In France it was pouring with rain as the elite Australian riders battled it with top international competition in Saumur but in Greenvale, Victoria the sun shone for the competitors participating in the HRCAV TTT Horse Trials.
It may seem a world away (or at least half a world) but eventing is eventing irrespective of the level of competition and it is the grass roots competitors that keep the industry of the sport going. Although it is crucial for Australian eventing to be represented at the highest level (which we are, thanks to our numerous elite riders), it is also important not to forget the thousands of everyday riders who enjoy the sport and help keep our ‘horse economy’ going.
I was reminded of this today as I watched many of the riders doing the rounds of the trade stands at Greenvale Equestrian Park. Although the number of stands was fairly small, the period between finishing competition and waiting for results was a busy one for the traders as riders took advantage of browsing products they would usually have to travel to see (e.g. floats) or just stocking up on everyday items handily on sale.
Waiting for presentations was a perfect time to contemplate buying a new float from one of the event's major sponsors, Equiluxe
Just going back to France for a moment here; one of the traders was Southern Stars Saddlery (owned by Clayton and Kelvin Fredericks) and I chatted with Michelle Nicholls from Southern Stars in Victoria about Clayton’s fall in Saumur. She said that they had been in touch with Clayton (who suffered internal bleeding after being trodden on by his horse during the cross country at Saumur) and the good news is that hopefully Clayton’s injuries should not impact his fitness for the Olympics, should he be selected.
In the pink - some of the members of The Valley Club await their turn in the showjumping
Back to the competition at the HRCAV TTT Horse Trials Championships where the focus centred on Levels 1, 2 and 3 today. With the sun putting in an appearance, the going on the cross country course was excellent for the higher grades today and the show jumping arenas were kept busy.
Beautifully and gently does it - Kimone Hicks and Haymeron Park Rob Roy succesfully negotiate the water Photo: Toni-anne Collins
Many of the combinations were hesitant into the water complex on the cross country course. However, there was plenty of verbal encouragement and big pats for the horses from the riders to try and instil confidence (maybe more for their own confidence than that of their horse but it often works!). Others had obviously been working on their cross country skills and travelled well over this course with plenty of new fences specifically built for the event.
A bit more gung-ho; Jo McIlroy Smith and Stanzout from the Hurstbridge High Flyers Photo: Toni-anne Collins
It was a good day for all with goody bags, rugs and sashes for the winners and placegetters of the multiple sections. Although the highest level, Level 1 only had one section, there were two sections in Level 2 and five sections in Level 3 (who completed dressage, showjumping and cross country all in one day today) and the total number of competitors was over 400 during the two days
For those who thought that the excellent grounds and facilities at Greenvale Equestrian Centre were perfect for this competition, the good news is that Bulla Riding Club, the host team and the 2011 winners, were once again proclaimed the HRCAV TTT Horse Trials champions. The Bulla team, fittingly called The Defending Champions, comprising of Carolyn Bailey-Lofts, Tara Hennessy, Lynden Stannard and Cara Neilson ensured that the Bulla Adult Riding Club will be hosting next year’s championships. No doubt it will be as successful and well run as this year
CLICK HERE for full results
For more photos from both days, visit the PHOTO GALLERY
