CHASE’S BLAZING SADDLE
COAST BOY’S EKKA CRUSADE
THIS horse-crazy young gun is busy racking up blue ribbons in the ring.
Chase Jackson brought home four first place ribbons, including champion rider under 12 years, and one second place from the Brisbane Ekka at the weekend.
For the past five years at the Ekka, the Mt Nathan eight-year-old has claimed champion rider status in his age group. His faithful steed, Hamish the palomino pony, has taken home six – after Chase’s older brother Jack, now 13, also won on him.
Proud mum Carmen told the Bulletin Chase’s love for horses was born after taking the boys to horseman Guy McLean’s show five years ago. And while they weren’t a horsey family to begin with, her sons pestered her for horse riding lessons and the pair were soon winning events under Tamborine instructor Paul Austin’s tutelage.
“I don’t ride,” Ms Jackson said. “I drive them around. My parents had show cattle and I used to admire the horses, but I couldn’t quite get my parents to cross the line. So it was very easy for me to be persuaded.”
Ms Jackson said she took the pair across the country regularly so they could compete. They could stay away for up to 10 days at a time during shows, so needed to complete schoolwork while on the road.
Chase has qualified to represent Queensland in the Australasian championships in December.
Chase and Jack, who won reserve champion in the 12 to 15-age class at the Ekka, will now head to the Canberra and Sydney royal shows next month.