With big numbers in stud classes at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show, spectators had plenty to look at and could admire some of Australia’s finest livestock.
The Australian Stock Horse section was all about Nicole and Cole Moxey’s Brandwood Orlando.
The black stallion was not only Champion Stock Horse stallion but added the Champion Working Australian Stock Horse, Champion Australian Stock Horse Hack and the Most Versatile Australian Stock Horse Exhibit awards to his show collection.
The champion had a tough start to life.
“Unfortunately, when he was just a foal I lost the mare so he had an abrupt weaning,” Nicole said.
“It hasn’t phased him and he is a big gentle giant with a side of cheekiness, although he does not like to get in trouble.”
Nicole said Covid had meant Orlando has not been able to step out in competitions as much as they would have liked, but from his minimal outings he has had huge success.
“He has just started his campdraft career, placing second in the maiden at Tumut in January,” she said.
“We are so excited to see the progeny that he is putting in the ground, including the first foal we bred by him, Brandwood Oregon, who held his own in both the champion hack and champion working ASH line ups at his first Sydney Royal.
“He was awarded fifth overall in the RM Williams trophy for the most versatile stockhorse. We were so proud that father and son were both in the overall line up.”
Orlando’s colours were lowered in the judging for supreme led, which was awarded to Rob and Julie Vandyke’s beautiful young mare, Chevally Park Power Trick. Of classic stock horse appearance, she lives up to her heritage bloodlines.
She missed the ridden classes at Sydney as she had a slight cold and already a winner in Futurity classes, she will compete through the coming season.
Suburban Lodge Show and Training Stables and Mammolito Family’s Glen Lee Double Shot was awarded champion gelding and won his ridden class from big numbers of quality horses.
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All images Lorelle Mercer
Full results
View and purchase Lorelle Mercer from Sydney Royal Easter Show
This article appeared on The Regional on 19 April 2023.
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