Showing way to Aus

Two Cambridge equestrians have qualified to compete in the Australasia Show and Horse Rider Championships.

Bella and Amy Vujcich performed well enough at New Zealand’s Horse of the Year to qualify, and would be travelling to Werribee in Australia in November.

Amy was going for the rider class and Bella would compete in the show pony category with her horse Aschbrooke Bobby Dazzler.

The girls would be competing against riders from each Australian state.

Mother Nicky Vujcich said Bella and Bobby had qualified to compete in Sydney at the time, but decided not go, so this would be their once in a lifetime opportunity.

Both riders had been training with equestrian Amanda Berridge for the last few years.

Berridge herself had qualified, but had competed there in the past so was just going to support Bella and Amy.

Her advice for the girls was to have fun.

‘‘When I was over there the first time I barely remembered it all, I was so nervous.

‘‘But it’s fun, and it’s probably the closest to the Olympics that we’ve got for showing specifically.’’

It was Bella’s second season on Bobby, but she had been riding him for a friend before they purchased him.

‘‘We’re just going to work on staying rounded,’’ Bella said.

‘‘I just want to have fun and try not to get too nervous.’’

The Australasian event had been running for 32 years.

The competition would run from November 30 - December 2.