MOTHER and daughter Tracey and Niamh Tester of Paulls Valley won two separate national awards at the Australian Combined Driving Championships combined driving event (CDE) in Dwellingup last month.

The event, originally pioneered by the late Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, featured 19 competitors.

It was held over the ANZAC day long weekend from April 24 – 27 and consisted of three phases: dressage, marathon and cones.

Tracey Tester competed in the novice large pony class on her horse Brackenhurst Griffin (known as Sid), while Niamh Tester was in the intermediate horse class on Trapalanda Downs Quo Vardis, (Quo).

Niamh Tester said the dressage on Saturday was very similar to a ridden dressage in the Olympics.

“The marathon on the Sunday was an endurance and speed event consisting of three sections,” Niamh said.

“The total distance was over 13km with certain sections containing marathon obstacles where drivers memorised routes and raced as quickly as possible through the obstacle course.

“The third day was the cones and was similar to a show jumping course for riders (where) drivers navigated 20 sets of cones with balls on top.

“The drivers needed to use speed and precision to drive the course as quickly as possible without hitting the cones and knocking the balls off the top.”

She said judges combined all scores from each phase of the competition to determine the overall winner.

Tracey and Niamh won both of their classes overall becoming Australian champions.

“This win means an incredible amount to both Tracey and me,” Niamh said.

“The hours of practice that went into preparation for these national championships were immeasurable.

“There were multiple trips to Kendenup, North Dandalup, Dwellingup, York and Darling Downs to ensure our equines were in the best possible state to compete.

“We would also like to thank the many members who donated their time to create such a fantastic event and to say a big thank you to the sponsors.”