2009 Brisbane Royal Show

The Dartmoor Ponies were give rather more exposure at the 2009 Ekka. Often a bit lost amongst the many other breeds on Sunday, they were brought forward to the first day of equine competition. Vicky Thompson is pictured doing the honours with S McCoombs charming, 'Bacton Rising Star' (Goulburn River Rising/Glynton Park Julie) that took first place in the class for Mare Three Years and Over.

Stephanie Evans drove her own and Alan and Gwen Evans' good working, 'Koorootang Highlander' to win the class for Shetland/Miniature Pony/Horse Turnout .

Regular Ekka Exhibitor, Susan Clarke took out the Reserve Champion Connemara Mare Award with her own and Barton Clarke's 'Glenorminston Fintra' (Abbeyleix Finbar imp/Glenorminston Rosslea).

The ever youthful, Richard Sharman is always one to watch in the show ring. The talented horseman did the honours with KJ, LD & EN Hansen's, 'Sianwood Sh'Boom'. The typey, imported pony by Sianwood Arcade out of Abercrychan Antonia was declared Champion Stallion and Supreme Welsh Pony Exhibit.

A very pleased Neville Lyons is pictured with the Rahane Pastoral Co's Champion Welsh Pony Mare, 'Rahane Philadaelphia' (Rahane Daryl/Rahane Petula).

Dave Nettleton is pictured with his winning Connemara Broodmare, 'Tylani Olivea' (Glenormiston Oliver/Tylani Hogmena). Interestingly, 'Olivea' is a full sister to the Champion Mare, Tylani Cadence.

Toni Oberhauser is on the move with her lovely Champion Connemara Mare, 'Tylani Cadence' (Glenormiston Oliver/Tylani Hogmeana).

The Evans family had a busy day in the Harness ring. Alan is pictured at the reins of his own, Gwen and Stephanie Evans', 'Koorootang Galaxy' that took third place in the class for Open Shetland, Miniature Horse/Pony Mare/Gelding in Harness.

Trevor Hyatt drove his and Jennifer Hyatt's, 'Koorootang Viscount' to second place in the class for Open Shetland, Miniature Horse/Pony Mare or Gelding in Harness.

Peter Schriven is at the reins of his own and Roslyn Kingston's ,'Minita Kiss Mahynie', that won the class for Open Shetland Miniature Horse/Pony Mare/Gelding in Harness.

Scott Goodall drove his own and Murray Goodall's former Champion Led Clydesdale Stallion (twice), 'Benwerrin Sir William' to second place in the class for Single Horse Lorry Turnout Mediun/Heavy Horse.

As always the successful Keir Family made their presence felt during the first day of Harness competition at the EKKA. Shane Keir is pictured driving his own and Peter Keir's Champion Shetland/Miniature Horse/Pony in Harness, 'Travis Park Illusion;.

Melissa Jones drove Peter and Shane Keir's home bred, 'Canberra Park Stepalong Mazera' to take out the class for Novice Hackney Horse in Harness.

The master at work. What a pleasure it is to see Vince Corvi at the reins of a Hackney Horse or Pony. As always Vince gave a world class display, as he claimed for the umpteenth time the Champion Hackney Horse Award with his and Terry Cowan's 'Ashwood Gold Moss'.

Kevin Snow and his 'Skye Mist Wagtayl' (Langfield Canth imp/Shelanda Sunglow) are both putting their best foot forward. Kevin won the Stallion class and took out the Best Dartmoor Exhibit Award with his delightful and functional pony.

Well known judge and exhibitor, Bryson Bensley drove the Bensley Family's 'Dunolly Victory' to take out the Reserve Champion Hackney Horse in Harness Award.

This lovely mare had time just to make it to the Ekka. The Champion Mare and Supreme Champion Welsh Mountain Pony, 'Arawel Lodge Shakira' (Afon Glyn Hanky Panky/Abacone Anastasia) and there is no need to tell you Shakira won the Broodmare class, is due to foal in three weeks. Pictured L-R , Exhibitor, Heidi Gear and Judge, John Riley.

The lovely 'Bordershow Dandelion' (Cherrytree Bronte/Cherrytree Daffodil), exhibited by B and A Woods was declared Best Welsh Mountain Pony Two Year Old.