RDAQ STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS REPORT 2023
Thirty two (32) riders from six (6) affiliated centres travelled to compete in the 2023 State Championships held at the Maryborough Showgrounds in early August.
The Championships are designed to enable riders and non-riders, from RDAQ member centres, to showcase their horsemanship abilities in a competitive and supportive environment. While the events are run under the RDAA Test Booklet 2015 and the Para Equestrian Test: Equestrian Australia Dressage Rules the focus was on inclusion, participation, and fun! The championships were judged by Judy Carsley and Beryl Burkhardt.
This free two-day event is the only state level competition designed specifically for disabled equestrians in Queensland. The event is one part of a multi-strategy approach by RDAQ and RDAA to create pathways for disabled riders to the Special Olympics and the Para Olympics. To enable as many athletes to participate as possible, RDAQ also offered financial support for those who had to travel from across Queensland.
Equestrians and their supporters from the Lockyer Valley, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Mackay, Harvey Bay, and Maryborough all took the opportunity to participate in 
Dressage, Working Trails, Handy Pony Obstacle and Team Fancy Dress events. Both Riden and Led events were included in the program to ensure that all equestrians could be recognised for their champion abilities.
Competition Results
RDAQ/SHCQ Perpetual Trophy
1st place – Adria Edwards (Hervey Bay RDA) with a score of 75.75%
2nd place: Matt McLachlan (Rockhampton RDA) with a score of 70.75%
3rd place: Sienna Cocks (Maryborough RDA) with a score of 69.18%
Horse and Rider Turnout – Dressage: The horse, rider, side walkers/leader deemed by the judges to be best in appearance (best turned out), as a team and following the dress code was awarded to Chloe Black riding Carlie (Bundaberg RDA)
Horse and Rider Turnout – Working Trails: The horse, rider, side walkers/leader deemed by the judges to be best in appearance (best turned out), as a team and following the dress code, was awarded to Zachary Fairley on Teddy (Lockyer Valley RDA)
Golden Lead Rope Award : The horse leader deemed by the judges to be working in harmony with the horse and providing the rider with the opportunity to display their riding skills to the best of their ability was awarded to Terry Dingle from the Lockyer Valley RDA
Mary Longden award for the Most Giving Horse was awarded to Snow from the Maryborough RDA
Fancy Dress winners: Hervey Bay Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
RDAQ is looking forward to seeing even more competitors next year!