VASA Horse of the Year

"It was a hot, 40C at 3pm and windy day" but the first Led day of the 2013 VAS Ltd Saddle Horse Championships got under way at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo. Despite a number of scratchinbgs there were as to be expected some lovely horses on show. Julie Soldatos took out the Led Show Hunter Hack championship with her impressive Over 16.2hh winner, 'Miss Mia', a Warmblood mare by Metallic out of the Just de Pomme mare, Just Lauren.

Lauren Oxlade is pictured with her Champion Led Small Show Hunter Pony, 'Rivington Edge'.

Kelly Hamblin took out the Led Show Hunter Pony 12.2-13hh class with her, 'Toolleen Rick'.

An as always dapper, David Warde did the honours with Kim Joblin's, 'LS Inspiration' that was declared Led Galloway Champion.

A well dressed, Gradey McNicol is pictured with her elegant Reserve Champion Led Galloway, 'Grandeur Heart 'n' Soul'.

Well known and successful showing personality, Michelle Paynter is pictured with her Reserve Champion Large Show Hunter Pony, Rivendale Park Olivia'.

Rebecca Groen led her, 'DM Versace' to victory in the class for Hacks 15.2-16hh.

Madeleine Tabak took out the class for Led Hack 16-16.2hh with her, 'Saluto'.

A delighted Samantha McIntyre is pictured with her Over 16.2hh winner and Reserve Champion Led Hack, 'Zirconia Jackpot'.

Michelle Bryant is pictured with her, 'Karlana Your Welcome' that won the class for Show Hunter Galloway 14-14.2hh.

Bronwen Noonan is pictured with her own and Kay Cartner's beautiful 15.2-16hh Led Hack winner, 'SLM Wicked'.

Amelia Gall is pictured with her lovely Champion Led Hack, 'Phoenix Aura' a Thoroughbred by Dr Fong.

Sheridan Hammet took out the Led Large Show Pony Championship with her own and her mother, Bobby Hammet's well performed, 'Hamlot Park Royal Quest'.

All smiles despite the heat. Remy Monaghan took out the Reserve Champion Led large Pony award with her, 'Mirinda Odessy'.

Kara Mamouney-Brown's splendid Shetland Pony, 'Illangi Addison' was declared Champion Led Small Pony.

Bronte Monaghan is pictured with her, 'Tuxedo Classic Renoir' that took second place in the class for Led Pony 12.2-13hh.

Well known and successful showing identity, Julie Wende is pictured on the run with her gleaming Champion Show Hunter Galloway, 'Invic Knowing'.

"Olivia" Watson was one of the few spectators on the first and very hot day of the 2013 VAS Ltd Saddle Horse Championships. She was sensible and kept well hydrated and in the shade.

Emma Astbury hangs on to her hat as she works out with her delightful Welsh Pony, 'Osory Ricardo' that won the class for Small Show Hunter Pony N.E. 12hh.

A hot day to be running, but Rebecca Gerber is pictured on the move with her own and Jane Gerber's, 'Toolleen Cowboy' that was declared Reserve Champion Led Small Show Hunter Pony