Danielle Quinsee, above, from Yarra Glen took out the big prize as the Best Pony Club Rider. Chelsea Gilmour, right, from Lilydale was declared Champion Junior Rider while nine-year-old Syenna Vasilopoulos came first place in the Under 12 Novice Rider event.By Melissa Donchi
THE ninth annual St John’s Horseshow was held at the Don Road complex in Healesville over the Labour Day Weekend and was a huge success.
Riders came from all over Melbourne and outer suburbs to compete in the prestigious charity event with proceeds going to the St Johns Anglican Church in Healesville to help people in need.
The biggest prize of the day was the Nancy McKenzie Smith Perpetual Memorial Trophy which went to Best Pony Club Rider Danielle Quinsee from Yarra Glen.
Ms McKenzie’s daughters Mary-Ann Copland and Mandy Eyers presented Danielle with the trophy who was a little overwhelmed by the prize.
“I don’t really know what to say,” she said embarrassed by all the attention.
This is the second year the award has been given and was made in honour of well-known local identity Nancy McKenzie who died in July 2005 after a life of riding horses.
“She was riding horses since the day she was born until she was 78 years old,” Ms Copland said.
“She lived a lifetime of horses.”
Other winners on the day were Fiona Course from Ferntree Gully who was awarded Senior Champion Rider and Annie Rush from Emerald who was chosen as the Intermediate Champion Rider.
The prize for the Junior Champion Rider went to Chelsea Gilmour from Lilydale.
