Universal Stables made their way to the Nations Capital in February for the first show of the year - The Canberra Royal show.

With a mix of hacks, hunters, ponies and galloways it was to be a busy week.

Day one with the first out for the team in Novice Galloway’s and Hunter Hacks.

Michelle Harpley's striking black Galloway Merivale Park Royal Doulton ridden by Rhys performed well to gain high placings in all classes with 2nd in Led, Novice & Gents and a 3rd in a strong field in the Open Galloway.

Leigh Sears young Galloway Astoria Katkin finished with a Reserve Champion Led Galloway and a 1st in the Novice Galloway. This new Galloway is one to watch,.

Samantha Watts GHP Extatic put on a super performance in both the Novice and the Open with Adam on board taking the win in both classes.

The mighty Federer picked up a win in the Gents Hunter Hack. Mel Waller on her own Rubenstar earnt a 2nd in the novice - a fabulous result considering the winner went on to be Champion. (Mel Hardings Danson Dakota)

Day 2 - Novice Hacks - Nikki Saunders youngster 'Portrait' attending his first Royal Show under saddle finished with a strong 2nd in the Large Novice Hack. Leigh Sears Miss Indianna with Phil on board awarded a win in the Small Novice Hack.

Final Day a busy one with the Opens and some great results.

The littlest on the team the well performed Braeburn Heavenly Soprano ridden and owned by Kate Kyros strutted her little hooves for a super 2nd in the Open Pony ne 12.2

Miss Indianna finishing in the top 4 in the Open 15-15.2. Portrait earned a 3rd in the Gents Hack with stable mate The Black ridden by Phil and owned by Peter Strehlau a super 2nd.

It was the beautiful ‘Legacy’ who worked his way to the champion lineup winning the Open Hack 16-16.2 and performing to the judges liking to take out the Nations Capital Champion Hack. And what a thrill for Universal to have been involved with 5 of the Champion Hack line up, either standing with an opportunity to ride off or awaiting for a challenge ride for Champion. Including the stunning Chestnut Thoroughbred Mare 'High Fashion' with Syenna, winning the Thoroughbred Mare Class. (this was a super win for Syenna and High Fashion backing up their Championship at the recent Battle of the Boarders). The striking grey Rolex II and Kaitlin Labahn have been a consistent winning combination and also performed a treat winning the Vince Corvie Memorial Cup. Natalie Mackay and her beloved St Andrews had a very successful Show taking out the 2 Thoroughbred ridden Championships and sealed the opportunity to challenge with their 2nd to Legacy and what a thrill for Natalie to take out the Reserve Champion.

Final starter for the team, Amelia Waller and her super pony ‘Westlake Eternity’. This combination had a great show earning placings in all classes and finishing off with Reserve Champion Childs Pony.

A super few days of showing and it was time to make the trek home. Little did we know this would be the last show for sometime.

Location

Canberra Showgrounds