Horses and carts tore up the turf as ladies in their finest competed at the Waroona Show carriage driving

Craig DuncanHarvey-Waroona Reporter
Camera IconKathy Miles came first in the carriage driving event at the Waroona Show. Credit: Craig Duncan/Harvey-Waroona Reporter

Horses barrelled down the oval with ladies in their finest pushing them on to win this year’s Waroona Show competition.

The centre of the Waroona Showgrounds became a curving course for four ladies and their horses in the high-speed showcase.

Kathy Miles won the competition this year, having a history of competing well in high-speed events.

“I feel really good, and my horse loved doing these speed events,” she said.

Ms Miles said no longer being able to ride a horse, carriage driving is the next best thing for her, still giving her the chance to spend time with her horse and do what she loves.

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“I just love being with the horse, learning new things and having her co-operate with me,” she said.

Camera IconKathy Miles came first in the carriage driving event at the Waroona Show. Credit: Craig Duncan/Harvey-Waroona Reporter

Coming in second was Judy Pope, who said she had been racing horses for more than 20 years.

“My kids and I used to do pony trots, and then we went form there to this, bigger cart, bigger everything,” she said.

Camera IconBelinda Leeson sped through the course when competing at the carriage driving at the Waroona Show. Credit: Craig Duncan /Harvey-Waroona Reporter

Third place went to Ann Taylor who said sport was still relatively new to her, after giving up horseriding to transition to a carriage.

“It’s really fun, I just enjoy it so much,” she said.

Belinda Leeson also took part, speeding through the track.

“It’s great fun, much better than going around in circles,” she said.

Event judge John Carr said it was great to see a strong field for the competition.

“They all preformed so well. We had a number of clear rounds so it was relatively difficult to pick the winner since they all did very well,” he said.

Camera IconBelinda Leeson, Kathy Miles, Ann Taylor and Judy Pope competed in the carriage driving event at the Waroona Show. Credit: Craig Duncan/Harvey-Waroona Reporter

“We always like the public to see carriage driving, because although it is a niche sport, we really would like to contact all the people who might be interested in doing it.

“We always like to encourage new competitors to come in, as well as anyone who is interested in horses and horse welfare — we really like to show what we’re doing and encourage anyone to treat their animals well and enjoy them.”

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