The Radincon Vets Choice Award

The Radincon Vets Choice Award recognises riders and horses who demonstrate everything which is great about riding. Talent, tenacity, courage and above all, superior horse management.

We introduced The Radincon Vets Choice Award in 2023, in partnership with Endurance NSW, to promote these great qualities. At every endurance ride of 80km or more, the rider who best embodies the spirit of the Award – as chosen by the vets on the day – receives a beautiful embroidered rug.

The primary judging criterion is that the rider manages their horse beautifully so that it finishes in excellent condition. Our vision is to recognise and encourage the commitment to equine welfare above and beyond winning. It’s all about rising to challenges while still caring for your mount. Winners might be stepping up to a longer distance, or managing their horse effectively after presenting with challenges at the first check-in.

Details and stories of all our 2023 winners are available here.

We’re proud to continue funding The Radincon Vets Choice Award in 2024 and we look forward to sharing the stories of our worthy winners at the following events:

The Radincon Vets Choice Award 2024

Brigitte Lewis / Yttrium Ammunition – Johns River 03.08.24

Brigette Lewis was awarded The Radincon Vets Choice Award at Johns River for excellent performance under pressure.

Despite throwing a boot and being in pain, she carried on, and carried on smiling! Brigette rotated her boots as she rode Yttrium Ammunition round the 80km course to place 12^th MWT, with a perfect book and an average heart rate of 40. The vets were impressed by her perseverance and Ammo’s excellent condition. So are we. We’re also glad the Award gave her something extra to smile about at the end of a memorable weekend.

Ella Stanton / Boonara Ruby Red – QERA State Championship 19.07.24

Congratulations to Ella Stanton, recipient of The Radincon Vets Choice Award at the QERA State Championships held in Widgee.

Ella’s an all-round star achiever. She a newcomer to endurance riding this year, yet she placed third junior in the 160km ride. She’s completed every ride she’s undertaken and she’s on track to compete in the Tom Quilty Gold Cup in South Australia this October.

All this at just 11 years old! No wonder she impressed Head Vet Harry Wever and his colleagues so much.
Ella’s partner in endurance is just a little younger than her, but more experienced. Boonara Ruby Red is a 10-year-old purebred Arabian mare, who’s clocked up nearly 1000km of endurance riding in the last four years.

We look forward to following these two to the Quilty and beyond.

Louise McCormack / Bangalow Park Cobber – New Italy 22.06.24

Huge congratulations to Louise McCormack, who took home the Radincon Vets Choice Award rug at the New Italy ride.

Louise is a long-time horse rider but an endurance newbie. This was her third 80km ride, and successful completion has moved her from Novice to Open Rider status.

Head Vet Bruno Ross commended Louise’s outstanding partnership with Bangalow Park Cobber, and their strong finish. We’d like to add that we love what she said in her thanks to us: that she is ‘so delighted to have found a horse discipline where the welfare of the horse comes first’. That mindset is at the core of what we want The Radincon Vets Choice Award to recognise. More proof that she’s a worthy winner. Well done Louise and Cobber!

William Edwards / Splash – NSW State Championships 08.06.24

A second Radincon Vets Choice Award for the same family! Head vet Chris Dowey praised not only Will’s consistently positive attitude in the vet ring, but also his mentoring of his daughter Coco, who won her Award at Willowvale in March. Will and Splash finished third in the Heavyweight category with a time a little over 7 hours.

Maureen Zeschke / Spanish Era Wizard – Bumbaldry 27.04.24

Radincon sponsored rider Susan Woodward presented the Award on our behalf.

Bumbaldry Endurance Head Vet Chris Dowey was super impressed by Maureen Zeschke. Not just because of how she looked after her horse Spanish Era Wizard, keeping him in great condition and achieving first place in her division. It was the way she helped another rider who fell ill on the course, assisting her to return safely to base.

Another shining example of how caring for others is embedded in the endurance culture. Exactly what The Radincon Vets Choice Award celebrates!

We also loved Maureen’s report on the day after the race that ‘all people and horses enjoyed breakfast in bed and are Fit To Continue!’

Ayra South / Jon de le Hanna – Tooraweenah 20.04.24

Congratulations to junior rider Ayra South, who completed the 80km Tooraweenah ride on novice horse Jon de le Hanna.

As if that wasn’t achievement enough, she was also spotted helping lost riders and running out other riders’ horses while vetting her own. The idea that you look out for everyone is at the heart of endurance riding and it’s fantastic to see it demonstrated like this.

We look forward to seeing more of Ayra. (And our sponsored rider Susan Woodward looks forward to riding Jon de le Hanna again sometime soon – one of her favourite horses!)

Jenette Harvey / Judstan Mygreyn – Central Ranges 05.04.24

Congratulations to the recipient of the prestigious Radincon Vets Choice Award, Jenette Harvey, and her 11-year-old gelding, Judstan Mygreyn.

Head Vet Rhys Powell was thoroughly impressed by Jenette’s determination to finish the Central Ranges Windeyer 80km endurance ride, as she managed to complete the ride despite losing two shoes along the way!

The gear hiccup meant that Jenette and Mygreyn persevered for 8 and a half hours to finish the ride, showcasing exceptional horse management and tenacity. A sterling effort indeed, and a testament to their resilience!

Louise Stevens / Blakes Heaven Bon Vivant – Burrumbuttock 19.03.24

Louise Stevens, riding Blakes Heaven Bon Vivant (Viva), showcased exceptional horsemanship and determination throughout the Burrumbuttock Endurance Ride. Her bubbly spirit in the vet ring and generosity, sharing Easter eggs with everyone, truly made her stand out. Despite challenging conditions, Louise managed her horse with expertise, ensuring both equine and human participants had a memorable and safe experience.

Her dedication to the sport was evident as she volunteered to trot other horses and spread joy with Viva’s bunny ears and carrots sewn into her mane. It’s no surprise that Louise’s infectious positivity and skills earned her this well-deserved award.

Louise’s achievements reflect not only her talent but also her commitment to the well-being of her horse and fellow riders.

Radincon has a soft spot for Viva, too. This fabulous horse, owned by Fia Cumming from Blakes Heaven endurance team, carried Radincon sponsored rider Susan Woodward to success in the NSW State Championships last year, earning her NSW Distance Rider of the Year! A great horse paired with another great rider at this event!

Coco Edwards / Teddy – Willowvale Endurance Ride 15.03.24

Huge congratulations to junior rider Coco Edwards who won her award for ‘excellent attitude and horsemanship’. Here she is pictured with her trusted friend and mount, Stud Book Pony ‘Teddy’.

Celia Hughes / Oxenbridge Smudge – Scenic City 02.03.24

Congratulations to Celia Hughes and Oxenbridge Smudge for winning the Radincon Vets Choice Award at the first ride of the 2024 season.

Head Vet Steve Roberts was impressed by the way Celia managed Smudge’s metabolics on a hot and humid day. Celia was impressed by Smudge’s performance. ‘She loved the ride – she pulled the whole way!’

Smudge is an 8-year-old mare who used to be a Polo Pony. She’s a Quarter Horse Cross with no Arabian bloodlines, which is unusual in endurance. Something special all round!