Cover image courtesy of Stonewall Equestrian
The inaugural series of contests run at the stunning property that is Stonewall Equestrian - established from early 2016 by Krissy and her late husband Heath - the National Titles saw 270 thoroughbreds aged from four to 25 competing in a variety of disciplines across all levels of talent.
After decades of working with horses, Heath (who was so well-known and respected for his work with horses in movies such as Phar Lap and The Man From Snowy River) asked Krissy what she would like to do for the rest of her life.
“I'd like a showground!” she answered, and Stonewall - set on 50 acres at Mangrove Mountain on the NSW Central Coast - is the result of their vision... and of a lot of hard work.
Stonewall Equestrian | Image courtesy of Stonewall Equestrian
As someone who has loved thoroughbreds for her whole life, Krissy was frustrated when, from 2000 onwards, warmbloods were being very well-promoted and dominating the world of equine competitions.
A thoroughly good breed
Krissy believed the thoroughbred breed was left somewhat behind; despite all they have to offer.
“I grew up riding thoroughbreds,” Harris said. “And I love them to bits. They have hearts as big as mountains and those who come off the track already have a big life skill set - they have been around!”
“...I love them (thoroughbreds) to bits. They have hearts as big as mountains and those who come off the track already have a big life skill set - they have been around!” - Krissy Harris
“Some other breeds can be a bit wimpy,” she chuckled.
And other breeds, she noted, can also be very expensive, “I have seen riders buy purpose-bred horses for $30-40,000 who end up cantering around rings competing for $200!”
Which meant that only those with considerable disposable income could afford to take part. Thoroughbreds, however, can be obtained more cheaply, giving 'more people a more affordable entry point'.
Krissy Harris | Image courtesy of Stonewall Equestrian
And the more people loving and spending their time with thoroughbreds the better -not only for those in the world of competition, but for those in racing who are keen to see their retired racehorses, both fast and slow, living full lives away from the track.
Not only is this good for the horses, but also for the racing industry with Harris confident that the show world can provide staff for the racing world.
“A kid whose parents buy them a $3000 thoroughbred can build a wonderful and long association with that horse and the skills they learn over the years are easily transferrable to racing... if someone can jump a horse in front of judges, they can learn to be a track rider.”
“...if someone can jump a horse in front of judges, they can learn to be a track rider.” - Krissy Harris
On and off the track
Whilst kept busy with the many competitions held at Stonewall throughout the year, Krissy still keeps a keen eye on racing. She has a thoroughbred broodmare and races horses - currently enjoying an association with trainer Blake Ryan who she has great respect for: “As he rides his own horses... he has fabulous hands.”
And so it was natural that Harris would want to host and promote events just for thoroughbreds, hence the establishment of the Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association (TSHA) in 2019.
Hoping to run the titles a couple of years ago, Harris waited through COVID and wet weather to get it going and it was worth the wait with Sunday's event seeing a big crowd 'having an absolute ball!'
The marquee at the Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association Titles | Image courtesy of Stonewall Equestrian
The $70,000 Racing Teams Showjumping Challenge and the Puissance jumping event were highlights, along with the awarding of the Heath Harris Horsemanship Medal to Olympian Eventer Shane Rose.
John Singleton’s nearby Strawberry Hill Stud is the naming rights sponsor of the showjumping challenge and aptly their team was the winner with Nikita Moore riding Moon Landing (More Than Ready {USA}), Paton Simpson on Port Commands (Commands) and Olivia Hamood on Showem Flash (Show A Heart).
Moon Landing is a great example of what can be achieved with the racehorse who doesn't measure up on the track. Bred by Strawberry Hill, the three-quarter brother to Better Than Ready was injured as a foal.
Strawberry Hill Stud's branding on one of the showjumps | Image courtesy of Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association
There have also been success stories about horses with other race career-hindering issues, such as those with Laryngeal Hemiplegia (roarer disorder).
Good racehorses also fared well, such as Waratone - the multiple city-winning Mossman gelding, now 14, who won the jumping event, enhancing his already impressive resume which includes the 2021 Racing Victoria Australian Off The Track Championship.
Harris is aware that OTT horses get the most publicity, but she also likes to cater for those who never got to the track or even into work. So long as they were registered as a foal, the horses are eligible for competition.
Waratone, winner of the 2022 Puissance Art 262.2 - Australia and World Record for Stud Book Registered Throroughbreds sponsored by Strawberry Hill Stud | Image courtesy of Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association
The day offers nice prizemoney to competitors, thanks to the generosity of sponsors - not only Strawberry Hill but also the likes of Mystery Downs, Peachester Lodge, Robrick Lodge and Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing, with Adrian's wife Jess an enthusiastic supporter.
“A whole community of people who love horses,” Harris enthused.
By ensuring that such days succeed, Harris is doing a great job helping to change perceptions of the thoroughbreds' life after racing. There is, she says, considerable demand for the breed and the more often thoroughbreds can compete the better, thus strengthening the market.
“It is not enough just to re-train a horse, you have to give them something to do. People will be far more likely to buy a horse if they can compete, so shows like this drive re-homing.”
“It is not enough just to re-train a horse, you have to give them something to do. People will be far more likely to buy a horse if they can compete, so shows like this drive re-homing.” - Krissy Harris
Harris has had great feedback from those who enjoyed the day with many, “Wanting to become involved. Already I've had people asking me if I can source them a thoroughbred.”
