a leg injury.  

“He’s been out for 18 months and he’s only come back in lately and started competing,” Sally said of Jaffa.

“That was our first go in the older age group as well, so I thought this year I’d go for experience and have a bit of fun.

“But the judges liked him and he did well.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Sally and Jaffa had two dressage tests in Bowral, earning third on day one and first on the second.

There were more than 20 riders from across NSW and Queensland in the 15 under 17 age group, but Sally said Jaffa had them covered.

“Jaffa’s a very special horse,” Sally said.

“I’d been riding him for a year when he became injured.

“We weren’t sure if he was ever going to be right, so we were all very worried about him.

“We got another horse, but I haven’t got quite the bond that I have with him.

 “Now that he’s come back, I’m very happy. 

“I really love riding him.”

Part of Sally’s joy comes from the confidence she has that Jaffa will perform when he has to.

Sally said her horse knew when he was at a competition and what was required to impress judges.

“He’s normally very quiet and sensible, but sometimes when he gets in the arena he likes to show off what he can do,” she said.

“I think he likes being in front of a crowd.

“He’s quite a good-looking horse and he knows when he’s getting watched.

“I think he gets a bit of a kick out of it.

“That’s just the way that he is.”

Also competing at the state championships from the Griffith Pony Club were Rebecca Groat, Imogen Hanna and Lydia Hanna.