Gallery ǀ International equestrian enthusiasts descend on Benalla for Trans-Tasman Challenge

Held bi-annually, the event is a co-operative effort of the Australian Quarter Horse Association and the American Quarter Horse Association of New Zealand.

Traditionally, solely youth teams have participated, but a revamped event now includes amateur competitions for other age groups and abilities.

In recent years, youth and amateur competitors from New Caledonia have also taken part in the challenge.

Australia amateur team manager Trish Wettenhall said the week-long event was filled with exciting competition, but also educational sessions, offering younger riders the chance to learn and hone their craft.

“We started the week with clinics and educational sessions across the three countries,” Wettenhall said.

“The youth work alongside the amateurs in groups and spend half a day each with an American trainer, and the other half a day they spend with their own coaches.

“On the Friday morning we had the ranch competition, then on Saturday was a full day of competition.”

New Zealand would go on to clinch the amateur competition, while the Australian riders were winners in the youth category.

Local competitor Annie Boyd saluted in the Amateur Hunter Under Saddle category, riding QXH Sweet Dreams N Lies.

Her horse was one of 36 local horses loaned out for the challenge.

An international event like this was sure to benefit the association and the equestrian community in Benalla, Wettenhall said, as it continued to grow in the region.

“It’s really good from the equestrian centre’s point of view, by running the event there, the Australian Quarter Horse Association has increased the income that’s enabled them to buy the yards,” Wettenhall said.

“It’s going to be great for all of us moving forward.”