Handler goes national

By Meg Kennedy

A young Bacchus Marsh horsewoman was awarded one of the top-spots at a prestigious national championship event in South Australia last month.
Mallory Kitching-Cruickshank, 17, was awarded the title of National Junior Champion Handler with her horse Caballeriza ‘Cavvi’ Cavalier, reclaiming the position for the second year in a row, as well as the National Junior Equitation Champion at the AHAA National Championships in McLaren Vale, South Australia, from 12-14 April.
Mallory focuses on riding Andalusian horses, which are traditionally from Spain, and competed in dressage, handler, Spanish horse and hacking classes across the three-day competition, being the only junior competing in most classes.
For Mallory, who started riding just five years ago, a love of riding runs in the family.
“My mum spent many years riding and performing on Andalusians at the old Bacchus Marsh Lion Park and the stories she told me about them made me want to own my own Andalusian,” she said.
Her experience this year is one that she says she “will not forget”.
“When I was awarded the National Junior Champion again, I have to admit I cried, so did my mum.
“It was very emotional and I’m so proud of my horse and myself, he did amazing for an old boy and got extra apples in his feed that night,” she said.
“I wouldn’t have got there without the support I received, not just from Mum and Keith but from my sponsors; I have to give them a huge thank you, they all made it possible.”
While she is currently taking a gap-year to become a riding instructor, Mallory hopes to continue her streak of competing, and further her passion for riding.
Her determination is to be admired.
“It may take a while, but my goal is to one day ride in the Olympics and the World Equestrian Games, and I’m determined to achieve it,” she said.