Sport
4 October, 2022
Shannon rides to world success
FROM the farms of Mutchilba to the arenas in Italy, Hazel Shannon has made her small community proud after debuting at the FEI World Equestrian Games Championships Pratoni in Roma.
The FEI World Equestrian Games are the major international championships for equestrianism held every four years hosted by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).
The event hosted some of the most elite equestrians in the world to compete, with Germany taking out the top country this year and Australia coming in 10th.
Ms Shannon and her stallion WillingaPark Clifford delivered a stellar performance during her events, coming 36th overall and second in the Australian team.
After her cross country event, Ms Shannon told the Australian Equestrian Team she was thrilled to be on the back of her trusty stallion at the Championships and would do it again in a heartbeat.
“(WillingaPark Clifford) felt like he could go around again. He is always like that, there is no limit to his tank, but I don’t know if I could go around again,” she said.
“I think I used up all my energy and nerve and it was tough to keep up on your minute markers. I was down but luckily with a good old Thoroughbred you can kick them and they will go a bit faster.
“He was hanging out for me to kick him the whole way but with the winding track we had to keep a bit of containment. He is great. He is such a fighter and such a jumper. I am so appreciative for him.”
Ms Shannon scored 30,3 after the dressage, 41,5 after the cross country and 61,5 after jumping.
