Locals riding their way to showjumping fame

TWO showjumping riders from Garfield North are putting themselves – and the equestrian world – on the map.
Alex Rooney was a star at the annual Dressage and Jumping with the Stars competition at Werribee, while Jamie Kermond, a Sydney World Cup winner, was runner up in the Bell Tea Olympic Cup in New Zealand last weekend.
Rooney rode several horses during the three-day event – and the star of the show was Tulara Balouch, who was crowned the champion jumper of the five-year-olds.
Then Tulara Balouch, a black gelding, was declared the Young Jumping Horse Champion of Champions and the best Australian bred and registered jumping horse.
Kermond made it to the final in a nailbiting jump off.
According to the New Zealand HOY website, “second-placed Kermond was philosophical about the rail, taking full blame for it.”
“It’s heart-breaking not to win, but it was fantastic considering where we have come from over the last few months,” Kermond said.
Nine-year-old Colthaga had a small injury that limited her build-up competition before the Horse of the Year Show – which had been in the planning for the past six months.
Kermond, low-key about his successes, collected $30,000 for his efforts. Just as importantly, he officially qualified for possible selection for the 2012 Olympics in London.