It’s all happening overseas with one big event after another coming up in the next few weeks, and we plan to be at most of them to bring you as much coverage as we possibly can.
After the excitement of Gatcombe last weekend the focus now moves to the NAF International Hartpury Horse Trials (in Gloucestershire), where once again the Aussie riders will be out in force. As well as the Pro Feet CCI* and Magic CCI2* classes, which have attracted around 170 riders between them, the top class of the weekend is the Superflex CIC3* where well over a 100 riders will tackle the Eric Winter designed course.
Take a look at the course as Eric gives International event rider Jonty Evans a look of the CIC3* track
Chris Burton will be defending his title in the CIC3*, which he won last riding Kinnordy Rivaldo, who went on to be sold to Gloucestershire based American rider, Tiana Coudray. This year Chris will be pinning his hopes on Tempranillo, who he rode steadily around Gatcombe in the Advanced class last weekend finishing 19th. Other Australian riders include Matt Ryan, Lucinda Fredericks, Kevan McNab, Wendy Schaeffer, Sammi McLeod and Alex Townsend (who is taking a few months away from Wallaby Hill, in the Southern Highlands, to enjoy some overseas eventing).
Alex and Bendigo in action early this year at Sydney 3DE
Not only is Australia represented by riders at Hartpury but a few other Aussies will also be enjoying the spectacular Cotswolds countryside, including one of our own FEI Stewards, Lindy Young, who will be at the event helping to keep everything running smoothly. Stuart Tinney isn’t riding at Hartpury but decided to make the trip over to the UK to attend an FEI course for Eventing Judges, Technical Delegates and Course Designers. The sharing of ideas and increase of knowledge, which Stuart will return home with can only be good news for our clubs and courses back here in Australia.
With a 'chance of rain' forecast at Hartpury for this weekend Stuart might find a jacket more useful than sunnies!
It also wouldn’t surprise us if Shane Rose, who is jumping on a plane bound for UK today, was spotted at Hartpury. Shane will no doubt be keen to meet up with his horses, who arrived a few weeks ago, but we’re sure that Shane won't be able to resist going along to an event … we just hope they let him help in some way because we all know what a workaholic he is!
Despite having just jumped off a horse Shane. (pictured here at Equestriad) is always keen to get in an help
The dressage for all the classes gets underway on Thursday with the CCI* and CCI2* running through to Sunday, while the CIC3* will be completed on Saturday and Libby Law will be there on the weekend to capture all the action for AEL.
