Cheeseman girls born to ride

By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE teenager, Megan Cheeseman and her sister, 12 year old Keira, had plenty to talk about after the Lilydale Show last week.
Not that conversation is ever an issue in the Cheeseman household. Mother, Debby is well-known in equestrian circles. She has just finished a stint with the Equestrian Federation of Australia running show clinics for young riders and both girls have inherited the bug … and the talent.
Megan and Keira are passionate about their riding and as at home in the saddle as they are in their shoes. Both competed in their first Royal Melbourne Show at just four years of age and at Lilydale on Sunday, 27 November, they added to the raft of medallions and sashes they have accumulated over the years.
Megan, riding Primary Colours, won the prestigious Dame Nellie Melba Memorial Event for riders over 15, for the second year in succession. She also took out Champion Intermediate rider in the competition.
Keira also came home with two sashes winning Reserve Champion in the Saddle Pony 12.2 Hands and Under on Viewbank Ballad and Champion Pony Under 12.24.
Megan said she was thrilled to win but was taking nothing for granted.
“I went in thinking I might have a chance, being my second year, but as the class progressed and there were 13 contenders I knew it was going to be a tough competition,” she said.
Ms Cheeseman, was very proud of the girls saying Megan had been up all night preparing for the event, cleaning and grooming Primary Colours, and her own gear. “All the hard work paid off,” she said.
She was also very proud of Keira who she said had been reserve winner a number of times and put in an excellent performance to claim the champion title competing against riders much older than herself.