SAHT - REYNELLA HORSE TRIALS
HISTORY.
Thanks to Judy Whyntie, for all her help, advice and comprehensive record keeping.
PRE REYNELLA 1968 - 1985
SA HORSE TRIALS had its informal beginnings in 1967 when a group of friends, headed by Margie Shepherd (Oliver) organised a ODE at Coromandel Valley. The winner of this event was Miss Eunice Neville (junior), riding Rusty Springs, and Miss Juliet Atkinson (senior), riding Impala. Following the success of this event, an annual event was held at “Bendarra” Oakbank, courtesy of Mr Mick Gillman, until 1973. Following these informal meetings and events, the first official meeting of SAHT, (South Australian Horse Trials) took place, but it was not constituted until 28 February 1974. At this inaugural meeting held in Coromandel Valley, was
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Margaret Shepherd Judy Whyntie Susan Paul
Prim Russon Pru Russon Lindy Poidevin
Elizabeth Pridham Jane Whibley Ian McFetridge
Peter Heagney Charles Harrison Jim Dunn Greg Evans
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and all were co-opted onto the Committee.
Ian McFetridge was elected as the first Chairman, and as no funds were available Peter Heagney loaned the Committee $20 in order that the 1972 event could eventuate, which had attracted 61 entries. Fortunately a profit was made, the loan was repaid, and SAHT inc continued to operate. Many of the inaugural committee are still actively involved in the horse world, Pru Russon, (Copping), Lindy Young (Poidevin), and Judy Whyntie. Jim Dunn (dec) was also present at the first meeting and was a significant contributor to the eventing world.
WINNERS
1968 OAKBANK ODE
Junior Jane Whibley, Karara
Novice Bob Button, Phoenix
Open Brian Schrapel, Copenhagen
1969 OAKBANK ODE
Junior Jane Whibley, Karara
Novice Marg Shepherd, Champagne Charlie
Open John Vaughan, The Munster
1970 OAKBANK ODE.
Junior Jane Whibley, Karara
Senior Tim Dodd, P.M. Flight
1971 OAKBANK ODE
Junior Karen Chisholm, Quintessence
Novice Susan Munro, Caribou
Intermediate Inst Tim Dodd, P.M.Flight.
1972 OAKBANK ODE.
Junior Rebecca Pridham, Bebre
Novice Senior Constable R Waye, PH Iota
Inter M.C. John Vaughan, PH Image.
1973 OAKBANK ODE
Junior Tim Barritt, San Diego
Novice Michael Rudd, Armolite
Inter Sandra Begg, Dolphin
KANGARILLA 1973-1976
In 1973, Judy Whyntie was elected Chairman of SAHT, a position she held until 1986, and the ODE was shifted to “Forest Lodge” Kangarilla, on the property of Noel and Josie Hittman in 1974.
In 1975, South Australia hosted the International Equestrian Expo, under the leadership of Isobelle Coles. During this time, SAHT hosted HRH Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips for the Kangarilla ODE event, which was held over 3 days due to the large number of entries. Wayne Roycoft on Laurenson, won the Open class in this year (1975) and it proved to be to be a good training run, as he went on to win a Bronze medal riding in the team event, with his father Bill, at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. The SAHT logo became a standard feature on entry forms and letterheads throughout these years.
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1974 KANGARILLA ODE
Junior David Wilson Nimity
Novice Tim Barritt, Dan Diego
Inter David Ramsey, Yetti
1975 KANGARILLA ODE
Junior Robert Hines, Norwood.
Novice John Craddock, True Grit
Intermediate Bill Roycroft, Toluca
Open Wayne Roycroft, Laurenson
1976 KANGARILLA ODE
Junior Kent Rhode, Von Ryan
Novice 1 Gill Jarrett, O`Shea
Novice 2 M.C. Bob Dunn, PH Heroic
Intermediate David Ramsay, Romeo
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NAIRNE AND ECHUNGA 1977-1985
Following the Kangarilla events, the Nairne property of Mr and Mrs Richard Evans, “The Valleys”, started the eventing year in 1977. The State Championships were held here in 1978, with Viv Cottrell the winner, and 1979 saw Scott Keach arrive on the eventing scene with a second placing on Oakdale Aran Isle. Scott was recognised as an exceptional talent and won events at many locations throughout Australia, and is competing currently (2016) internationally in Show Jumping.
1977 NAIRNE ODE
Junior Gail Johnson, Shenamba
Novice Keith Smith, Rather Nice
Advanced Snr Const Bob Dunn PH Heroic
1978 NAIRNE ODE – State Champs.
Junior Sean Edwards, Mugwump
Novice 1 Murray Day, Leunara
Novice 2 Brian Schrapel (Vic) Porthos
Advanced Viv Cottrell, Tracy`s Driftwood
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1979 NAIRNE ODE
Junior Anthony Wyatt, Feliciano
Novice 1 Annette Willson, Young Winston
Novice 2 Phillipa Mowle, Bones
Advanced Pauline Naughton, Ace High
SAHT`s next event venue was Minda Farm, Craigburn, which proved to be a very popular event from 1980 to 1992. It was an excellent training ground for SA riders, with its impressive water complex and banks, and the Craigburn grounds in Blackwood were used for many high level competitions.
The Police Department Mounted Reserve had land in Echunga and these grounds were used for the main ODE from 1980. As can be seen by previous results, (PH – Police Horse) Police riders and horses were accomplished eventers, and the Echunga grounds were a natural fit. The Echunga grounds were upgraded with imposing banks and dropoffs, (2.6m Normandy Bank) and other obstacles, and this venue gave eventing impetus through the early 1980`s. In 1980 and 1983, the Australian Championships were held with many interstate competitors. SAHT secured direct television coverage, in 1981, which continued for 3 years, and major sponsors were attracted to the sport. These events at Echunga attracted many interstate entries, as the televising of the Australian and State Championships attracted sponsorship and top prizemoney.
1980 ECHUNGA Australian Champs.
Junior Heather Willson, Sylvester
Novice 1 Dawn Wells (WA) Autumn Fleur
Novice 2 Jane Willson, Mallee
Advanced Miles Sullivan (NSW), Pick Up
1981 ECHUNGA ODE.
Junior Scott Keach, Oakdale Aran Isle
Novice Jane Willson, Clare Prince
Inter Brian Schrapel (Vic) Benton`s way
Advanced Richard Shoesmith, Martin`s Lad
1982 ECHUNGA State Champs
Junior Leanne Ames, French Revolution
Novice 1 Gillian England, Saville Row
Novice 2 Jason Gardham, Husquvana
Advanced Brian Schrapel, Benton`s Way
1983 ECHUNGA Australian Champs
Junior Michelle Smart, Wayandah Brandy
Novice 1 Gillian England, Carnaby Street
Novice 2 Scott Keach, Trade Commissioner
Advanced Simon Kale (NSW) Kassiber (Imp)
1984 ECHUNGA State Champs
Junior Carla Wienicke, Immer Brav
Novice 1 Gavin Ramsey, Lord Samba
Novice 2 Matthew Robins, Didjareally
Inter Samantha Martin, All Ablaze
Advanced Jason Gardham, Husquvana
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REYNELLA HORSE TRIALS HISTORY 1985 ONWARDS.
In 1983, SAHT Committee were given notice that the Police Department Training facilities at Echunga would not be available for Eventing and they were advised to look for an alternative property. Following the last Echunga ODE, in 1984, and with a balance of $8,144 , the Committee embarked on a search for an appropriate property. Oakbank Racecourse, Glenbold Stud, and Woodside Army Camp were among contenders, but a 100 acre property at Reynella adjacent to Marino Golf Club (now The Vines Golf Club) was the property finally decided on. Judy Whyntie and Zane Treloar approached the Minister of the day, and agreed on an initial lease of $50 per year. The Committee thought it would need $15,000 to build the course and was successful in obtaining a $10,000 grant from the government. By February 1985 the shed/office had been erected, and power and water for the property had been connected. The grassed areas for the dressage arenas had been levelled and seeded, and the XC course had been designed and built - by the `Wednesday Club` (committee members) who met most Wednesdays at the grounds, and with help from outside volunteers, dug and erected most of the jump complexes by hand. All was in readiness for the inaugural ODE.
1985 REYNELLA ODE
Junior Carla Wienicke, Immer Brav
Novice 1 Andrew Hoy (NSW) Dark Huntsman
Novice 2 Nigel Treloar, Here`s Cheers
Inter Scott Keach, High Beam
Advanced Scott Keach, Trade Commissioner
1986 REYNELLA ODE INTERNATIONAL
Novice Ruth Roberts, Bush Telegraph
Inter Samantha Martin, The Lodger
Advanced Mark Todd, (NZ) Charisma
1987 REYNELLA ODE
Junior Sarah Wells, French Connection
Novice Sally Andrews (Vic), Wood Swallow
Inter Paul Johnson (Vic), Gala Star
Advanced Richard Mitton (Vic), Charlatan
1988 REYNELLA ODE
Junior Wendy Schaeffer, Sunhill Cloud
Novice 1 Maryjane Crabtree, (vic) Bertie Wooster
Novice 2 Ruth Roberts, Bush Artist
Inter Tracey Whellams, Lockington
Advanced Scott Keach ,Trade Commissioner
1989 REYNELLA AUST CHAMPS
Junior Wendy Schaeffer, Sunburst
Novice 1 Julia Gibson (Vic), Kibah Medallion
Novice 2 Gillian Rolton, Peppermint Grove
Inter Anna Savage, Dress Rehursal
Advanced Louise Coulter, Strauss
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1990 REYNELLA ODE
Inter Gillian Rolton, Peppermint Grove
Nov 1 Scott Keach, Liberty
Nov 2 Lisa O`Brien, Dancing Cavalier
Junior Wendy Schaeffer, Sunburst
1991 REYNELLA ODE
Open Inter
Nov 1 Susie Parson, Bozo
Nov 2 Tracey Leigh, Arlington
1992 REYNELLA ODE
Open Inter Scott Keach, Landy
Nov 1 Scott Keach, State of Origin
Nov 2 Scott Keach, Ellaway
1993 REYNELLA AUSTRALIAN ODE
Adv Wendy Schaeffer, Sunburst
Nov 1 Scott Keach, Rain
1994 REYNELLA ODE
Nov Anna Savage, Over the Moon
Open Inter Samantha Stichel, Rags to Riches
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1995 REYNELLA ODE
Open Inter Wendy Schaeffer, Midnight Sun
Nov Tara Trebilcock, Bugatti
PN Veronica Hoile, Baron von Pryde
With Reynella now firmly on the Eventing Calender, Zane Treloar was elected Chairman in 1986. Sponsorship and course upgrade became the focus of the Committee and Frank Keach, who designed the first course with Judy Whyntie, became the course designer with many improvements being implemented during this period. A new initiative was attempted by the Committee, to introduce a `rider levy` for competitors who could not provide a few hours labour. 30 years on this is still a difficult policy to implement! The `ammenities` block was installed in 1987 with the chairman (Zane Treloar) `loaning` the money, which was repaid following the successful grant from Department of Recreation and Sport. The following year the Committee, consisting of
Chair Zane Treloar J Edwards H Ralph D Matten
M Bruggerman J Whyntie F Keach J Goldner
P Horridge R Shoesmith
ran the first of several very successful clinics with Wayne Roycroft which had 24 riders attending. Chicken manure was still the fertilizer of choice for the arenas which had been hand planted with Kikuyu runners in 1985. The State Government passed control of the grounds to Noarlunga Council in 1988, who were supportive, agreed to have the sheep continue to graze (since 1986) and were interested in having the grounds used by various community groups, eg archery, RDA. In 1989 the Athletics Association organised a cross country run for their members, and it was expected that 250 runner would take part, on and around the XC course.
Reynella was the venue for many International competitors (14 of the 44 Advanced class, 110 overall entries) in 1986, who were entered in the World 3DE Championships at Gawler. Mark Todd won the Advanced with Charisma, and horses from USA, Canada , Britain, Ireland and NZ competed. SAHT agreed to transport the International horses from quarantine, and obtained a $2000 grant for this purpose. The following day the German horses had a practice run at Reynella, after being told how good it was. The 1990 event was won by Gillian Rolton on Peppermint Grove who went on to win a Gold Medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Gillian (nee England) had been a competitor at Reynella for many years, winning her first SAHT ribbon at Echunga in1982 in the Novice grade. Another Olympian burst onto the scene in 1989, as Wendy Schaeffer and Sunburst won the junior event. This year also saw the completion of the Advanced Course with Tony Johnson joining Judy Whyntie as the XC designers.
Pine Road was closed in 1991 and the Tangari Parallel, across Pine Road, was used for the first and last time. Appropriately, the Police Greys were used to help control the road closure. These grounds (Jennybrook Farm)were eventually given to RDA by Noarlunga Council. In 1992, Reynella became the focus of SAHT events, as Craigburn was run for the last time that year.
1996 REYNELLA ODE
Inter Tara Trebilcock, Nick Off
Nov 1 Seamus Marwood, Sway
Nov 2 Stephen Bow, Requiem
PN1 Sabrina Smythe, Markita Downs Token
PN2 Andrea Cobby, Royal Archuro
YR Emma Jones, KP Jeopardy
1997 REYNELLA ODE
Adv Tracey Leigh, Arlington
Inter Nick Whyntie, Peace Frog
Nov Luke Jones, Waterloo Boy
PN Gillian Rolton, Endeavour
YR Rebekah Foster, Legato
1998 REYNELLA ODE May
Open Tracey Leigh, Arlington
Nov Brenton Harris, Finlayson
PN Tracey Leigh, Cannington
1998 REYNELLA ODE October
Adv Kate Hayman, Mac`s Bravado
Nov1 Tara Trebilcock, Howard`s End
Nov2 Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Glo
PN1 Sonia Steinman, Midnight Eclipse
PN2 Fiona Guthrie, Get the Dollars
YR Michelle Butler, Talaq Bay
1999 REYNELLA ODE May
Adv Kate Hayman, Mac`s Bravado
Inter Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Glo
Nov Anna Jackson, Carnelrig Nahman
PN 1 Kerry Nixon, Woodwood
PN 2 Megan Jones, KP Irish Jester.
1999 REYNELLA ODE October
Adv Craig Smith, Tempo
Inter Anna Jackson, Apparition
Nov Tamsin Adcock, Starday
PN Mimi Bianchi, Peterson
Prelim Vicki Foletta, Koutafides
Intro Kea Dent, Bush Lore
By now the Committee was running 2 major events each year at Reynella, as well as upgrading the XC course, in readiness for another Olympian, Megan Jones, to break into the Advanced competition. The Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 produced another 2 gold medalists for SA Eventing. A second Gold Medal for Gillian Rolton, and Wendy Schaeffer won a team Gold Medal and Individual Gold Medal. This meant that throughout the early years of the second millenium, Reynella had 4 Olympians competing together, alongside other talented riders and horses. These could be defined as the `Golden Years`, but clearly the groundwork had been laid during the early days at Reynella, Craigburn and other venues.
2000 REYNELLA ODE May
Adv Megan Jones, KP Irish Hallmark
Inter Wendy Schaeffer, Sunsmart
Nov Tara Trebilcock, Satiric
PN Luke Jones, Interloper
Prelim Lara Pizimolas, Harvey Wallbanger
Intro Paul Pritchard, Beaujolais
2000 REYNELLA ODE October
Adv Megan Jones, Kirby Park Irish Hallmark
Inter Tracey Leigh, Barastoc Tullamore
Nov Megan Jones, KP Irish Jester
PN Victoria Heywood, Delaney`s Choice
Prelim Dana Jeffrey, Rising Eclipse
Intro Gill Rolton, Aspire
2001 REYNELLA ODE May
3* Megan Jones, KP Irish Hallmark
2* Fiona Guthrie, Get the Dollars
1* Scott Keach, Koutafides
PN Kendal Measroch, Tudor Park Monte Carlo
Prelim Ulli Maynard-Stagart, Mystacal Enchanter
2002 REYNELLA ODE May
Adv Luke Jones, Interloper
Nov Stephen Bow, Eventide
PN Malcolm Maytom, CC Glendambo
Prelim Arabella Young, KP Irish Jewel
Intro Gill Rolton, Wynella Tannhauser
2002 REYNELLA ODE October
Adv Megan Jones, KP Irish Jester
Inter Wendy Schaeffer, Acacia Ridge Chardonnay
Nov Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Smoke
PN Megan Jones, Winergy Fedwell
Intro Malcolm Maytom, Caruso
2003 REYNELLA ODE May
Adv Wendy Schaeffer, Sun Shades
Inter Nigel Treloar, Happy
Nov Megan Jones, Winergy Fedwell
PN Wendy Schaeffer, Glenrose Wajoda
Prelim Tracey Leigh, Groove Jet
Intro Suzanna Toogood, Bonay
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2003 REYNELLA ODE October.
Adv Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Smoke
Inter Luke Jones, Soul
Nov Wendy Schaeffer, Glenrose Dionysis
PN Hannah Newland, Peace Train
Prelim Katherine Lindh, Oh So Bold
Intro Gill Rolton, Wynella Wolverine
2004 REYNELLA ODE May
Adv Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun-Glo
Inter Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Magic
Nov Stephen Bow, Lyrical
PN Tracey Leigh, Barastoc Whittington
Prelim Luke Jones, Captain Fantastic
Intro Kirsten Gillen, Rockinham Tiggerific
2004 REYNELLA ODE October
3* Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Smoke
2* Kerrie Bowman, Fourwinds Funky Music
1* Kerrie Bowman, Fourtwinds, Fortune
PN Kerrie Bowman, Fourwinds Pacman
Prelim Kendall Measroch, Hannover ParkLarrikin
Intro Wendy Schaeffer, SBE Sunset
2005 REYNELLA ODE May
3* Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Magic
2* Dominic Jones, Connor Shea
1* Kerry Bowman, Fourwinds Fortune
PN Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sunset
Prelim Gill Rolton, Chances Tristram
Intro Kerrie Bowman, Fourwinds Bumble B
2005 REYNELLA ODE October
3* Sonja Johnson, Ringwould Jaguar
2* Scott Keach, Fox Hill Aphrodite
1* Luke Jones, Captain Fantastic
PN Kate Allen, Chalani Wild One
Prelim Grace Wood, Maronwood McCormack
Intro Cameron Crichton, Tee Bell Tonto
The Reynella Committee continued to improve and renovate the course from 2000 and horse yards were added to the few existing ones. The replacement of Gawler Horse Trials, with Adelaide International Horse Trials in 1997, saw Reynella continue to attract interstate as well as local competitors. This proved to be a training ground for Megan Jones and Kirby Park Irish Jester, who won Advanced at Reynella in 2002 and went on to win AIHT in 2005. This combination then went to the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and won a silver medal in the team competition. In 2007 the AIHT became one of four world 4* events, and was renamed Australian International 3DE. Many of the Management Committee for this world class event also had a solid grounding on Reynella Committee, including Gillian Rolton, Michael Clark, Bob Schaeffer and Judy Whyntie.
2006 REYNELLA ODE April
3* Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Magic
2* Hollie Sumner, Noble One
1* Veronica Hoile, Chester
PN Kate Allen, Chalani Wild One
Prelim Roz Tatton, Grand Cru Felix
Intro Megan Jones, Kirby Park Bandit
2006 REYNELLA ODE October
3* Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Dancer
2* Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Shine
1* Wendy Schaeffer, Acacia Ridge Sun Rise
PN Scott Keach, PS Lonato
Prelim Becky Zamel, Blue Angel
Intro 1 Luke Jones, Gus
Intro 2 Belinda Lindh, Monday
2007 REYNELLA ODE May
3* Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Dancer
2* Veronica Hoile, Chester
1* Prue Calvert, Jacobite
PN Cooper Oborne, Splurge
Prelim Grace Wood, Maronwood McCormack
Intro1 Cherie Fell, Harry
Intro 2 Ria Grivell, Illustrator
2008 REYNELLA ODE May
2* Megan Jones, Kirby Park Joy
1* Nicole Falkiner, Beechwood Warlord
PN Wendy Schaeffer, Tenacious D
Prelim Wendy Schaeffer, Kirsyl Sun
Intro 1 Ella Matheson, High Hopes
Intro 2 Wendy Schaeffer, Schmiklan
2008 REYNELLA ODE October
3* Megan Jones, KP Allofasudden
2* Cooper Oborne, Splurge
1* Wendy Schaeffer, Tenacious D
PN Megan Jones, Westbury Park Irish Grove
Prelim Bec Gowers, Pop
Intro 1 Phoebe Bowen, Radnor Fantastic
Intro 2 Georgina Kamm, Gone Platinum
2009 REYNELLA ODE May
3* Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Magic
2* Megan Jones, Kirby Park Joy
PN Tyson Zoontjens-Park, Kanandah Special
Prelim Kerrie Bowman, Fourwind Fancy Fax
Intro 1 Hannah Korhonen-Bannister, Interrupt
Intro 2 Caitlin Keith, Just Jaffa
From 2009, the October event run by Reynella Horse Trials has included FEI CIC classes.
2009 REYNELLA ODE FEI CIC October
3* Megan Jones, KP Allofasudden
2* Megan Jones, Westbury Park Irish Grove
1* Fiona Guthrie, Crocadoo
PN Chantal Potgeiter, Odyssey Ecko
Prelim Sarah Ashcroft, Chalani Aramac
Intro 1 Jamie Stitchel, Image Blue Ice
Intro 2 Cooper Oborne, Noel
2010 REYNELLA ODE May
3* Megan Jones, KP Irish Jester
2* Megan Jones, Westbury Park Irish Grove
1* Wendy Schaeffer, Kirsyl Sun
PN Sally Hudson, Saint Smooch
Prelim Amarah Henderson-Wilson, Fame and Fortune
Intro 1 Megan Evans, Bomba
Intro 2 Jade Kluske, Playmate
2010 REYNELLA ODE FEI CIC October
3* Wendy Schaeffer, Koyuna Sun Dancer
2* Luke Jones, Charlatan
1* Wilhelm Enzinger, Ruban Son
PN Chantal Potgieter, Odyssey Ecko
Prelim Sara Warren,Thornton
Intro 1 Andrea Norris, Contessa
Intro 2 Cooper Oborn, He`s Patrick
It is hoped and expected that these grounds can continue to be maintained and used for the Horse Trials. With Onkaparinga Council support and commitment by riders, Reynella Committee and volunteers, the Reynella ODE can maintain and improve upon its reputation as the premiere Event in the SA Eventing calender.
For results of all events and all classes from 2010 onwards, go to the Results page.
If you have any records, recollections or images from SAHT please contact us.
