Family celebrates Grand Nationals triumph after Sydney show horse heroics

At the end of March, the Thorpe family headed to NSW for Grand Nationals, which ran from March 3 through to April 4, taking two of their own horses alongside three others from different owners.

It was a household affair as they represented their very own Graegill Show Ponies on the biggest stage in the Australian scene, staying in their horse cart and camping during the week-long stay in Sydney.

“It was a big trip for us,” show horse competitor and mum-of-three Amberley Thorpe said.

“We had to travel to qualifiers all over Australia, Victoria runs about four qualifiers a year so we also had to travel interstate as well as it’s only the first and second placed in each class that qualify to head on to the Grand Nationals.

“I’ve ridden all my life and so has my mum, so it’s a real family affair.

“Once we got to the Grand Nationals there were people from everywhere, from New Zealand to Tasmania to NSW, all coming together.

“It’s a huge event with over 40 horses in some classes, so to get there and even compete and go top 10 was amazing – to win was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”

Attendance at the renowned spectacle was the result of travelling around the country to secure the much-coveted qualification for the clan – making their accomplishments taste all the more sweet.

It proved to be a successful endeavour for the brood as their own pony, VP Cambridge Garden, placed fifth in the Open Small Pony category, while also clinching the coveted Owner Rider Award.

Amitey, 11, is the youngest of the Thorpe children, and rode their celebrated show horse Bayview Ivy League in very competitive classes at the show.

Meanwhile, Marley impressed throughout the event, placing fifth in the Rider 12-15 class.

However, the true highlight of the meeting came as the starlet rode Avlon Hello Dolly, owned by the Belcher family, in the Child’s Hunter Pony category.

Together, they claimed the championship, representing a major milestone for the family and a moment they are likely to never forget down in Sydney.

“It was the most amazing moment, it was fantastic – she’s done really, really well, and it’s so nice to celebrate it,” Amberley said.

Describing her pride at seeing her children and her wider Graegill Show Ponies team perform so admirably at the garland event, Amberley’s joy was palpable.

“You can imagine how many (competitors) in each class go, it’s usually around 40 per class, even just in our state,” she said.

“They’re very talented at what they do (her children) and it takes up a lot of our time, they spend most nights riding their horses in preparation.”

For the Thorpe fledglings, it is clear that these recent successes have been a lifetime in the making, with the family sharing a long-standing bond when it comes to all things equestrianism.

“Cruize, Marley and Amitey have loved riding since they could walk, and moments like this are why,” Amberley said.

“We’re a family team, and we truly love what we do, supporting each other, working hard, and enjoying every step of the journey together.”

Eldest sibling Cruize, 15, is also making inroads in the scene and competed at the Nationals and Grand Nationals championships last year.

Last week, the family made the trip to the Bathurst Royal Show between May 1-3, with Graegill show ponies VP Cambridge Garden and Baby Ivy League securing qualification for next year’s Grand Nationals.

“Every time we go away as a family feels like a holiday,” Amberley said.

“It costs so much money to do it, but the kids absolutely love it, and so I support them in every way I can.”