13/06/2026
South Australia State show January 2026.
Very belated appreciation post and celebrating Can Do Crackin Lilspinna’s achievements over the sizzling show conditions.
Alinta and I hadn’t been in the western show ring for 5 years. Both a tad nervous to step back in and go to a state show. We headed off with our home grown filly, who was still quite green for this level of competition. But, hey, they don’t get broke, sitting in the paddock.
The State Ranch show was great fun. I had a surprise win in the ranch trail. Alinta did loads better of learning showing in cases she really had limited knowledge and experience in.
The state show kicked off and the temperatures were rising. Knowing we were in for nearly 40 degrees on the Saturday, the show started super early 7.00am and we were all doing our best to fly through the program, adapt to last minute program shifts and everybody was working as a team to get this show on the road.
Super excited to get into our English gear and show under an  equestrian Federation accredited judge. We have been getting lessons over the winter and working hard to polish up out dressage knowledge. Jessie was lovely and settle for her English classes and I was thrilled with the win in the amateur dressage doing a novice test. Was so excited for winter to see her get to ride in the championship for the hacking great experience for her and Jessie. The calibre of horses were showed against were superb.
The final day kicked off at 6 am and it was hot 35° at 8 am! The committee was fantastic in supplying cool Water for horses and electrolytes for competitors. We made great connections with other competitors. I recognised many of these horses from watching them show on the mainland. It was very special to be riding amongst some extremely well performed quarter horses.
When it was all over done with we crashed out back at camp to enjoy 45° weather and then the panic of a grass fire that was sparked 6 km from the Showgrounds. I must say I’ve never seen people pack up a full camp so quickly in my life! We were kinda stuck as the fire was in the direction of home. We watched a huge aerial attack on the fire and it was out in 45 minutes. It was catastrophic fire conditions and it was incredibly impressive they had it out in no time. Thank you to those who make us safe.
The committee did a fantastic job with food, organisation of the show, beautiful trophies, and prizes . The show atmosphere was lovely and supportive. We will definitely be back next year.
It was a huge surprise to win high point junior horse amateur. It was super nice to win considering this is the first year I’ve ridden as an amateur.
![We bred three of our quarter horse mares last season. Our favourite Can Do anything horse Oneida[Bar Made Blues] was put...](https://img5.gyms1.com/393/912/1643700243939120.jpg)
![Lucky [QXH Docs Poco] with my daughter. My daughter with lucky’s daughters.Jessie [Can Do A Crackin Lil Spinna]Tinder [C...](https://img3.gyms1.com/771/200/1639304737712004.jpg)
