BURRELL Creek equestrian Zoe Bunting won four championships, two reserve championships and finished in the top three of five other events in the Australian Appaloosa Championships held in Tamworth.
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She was also named grand champion hack. This followed competition between the champions from all the hack classes.
This was the first time the 17-year-old had contested the nationals. Events are judged by an Australian and an American, who makes the trip over especially for the championship.
"All of my champions came from the traditional English events of dressage a hacking,'' Zoe explained.
"However I also competed in a number of western disciplines, winning a reserve champion. I competed in both youth and open events, and the open hack champion and grand champion I received were both open against adults.
"My horse's name is 'LWM Mr Frost' also known as 'Frosty.''
He is a seven-year-old Appaloosa gelding. Zoe has owned him since he was a yearling.
"I've been riding since I was about eight,'' Zoe said.
"But I didn't own my own horse until I was 11. I live on a property with my horses, so I have the opportunity to ride and train everyday, which I do with the occasional break.
"Darren Brislane (horse trainer) has helped Frosty and I so much, I can't thank him enough.
"I am a member of Wingham Pony Club where we receive lessons each training day from a wide variety of instructors and they haves been great.
"Apart from that I don't really get any lessons, I mainly just train at home by myself.''
As this was her first experience at riding at national level, Zoe wasn't expecting to bring home any championship trophies.
"I was hoping it would be a great experience that I could learn a lot from, which I did.
"After a very successful State championship in Sydney, where I also took out grand champion hack I was more familiar with what nationals would be like although on a larger scale, so that helped prepare me and Frosty.
"This is my biggest success so far, but there is much more to look forward to in the future.
"There are more national championships in dressage and hacking I am aiming to qualify for. I will also be competing in some more Show jumping this year.
"One day I would like to represent Australia, but I have plenty more to work on in the mean time.''
