Equine Lifestyle Festival

As expected, the Mulawa Arabian Stud had a successful day. Cameron Bonney got the day off to a good start by claiming the Gold award in the class for Filly 3 Years and Under with 'Venecia MI' (Allengiance MI/Valentine MI).

Doyle Dertell is pictured on the run with Al Sahrae Arabian Stud's beautiful, 'Vurandahs Valentino Image' that took the Silver award in the Mare Four Years and Over class in the Arabian Australasian Breeders Cup classes at the 2015 Equine Lifestyle Festival.

Well known horseman, Greg Andrews is pictured with K Trouchet-Nilsson, 'Tequa ERA' (Shumani ERA/Shamazan Tileah) that took the Bronze award in the class for Arabian Mare Four Years and Over.

Doyle Dertell is on the move with his own and wife, Kate Dertell's home bred, 'Volcom FF' (Crave FF/Beguine OH USA) that took the Silver Award in the Arabian Australasian Breeders Cup Colt Three Years and Under class.

Cameron Bonney is pictured on the move with the Mulawa Arabian . Stud's beautiful Gold Medal winning Colt Three Years and Under, 'Vangelis MI' (DA Valentino/Always an Angel). Vangelis MI received the highest score of all the horses entered in the 22015 Arabian Australasian Breeders Cup.

Anthony Geytman did the honours with G Lilley's lovely Arabian Colt Three Years and Under finalist, 'Nalla Casanova' (Mystica Sagali/Escarda Summer Luvin).

The beautiful three year old colt, 'DP Darien Ali Jameal' is pictured showing well in his class.

Cheryl Edwards' 'Chelleason Magnums Gold' by Magnum 44 that won the Arabian Costume class.

Australia's favourite showjumper, Tom McDermott is pictured aboard, 'Carisma' during the first round of the Future Stars 1.25m class. Tom is just back from five months riding in Europe and heads to the USA after Christmas to further his promising career. He will be missed.

During a brief break in the weather, Andrew Inglis is pictured aboard, 'Licaviv' during the Future Stars 1.25m class.

The Sapphire Park Miniature's, 'Silver Ster Hollywood Hero' makes a spectacular jump at the final fence to win the Small Horse Six Bar jumping competition. Hero is 38 inches high and the fence is 42 inches; some effort..

Hannah Pikkat's, 'It's Crunch Time' demonstrated talent and a great hair style during the class for Miniature Horse Fault and Out jumping competition.

If, only Lacey Toynton's, 'Elbar Bronze Echo' were 16.2hh he would be an Olympic showjumping contender. The Miniature horse demonstrated superb style to win the Miniature Horse Fault and Out jumping competition at the 2015 Equine Lifestyle Festival.

Diving dogs. Sarah Broman's 'Pancake' urged on by his young handler takes a dive during dockdogs competition at the 2015 Equine Lifestyle Festival. (There were quite a few entertaining canines in action as well).

Phil Chad's, German Shorthaired Pointer, 'Orion' lands feet first during a Dockdogs long jump practice session.

When weather permitted the crowds came out at the first ever Equine Lifestyle Festival conducted at the Hawkesbury Showgrounds.

The Mounted Games action is scheduled for the three days of the Equine Lifestyle Festival. This rider representing NSW demonstrates a good pick up during the flag race.

Six Year old, Blake Thomas from Sydney was captivated by the Mounted Games action. He certainly has the look of a cowboy about him.

This World Championship winning USA Mounted Games team member shows just how they did it., as they make a well timed pick up during the Hug A Mug race.

With showing over for the day Kate and Doyle Dertell (sitting) catch up with their valued sponsor, Tuffrock Founder and Managing Director, Steve Hurley.

Samantha Joseph-Brook is pictured with her dad, the principle of Equest Express Equine and Pet Supplies. Samantha, already in to marketing is thankful for the umbrella as the ballet outfit did not suit the weather at the first Equine Lifestyle Festival.

Jock Maxwell is pictured aboard his, 'Peggy' during a Capmdraft training session. If you think the beast looks unusual, it is because it is a Bison. The once endangered USA species has come in to its own for training young campdraft horses and young campdraft riders.

James Hetherington is pictured aboard his , 'PP Masterclass' during the Centuria Capital Hawkesbury Challenge Final 1.40m class.

The rain did not deter Harry Owens who jumps a super fence aboard his, 'Valoundra' during the Centuria Capital Hawkesbury Challenge Final 1.40m.

A bit of rain has never deterred Chris Chugg who is pictured riding the talented, 'Yirrkala En Vogue EA' in the Centuries Capital Hawkesbury Challenge Final 1.40m class.

The cafe under cover was a popular spot for a reviving coffee before heading back out to explore the huge range of activities and exhibitors at the first Equine Lifestyle Festival.

"Yes, it is wet and I don't like it".

Dressed for the occasion, Dan Steers, half of the popular Double Dans shows great form as he heads this beast during a qualifying campdraft. The conditions were tough today for all.

Gaby Kuna's super imported mare, 'Cristalline' seems to be saying "how high do you want me to jump and where do you want me to go". Chris Chugg in the driver's seat until Gaby recovers form a hand injury looks to be enjoying the ride. The eight year old mare was the only horse to post a double clear to win the Mitavite Sydney Open 1.60m World Cup Qualifier. The first of many for Cristalline one would think.

Sharon Slater looks delighted with, 'CP Aprilla' that took second place in the Mitavite Sydney Open 1.60m World Cup Qualifier. Sharon however took the top World Cup points, as Cristalline was Chris Chugg's second ride. Sharon and Aprilla incurred two time penalties in the first round and one time penalty in the second.