NEWS UPDATE 28 MARCH 2019

It’s been a while since updates from Hunter’s Lodge and so much has happened in the meantime.

Jake has recently moved from Duffy Sport Horses in Ireland to Waldman Horses in the Netherlands.

Jake has enjoyed many successes with the Duffy team over the past four years, including his first International win at CSI2* Balmoral and more recently a CSI4* event in Salzburg, Austria, plus many more successes with talented horses from Duffy’s and some dedicated Irish owners. Horses such as Cento Blue, Cornet’s Little, Cruising for Chics, Robinstown Lux Lovely, Chirrico, WCE Cruco, Immun Ocean Ogara, Indian River and so many more have helped Jake enjoy success in the sport while perfecting his craft. During Jake’s time at Duffy’s he has had the great pleasure of mentoring some young Australian riders who chose to make their International debut in Ireland. He has also enjoyed helping many other riders find their next showjumping superstar from Vinnie Duffy’s own stable and his connections throughout the great showjumping breeders and trainers in Europe.

A big personal thanks is due to Vinnie, Sandra and the Duffy family for their care of Jake when he moved half way around the world at only 18 years old for his first professional riding job.

However it is time to move on, and Jake has been fortunate to take up an offer from Alan Waldman / Starwyn Farms in the Netherlands. He has an exciting team of young horses and a full programme of riding and competing ahead of him, representing one of the premier breeding and competing yards in Europe.

Meanwhile, at home in the Hunter Valley, we have a lovely team of young home-bred horses coming on, including an exciting filly HL Kellina by one of the world’s top jumping stallions Kannan out of Jake’s A grade mare Oh I Say. Kellina has only recently made her debut in the showjumping ring and took out her first ribbon in Tamworth last weekend.

We have also recently acquired a very talented horse for Cade to compete in the Young Rider classes and hopefully onwards to Mini Prix and Grand Prix. Vasari NZPH is an exceptional mare and at this stage looks like the perfect match for Cade. We are very excited to see them out competing further, after a promising clear round at Tamworth in their first start together. Thanks to the Hinschen family for the opportunity to take this super mare back out on the circuit.

 

PROFILE OF JAKE HUNTER, THE IRISH FIELD – 4 MAY 2018  (reprinted with permission)

Young Australian show jumper Jake Hunter, based with Duffy Sport Horses in Mayo, is fast making a good name for himself 

Name: Jake Hunter

Age: 21

From: Singleton, Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Based: Duffy Sport Horses, Knockmore, Co Mayo, Ireland

Trainer in Australia: My mother Gail was my coach. She has been coaching for almost 40 years and has helped a lot of riders in that time. One of her students, Rowan Willis has been very successful and has competed up to CSI5*. Mum comes over for Dublin Horse Show and Millstreet and I was home for Christmas for two weeks.

Riding background: I was riding before I could walk and competing by the age of seven.

Results while in Australia: In 2008 at the age of 12, I represented Australia at the FEI Children’s International Jumping Competition Final in Bogota, Columbia. I was one of the youngest competitors and finished ninth. In 2012, I took the Australian Junior Showjumping Champion title, exactly 30 years after Mum won the title. In 2014, I won an Individual Bronze Medal at the Youth Olympic Games.

Results in Ireland: Among his good results 2018 were: Third in the New Heights Champions Series in Portmore; second in Grand Prix in Millstreet Millstreet CSI1* and a win in the Table A.

2017, second in Cavan CSI1* Second in Table C. Millstreet CSI2* Table A, and sixth in the Grand Prix in Millstreet CSI1*, a win in Mullingar CSI2* Table C.

Move to Ireland: I moved to Ireland in 2014, after meeting Michael Duffy at the Youth Olympic Games in China. Michael approach me and asked if I would like to move to Ireland and work for his father. At the time, I was still in school and didn’t think much more about it. A couple of weeks later, Michael rang and he asked if I had booked the flight yet. I finished school on a Friday and headed to Ireland the following Monday. I have very little knowledge of where I was going. So much so that when Sandra (Duffy) picked me up at the airport, it took me ages to find her as I thought Michael was meeting me. I didn’t think too much about the move, if I did, I would have talked myself out of it.

Difference competing in Ireland and Australia: One of the main differences is that, in Ireland, you get to compete alongside top riders every week. At the New Heights Series, I compete alongside Olympians and World Champions. In Australia, you need to travel long distances to do this and it’s not a regular occurrance. I also get to produce young horses and compete at the highest level in Ireland and in Europe. So this opens up the field and standard of riders that you are competing against.

Future plans: The plan is to stay in Duffy’s for the foreseeable future. They have been so good to me and have provided me with great horses and opportunities. I am so appreciative of what they have done for me. With Alex and Michael away, I have been given even more top horses to ride. This year, Vinny brought Cento Blue back for me to compete on. He was with Michael and doing very well. We are travelling to Austria in the next few weeks with a full team of horses and I will be competing there with Alex and Michael. Overall, we have a great team that pulls it altogether. Jean Gill, Corinne Hyde, Katharina Wilding, Johnathan McDonell and Rachel Coyle, all play a very important part in the success of Duffy Sport Horses.

Top horses: Cento Blue, Indian River Van Perschroeven, Chiricco 2, IDE W and Donogue Doctor George.

Adjusting to Irish life: It didn’t take me too long to adjust to the way of life. The weather, however has taken me a bit longer. I have got use to bacon and cabbage, but the black pudding is an acquired taste. I would say now, I know more about farming since moving to Ireland. There many times where I have to help with the calving! Life in Ireland involves hard work, but I never mind because I am rewarded for my efforts and I am always learning.

What advice would you give to riders thinking of coming to Ireland: I would say, if the right opportunity comes along, go for it. I was very lucky in finding the Duffys, as I got to learn and get opportunities which I may not have got in Australia. Ireland is a great country to learn more and has a lot to offer to aspiring showjumpers. In Ireland, people have a special way of producing horses and riders. Children who start riding ponies have a rounded experience and I think this makes them better riders. Irish people also seem to have a better understanding of horses.

Jake Hunter was in conversation with Emer Bermingham

 

NEW HEIGHTS SERIES, PORTMORE – 29TH APRIL

Jake travelled north to Portmore to compete in the New Heights Series 1.50m event and finished with 3 horses in the top 10, including a lovely clear on Cento Blue for 3rd place, Indian River in 7th and Chirrico in 10th. What a great way to start this new series!

 

AQUIS CHAMPIONS TOUR – ELYSIAN FIELDS, GOLD COAST – 26TH APRIL – 6TH MAY 2018

Once again, Michelle Lang-McMahon, Peter McMahon and their hard working team put on a world-class show at the spectacularly beautiful venue of Elysian Fields. Two weeks of great jumping over beautiful fences and testing courses, and a whole lot of fun as well.

This year we travelled up with only one horse, King (Midnight Rock). for Cade to contest the first leg of the new Stal Tops Young Riders series. It took the best part of two weeks for old King to hit his stride, but finally he jumped a top quality round over a testing track in the finals to finish with just one rail down and 7th place. Congratulations to Jessie and all the other placegetters and see you for the second round at the State Championships in October.

 

MILLSTREET WELCOME TOUR – 31ST MARCH – 3RD APRIL 2018

Jake had a fantastic show at the Millstreet Welcome Tour winning the 6/7 yo Young Horse Final on Tiernan Gill’s Kerpi Van du Buisson Z, International speed classes on Alan Robertson’s Immun-Ocean Ogara and taking out second place in the Millstreet International Grand Prix on Glen Leddy’s Indian River Van Perschoeven.

 

 

SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW – APRIL 2018

Cade jumped the Young Rider classes this year and brought home ribbons from every event. Some good solid performances due to great riding from Cade and the amazing consistency of King (Midnight Rock), who has been to at least a dozen Sydney Royals now and brings home the money every time. What a fantastic horse he has been to us, and a tribute to the strength and athleticism of the Australian thoroughbred.

 

NNWSJC – NSW INDOOR SHOWJUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS – 13th-16th JULY 2017

It’s always a big weekend at Tamworth for the NSW Indoor Championships. This year Cade was overall 2^nd in the Young Riders with Jess Tripp winning and Maddie Sinderberry 3^rd.

Hunters Lodge students Isabelle Thurlow rode Oh I Say to win the 90cm Open on Sunday and placed in her other two events. Nadia Benedetti rode Alittlbitldo (Albie) for consistent performances in 80cm classes and won best presented.

Thanks to the North and Northwest Showjumping Club who as always put on a great show in the world class venue of AELEC, Tamworth.

Photo credit Chris Miller, Geosnapshot

 

 

NSW INTERSCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS – 14-18 JUNE 2017

With Cade now in Year 12, this was our last State Interschools, after something like 12 years with both boys going to these excellent events year after year.

After a fun weekend, although both horses were a bit short of work after a fortnight’s spell while Cade completed his trial HSC exams, Cade finished in overall second place with Midnight Rock and fourth on Kelstar.

Below is a lovely tribute from the Interschool NSW facebook page. Big thank you for this, and also to Stephen Mowbray, master photographer.

“As the 2017 Equestrian NSW State Interschools Championships draw to a close we say farewell from the State Interschools competition arenas to our year 12 students. One of those is our current State Interschools Captain, Cade Hunter, now at his 7th State Interschools Championships. Cade has also competed at 4 National Interschools Championships and will be hoping for selection in the Team to defend the Champion State title later in this year. Being Captain of the winning Team has been a major highlight for Cade and he is very proud of what the team were able to achieve last year. With his studies taking priority Cade told us that when they arrived on Friday his two horses, ‘Midnight Rock’ and ‘Kelstar’ had only had two weeks work and they were pretty feral !! On Friday he placed third on ‘Midnight Rock’ in the 120cm AM2. Saturday was an outstanding day with a win on ‘Midnight Rock’ and second place on ‘Kelstar’ in the 120cm A2 class then today, ‘Kelstar’ took the honours winning the 120cm two phase in a blistering time (as always !!). It’s always a pleasure to see this young man in the Arena and you always know it’ll be 100% effort. So to Cade and all our year 12 competitors who will leave the State Interschools competition for the last time today, we thank you for your efforts here this year and for many of you over numerous years and we extend to you all our best wishes for your studies and exams later in the year.”

BALMORAL INTERNATIONAL CSI** SHOW – 16-19 MAY 2017

Jake’s consistent good form in Ireland won him a coveted invitation to compete in the International 2* classes at the Balmoral Show in Ulster, Northern Ireland. The invitations were issued to the best performed 20 riders based in Ireland, along with the top ranked international FEI riders.

The show started well, with Jake taking out a placing in the International Stakes. He then followed up with a win in the International Speed and Power event on Robinstown Lux Lovely. This was Jake’s first win at International level and gave him the honour of winning Leading Young Rider of the show, sharing the podium with Leading International Rider, Irish Olympian Greg Broderick. According to the Balmoral Show Society this was the first International class win by an Australian at the show.

 

AQUIS CHAMPIONS TOUR, ELYSIAN FIELDS QLD – 21-30 APRIL 2017

Following their successes on opposite sides of the globe at Easter, the brothers met in Queensland a fortnight later for the Aquis Champions Tour on the Gold Coast. Jake travelled to Australia along with Vinnie Duffy and a small team of Irish riders, at the invitation of the Champions Tour organisers. Riding borrowed horses (with huge thanks to James Arkins and Emma Langbecker) Jake gained a second place in the Future Stars event and a third place in the Young Riders. Cade won a Young Riders event (beating his older brother!) and finished second in the Junior Finals, just missing out by a fraction of a second.

It was a fantastic two weeks of competition and a great opportunity for the brothers to reunite, and revive a little sibling rivalry!

The Aquis Champions Tour is rapidly becoming one of the country’s most prestigious and must-do showjumping events, bringing to Australia a taste of the professionalism and glamour of the European circuit. Congratulations to the Aquis organising committee and also to the team at Elysian Fields who provided an exceptional venue.

MILLSTREET WELCOME TOUR (CSI*) INTERNATIONAL

While Cade was enjoying a successful weekend at Sydney Royal, Jake competed at the Millstreet Welcome Tour International 1 Star show in Cork, Ireland, also having a hugely successful show. Among the successes, a 2nd in the 1.25m final on Caliva Charca (owner Duffy Sport Horses), 2nd in the 1.30m final on Arkino Z (The Stallion Company), 3rd in the 1.25 International Two-Phase on Knightfield Ella (Duffy Sport Horses) and 6th in the International Welcome Tour Grand Prix on Canturado (The Stallion Company).

SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW 2017

This year is Cade’s final year of competition in Junior classes and he was determined to go out a winner in his last junior events at Sydney Royal. But it wasn’t easy! It was a weekend of tough competition and we never took it for granted, but once again Cade and Kelstar came through with a couple of wins and some solid form, to take out the Maurice Gordon Trophy for Most Successful Boy Rider in the junior jumping competitions. This makes the third time Cade’s name has been engraved on the prestigious trophy – a record only equalled by two others: Wayne Roycroft and Ian Hamilton. It’s a great honour to be included in such illustrious company.

In the 7 years from 2011 to 2017, Jake and Cade have won this trophy 5 times between them.  It’s been a wonderful run at Sydney Royal for the Hunter boys. Cade still has a few years of Young Rider classes, but we’ll leave the other Juniors to fight it out from now on!

SYDNEY SUMMER CLASSIC Csi-w – 9-11 December 2016

Cade and Kelstar made it three Championships in three weeks, winning the Junior Championship at the Sydney Summer Classic. After only two combinations went double clear, Cade was last to go in the jump-off and knew he only had to leave all the fences up to win. An uncharacteristic carefully slow clear saw them take home the final big Junior event of the year and yet another beautiful prize rug.

What a great finish to the year! With thanks as always to our wonderful Hunters Lodge supporters and sponsors, as well as Kelvin Grove Equestrian, who sponsored the class.

ASHBROOKE FARM SHOWJUMPING WEEKEND – 3-4 DECEMBER 2016

Such a great weekend of jumping at Heath & Krissy Harris’s Ashbrooke Farm. It just gets better and better – can’t wait for next year’s event at the new venue on the Central Coast. Cade and Midnight Rock won the Pro-Am Championship and another gorgeous rug, with thanks to sponsors Nan & Bill Shugg.

SYDNEY SHOWJUMPING CLUB SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIPS – 26-27 NOVEMBER 2016

After a break for end of year school exams, Cade and Kelstar returned to winning form at the SSJC Summer Championships, winning the Junior Championship and a beautiful rug, with thanks to sponsors Hawkesbury Physiotherapy.

OWNERS PONY AND YOUNG RIDERS INTERNATIONAL CHARITY SHOW – MILLSTREET, IRELAND – 28-30 OCTOBER 2016

In early October, Jake was approached by Keith Griffin, director of the Owners Pony and Young Rider Show, to see if he could bring some Australians to Ireland to form a Young Rider team for their International Challenge event. Mitchell Peulic and Jamie Priestly were already on their way to Europe, so happily agreed to a diversion to Ireland. Brooke Langbecker joined the team and the four riders enjoyed a successful weekend at Millstreet, finishing in equal second place in the International event as well as placing in their individual events. After only a week of getting to know their mounts, borrowed from Duffy Sporthorses, this was an excellent result and a terrific experience for all involved. In fact, the organisers were so thrilled they are planning to make this an annual challenge event, providing a valuable way to strengthen the equestrian links between Ireland and Australia, whilst giving our top Aussie young riders a taste of international competition abroad.

Along with second in the International teams event, Jake finished a close second in the weekend’s feature event, the prestigious and hotly contested 1.30m Young Riders Championship, riding Elise.

Thanks to families and friends of the Aussie YR team for the photos and updates along the way; thanks to Duffy Sport Horses: Vinnie Duffy, Jean Gill and all the team; thanks to Keith Griffin and the Owners Show team at Millstreet for the opportunity and for making the Aussie team feel so welcome; thanks to Brooke, Jamie, Mitch and their families for making the trip to Ireland and for reminding Jake what an Aussie accent sounds like

 

DUBLIN 5* INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW – 19-24 July 2016

Gail and Craig made the trip over to Ireland to catch up with Jake and see a bit of Ireland. One of the first big attractions was the 5* Dublin International Horse Show. They had to wait most of the week for Jake’s event – but what a show to enjoy in the meantime! The Dublin Horse Show is not just one of the greatest horse shows in the world, it’s one of Ireland’s biggest summer festivals, celebrating Ireland’s great affinity with horses. Over 100,000 people attend over the show’s 5 days and they are a very knowledgeable crowd. Perfect weather and a great line-up of top class jumping from ponies (wow!) right through to the Aga Khan Cup (amazing!) as well as pure entertainment like the Hunter Chase.

Finally Jake had his YR class for 6/7 yo horses on the Saturday, finishing first on Elise and third on Knightfield Ella. Both of these are lovely mares who would grace any yard (especially ours!) and they jumped beautifully on the day. Congratulations Jake and what a proud mama moment for Gail!

 

ULSTER GRAND PRIX – Cavan Equestrian Centre 18 July 2016

Robinstown Lux Lovely (Lux) clear in the Ulster Grand Prix.

 

GALWAY COUNTY SHOW – 18 June 2016

A win for Jake in the 1.30m on Robinstown Lux Lovely. It even made the local paper!

 

CONNAUGHT SHOW  – 13 June 2016

Clear round for Jake and Volcanicity in the Grand Prix today.

 

MULLINGAR INTERNATIONAL 2* – 6 June 2016

Jake and Volcanicity in the Gold Tour class.

 

NSW STATE INTERSCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS – SIEC June 2016

Cade claimed overall second and third with Kelstar and Midnight Rock, with the championship going to Jess O’Connell. Big congratulations to all involved in running this event – every year a bigger and more complex operation with an enormous number of eager, talented young riders competing and having a huge amount of fun together. So exciting to see the future of the sport!

 

JAKE QUALIFIES FOR DUBLIN 

During May, Jake was able to qualify two horses (the maximum allowed per rider) for the 6/7 yo YR class at the Dublin Horse Show with Knightfield Ella (Luidam x Kigali) and Elise (Quasimodo Z). This makes it the second year Jake will be competing at this prestigious International 5* event. The four qualification classes are fiercely competitive with up to 100 horse and rider combinations at each of them, competing for the honour of riding at Dublin.

 

EA NSW HIGH PERFORMANCE SQUADS ANNOUNCED – 9 May 2016

Very happy and proud to hear the news that Cade has been named in the EA NSW High Performance Squads for both Juniors and Young Riders. So good for Cade to get recognition for all the hard work and results he’s achieved over the past year and we thank Jumping NSW for their support. Congratulations Cade!

Unfortunately (and just for all those of you who have asked us), under current EA guidelines Jake apparently can’t be considered for the National or State Young Riders squads as he is living and training overseas.

 

HUNTER’S LODGE HAS MOVED!

In early April and after months of preparation we finally made the move to our new home in beautiful Glendonbrook, north-east of Singleton and just a short drive from the end of the Hunter Expressway. We have 100 acres including well fenced paddocks, a large, flat showjumping arena and a solid new stable block with views to die for! Many improvements are still planned, including an all-weather arena and maybe even an indoor. We love it already, and look forward to developing the property even further. The website has now been updated with our new telephone contact and if you would like to book a lesson please go ahead and call, email us, or send a message to the HL Equestrian page on Facebook.

 

SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW – March 2016

Once again we had a great show in Sydney. Kelstar and Cade started well and improved throughout the show, beginning with a fourth placing, then a third, then a win in the Junior Grand Prix. In the Young Riders (under 21) classes, Cade took out a third placing and a win on King (Midnight Rock).

Cade once again claimed the Maurice Gordon Perpetual Trophy for most successful Junior Boy Rider in showjumping classes. This is the second time Cade has put his name on the trophy, with Jake also a past winner. Very proud to hear the announcer’s call that “the Hunter boys have had a mortgage on this particular trophy”.

 

BON VOYAGE HARLEY

Our first Australian warmblood export, Harley (aka: Val de Weiser – Valhalla x Budweiser) left for Ireland on 22^nd March, arriving safe and healthy at Duffy Sport Horses a few days later. We’re going to miss his lovely face, but so excited at what the future holds for this very talented young stallion. He has been warmly welcomed into the Duffy’s yard and has begun training with Jake.

 

IRELAND TRAINING TRIP FOR CADE – December 2015 / January 2016

Cade travelled to Ireland for three weeks from late December 2015, enjoying a fun Irish New Year and plenty of riding and training with his brother at Duffy Sport Horses, riding everything from Irish Sport Horses, to Warmbloods to Connemara ponies and getting a feel of the Irish horse scene. A fantastic opportunity for Cade to train at a world class showjumping yard and have a reunion with his brother at the same time. Thanks to the Duffy family for being such wonderful hosts.

2015 – THE HUNTERS’ YEAR IN REVIEW

The Hunters Lodge team had another extraordinary year in 2015.

Jake has now been based in Ireland for more than a year – working hard at Duffy Sport Horses and enjoying some great success along the way, including second place in the prestigious Boomerang Futurity, third in the Irish National Young Rider Championship and some good wins at Cavan and Millstreet. We are grateful to Vinnie Duffy and his family for coaching, mentoring and for their wholehearted support of Jake in his first year overseas. Also to the owners of some of the exceptional horses Jake has been privileged to ride this year – thank you Liam Lynskey, Lauren Kardell and, again, the Duffys for entrusting your horses to Jake.

Most recently, Jake has spent a month in Germany training with official Australian Showjumping Coach Gilbert Boeckmann. What a fabulous opportunity to experience the German style of training and preparing showjumpers. Jake returned to Ireland last week, ready to enjoy his second chilly Irish Christmas in County Mayo.

Cade has really hit his stride this year, and has been regularly in the winners circle in Junior events and more recently in Young Riders. Highlights include winning the Australian Junior Grand Prix, Reserve Champion Junior at the NSW State Titles, another big win at Sydney Royal and NSW representation at the Trans-Tasman Challenge and National Interschools. Kelstar is still Cade’s number one horse, but he’s also had some good success this year with Midnight Rock and La Laina. Keeping four or five horses in work on top of his Year 10 school commitments has been hard work, but worthwhile.

Our youngstock look very exciting, in particular our 4 yo stallion Harley (my other son!), who recently had his first outing at the Sydney Showjumping Club Championships. Thanks to Grace Kay and Cade’s hard work in preparation, Harley made it through the day with flying colours. He has grown into a super impressive looking horse and is showing some serious jumping talent. In time, we are hoping to send him to Europe for Jake to campaign on the circuit for Young Horses, but before he goes we’ll do a little semen collection for those who want to breed his fantastic bloodlines of Valhalla x Budweiser.

Our first crop of yearlings are growing big and strong – and cheeky! We are enjoying watching their athleticism as they play in the paddock and look forward to continuing their groundwork education in 2016. We had two lovely, correct foals born this year, carrying the bloodlines of Balou du Rouet / Wirragulla Nicklaus, and Clinton / Copabella Visage.

Plans for 2016 include a trip to Ireland for Cade to train with Jake, and hopefully a trip to Ireland for Harley too. We will be moving our family home as well, to a beautiful property just south of Gresford.

As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors, Tuffrock, Prydes Easifeed, Ceva and Oakwood. Thanks also to Brighton Saddlery and Bomber’s Bits for your support. We hope you’re enjoying the ride so far and hope to take you further next year!

If anybody out there is interested in sponsoring Hunter’s Lodge or one of the boys individually, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss options.

Wishing a merry Christmas and a happy & safe New Year to all. Bring on 2016!

 

SYDNEY SHOWJUMPING CLASSIC CSI-W, Sydney International Equestrian Centre, 11-13 December 2015

Good results for Cade in both Junior and Young Rider classes throughout the show, finishing top 5 with Midnight Rock in each qualifier and 4th in the Junior Final. In the Young Rider classes on Kelstar, he finished top 10.

As always an incredibly well run and enjoyable show. Congratulations to all involved in organising – what a great way to finish up the competition year.

MILLSTREET, Ireland, 16-18 October 2015

Jake and Cornets Little are forming a fantastic partnership, gaining a second place in the Grand Prix at the Millstreet show on the weekend. What a little superstar!

 

CAVAN INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS, Ireland 2-4 October 2015

Another win for Jake on the smart mare Cornets Little, this time taking out the 1.20m final at the Cavan Indoor Championships. Congratulations also to Michael Duffy on a great win in the Grand Prix at this show.

FEI *** SHOWCASE OF SHOWJUMPING, Polo Club grounds, Richmond 9-11 October 2015

There is no doubt this event has grown to be one of Australia’s premier showjumping events. This year, Cade stepped up from Junior events to compete successfully in the Young Rider (16-21yo) and took 2nd place in the Young Rider Grand Prix.

FEI YOUNG RIDERS TRANS-TASMAN CHALLENGE, Camden 2-4 Oct 2015

On the strength of his recent performances, Cade was selected to represent NSW against NZ in the annual Trans-Tasman Challenge, which pitted the best 16-21yo riders from NSW against a national team from NZ. The event was run using borrowed horses, with each rider getting only 6 practice fences to familiarise themselves with the horse. Cade and the rest of the NSW team were able to bring home the trophy for the first time, with the final score Aus-2, NZ-1. The NSW kids rubbed salt into the wound by winning the tennis and beach volleyball on the weekend – all in good fun!

Pictured is NSW team member Stephanie Mckillop, riding a superb clear round on borrowed Hunter’s Lodge mare La Laina.

NATIONAL INTERSCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS, SIEC, 28 Sept – 2 Oct 2015

Cade and Kelstar followed up their great performance at the Nationals with another good weekend, finishing 3rd overall and helping the NSW team to victory.

With over 500 horses competing, this was the largest event held in Australia so far. Well done to the fantastic organisers at EA NSW and to the fabulous facilities at SIEC.

 

AUSTRALIAN SHOWJUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS, Werribee Vic – 17-20 September 2015

In a thrilling finish to what is always a superb show, Cade and Kelstar took out the Australian Junior Grand Prix on the final day of the show with the only double clear over the challenging 1.40m course. This great result saw Cade finish in 6th place in his first Australian Championships.

Congratulations to the event organisers, sponsors and all involved in this event, which just gets better and better every year.

SHOWJUMPING IRELAND NATIONAL YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS, Mullingar Equestrian Centre, Ireland – 20-23 August 2015

Another great result for Jake finishing the weekend with a 3rd in the Irish National Young Rider Championships (for riders under 25yo). The lovely mare Cornet’s Little (Cornet Oblensky x Grannus) jumped brilliantly with Jake all weekend. Cornet’s Little is for sale through Kardell Global Equine / Duffy Sporthorses.

MILLSTREET CSI*** INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW, IRELAND – 11-16 August 2015

A very busy show at Millstreet for Jake, who had a big workload all week riding for Duffy Sporthorses. After some excellent rounds in qualifying events, the show finished on a high note for Jake and the Duffy team, with second place in the prestigious Boomerang Grand Prix for 6/7 year old horses. Named after Eddie Macken’s legendary International horse Boomerang, this is Ireland’s most hotly-contested futurity event and regarded as a sure indicator of the top Grand Prix horses of the future. The Duffy family’s Cento Blue (Centadel x Chacco Blue) at just 6 years old is definitely a young horse to watch – his potential is limitless. Cento Blue is for sale through Kardell Global Equine / Duffy Sporthorses … and needless to say Jake is available to campaign him for the lucky owner! …

NSW STATE SHOWJUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS – SIEC 13-16 August 2015

Cade had a very successful show at the NSW state titles at SIEC, taking out Reserve Champion Junior on Midnight Rock. Kelstar also jumped well for him over some big tracks in the Young Rider classes.

BARNADOWN RDS QUALIFIER SHOW – 4-5 July 2015

Exciting news out of Ireland this weekend, with Jake qualifying on two horses for the prestigious 5* Dublin International Horse Show. Jake placed 3rd on Trendy KWPN owned by Vinnie Duffy, and 6th on Cruising for Chics owned by Liam Lynskey, out of a highly competitive field of 97 in the Young Rider at the Barnadown RDS qualifier show. This qualifies Jake to compete on these two horses in Dublin on 5-9 August.

GUNNEDAH SHOWJUMPING FESTIVAL – 4-5 July 2015

What a fantastic weekend of showjumping thanks to the efforts of the committee at Gunnedah. Even with the challenge of having to reschedule this event after heavy rain, they put on a great show and international course designer Kevin Hansen from NZ set some very challenging tracks. Cade took home the Bud Hyam memorial Young Rider award on Kelstar, and all our horses jumped well.

Big thanks as always to our sponsors Tuffrock, Pryde’s, Ceva, Bombers and Oakwood. We couldn’t do it without you!

MILLSTREET WELCOME TOUR – 2-12 April 2015, Millstreet, County Cork, Ireland

After a successful Sunshine Tour in Spain for Duffy Sport Horses, Jake headed back to Ireland to compete at Millstreet. He had his first win of the season on 11 April in the 6/7 year old class, riding the Duffy family’s lovely mare Danish Dinner (Whitinger VDL x Concorde). The following day, Jake backed up with another win – this time in the 6/7 yo final, on the Duffys’ Kenco. This win qualifies the pair for the CSI*** event at Millstreet in August. Jake also continued his successful partnership with Liam Lynskey’s Cruising for Chics, with three top 5 placings in International events, including a close 2^nd in the CSI* speed class on 5^th April. A summary of placings gained and some videos below.

RIDERS’ SERIES – 11-12 April 2015, SIEC

A great show, well organised as always by the fabulous Riders’ Series committee. Cade stepped up to Young Rider classes and had his first win on Midnight Rock in the Young Rider 1.20m. He also placed 2^nd in the Open 1.20m on Kelstar.

SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW – 3-6 April 2015

With just one horse and rider it was an easier show for us this year! Cade and Kelstar had a great start to the show, winning the first junior event. Although they jumped well all weekend over Werner Deeg’s tough courses, a few unlucky rails meant Cade was unable to defend the Champion Junior Boy Rider and Grand Prix he won last year. A great long weekend, though, in spite of the rain. Well done to all the juniors for a fantastic standard of jumping this year.

SUNSHINE TOUR – Throughout March, Vejer, Spain

In November 2014 Jake travelled to Ireland to take up a professional riding job with top Irish team Duffy Sport Horses. After some long winter months of training at their home base in County Mayo, Ireland, Jake and the Duffy Sport Horses team headed to Spain for the Sunshine Tour.

Jake had some lovely horses to ride throughout the tour and in particular he was able to form a good partnership with Cruising for Chics, a stallion by the famous Cruising, owned by Liam Lynskey of Derryronane Stud. Jake and Chics finished the tour with 4 top 10 placings.

SCONE HORSE TRIALS – 7-8 March 2015

What a fantastic weekend at Scone! Hunter’s Lodge working pupil Bessie Traylen was able to take client Jenny Bright’s horse Smokin’ Aces (aka Rupert) to Scone for the weekend to compete in the Junior EvA 80. After lying 4^th overnight, Bessie and Rupert put in a faultless performance in the cross country to take out the class. Considering Bessie had only been riding this horse for a little over a week, under Gail’s guidance, she did a brilliant job in all disciplines. Congratulations Bessie on a well-deserved result, and a big thanks to Jenny for letting her ride your lovely horse.

A bit of a change of scene for us to be eventing, but what a fabulous event it is – extremely well run by the committee, who managed a field of well over 500 horses very efficiently. The twilight showjumping was a great way to bring spectators to the sport and was hugely enjoyed by all.

MAITLAND SHOW – 27-29 February 2015

Cade had a successful show at Maitland, taking home Hunter Region Champion Junior Horse on La Laina, another great ride he’s picked up in Jake’s absence.

Congratulations also to Gail’s students Abbey Donaldson who won the Hunter Region Local Junior Rider and Liz Perucich who had two good placings in the Amateur classes.

The event was as always well run by the Hunter Valley Showjumping Club and entries for each class were high, resulting in long days and hot competition in the jump-offs. It’s a pity that the scheduling, promotion and the poor state of repair of the showground let the show down this year. It would be great to see the highlight events promoted and showcased for spectators as they once were.

NEWCASTLE SHOW – 6 March 2015

Cade won the Junior showjumping on La Laina, then stepped out of Juniors events for the first time on his horse Kelstar, to compete in the Open 1.20m, where he ran second to Vicki Roycroft.

NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SHOWJUMPING CLUB INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – AELEC TAMWORTH 13-15 February 2015

Cade had a great show at Tamworth, having his first start on Midnight Rock and placing 2^nd in the Junior 1.20m. On Kelstar he placed 2^nd in the Junior Grand Prix.

One of Gail’s students, Grace Kay, on Celerity Park Faberge, won the 1.10m Junior.

TAMWORTH INDOOR TOUR SHOWJUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS – 10-12 OCTOBER 2014

Fantastic results for both of the Hunter boys at Tamworth on the weekend.

Jake had a great weekend riding two horses for client Natasha Dickson. On LH Warsaw he won all three junior classes, and on Riverside Gareth he won a silver tour class.

On Midnight Rock, Jake had a 4th placing in the Gold Tour class and on La Laina, a win and a second placing in the Young Rider Tour events.

As a result, Jake was awarded Most Successful Junior Rider at the show, winning a gorgeous new bridle from Don Cross Saddlery.

Cade also had a successful weekend, with a 4th placing in the Speed Championship on Kelstar.

As always, a big thanks to all our wonderful sponsors and supporters, Pryde’s EasiFeed Tuff Rock, Bombers Australia , Oakwood Products and Nature Vet – Ceva also James Cutler for his help last week with Bits !

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2014 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES, NANJING CHINA – 24 AUGUST 2014

Today, Jake experienced the thrill of becoming an Olympic medallist, winning bronze in the individual finals of the showjumping at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing. Riding the young but talented mare For The Star, Jake posted two clear rounds to take him into a jump-off of four competitors, finishing with one rail down for 4 faults and third placing. The gold medal went to Emily Fraser of New Zealand and the silver to Martina Campi of Argentina.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO HIGHLIGHTS COVERAGE

Jake praised the efforts of his 7 year old mount: “She’s only a young horse, and to come out and make the jump-off over a really tough track is fantastic. I’d really love to be riding her in a few more years.”

Congratulations to Jake, Gail and all the team of sponsors, family and supporters that helped make this possible.