The evergreen Sir Mark Todd
One of the great things about eventing is that it covers the age spectrum – from young to, let’s say, the not so young. Slightly older role models such as Sir Mark Todd (a very sprightly 57), Mary King (elegant at 51 and competing against her 16 year old daughter, Emily) and even our own Stuart Tinney (49), all at the top of their game and looking great, are an inspiration.
Although we may not all be gifted with their talent, there is no reason why older amateur eventers shouldn’t get the credit they deserve for being out there and having a go (and in some cases, a very good go). This thought occurred to Queenslander Fiona Wallis when she returned to eventing at the age of 50, after not competing for 25 years due to a back injury. In 2008, she underwent spinal surgery to solve her back problem, was given the all clear to ride again in 2009 and in 2012 started to compete again.
Fiona and Thistle Hill Fleetwood Photo: DownUnder
“I went to the Tamborine Equestrian Groups inaugural event in 2012 and was 5th in a class but was the highest placed senior rider (yes I was beaten by a bunch of kids!). This was the second time it had happened to me as I had competed at Coffs Harbour in my first 1* and was 2nd overall to a lovely young rider, McKeely Elliot, but I was the highest placed senior rider. I thought darn it, why aren't seniors given the same perks as the kids? They get an award if they are the first junior in a class as well as a prize for winning the class” says Fiona
That’s when the idea and the name for Closer to the Finish came about. The aim is to encourage older riders to keep competing in the sport and not just be the groom or driver for younger competitors. The word spread around the eventing community in South East Queensland and Fiona, along with her friend Linda McDonald, decided to create something concrete for the older riders in that area to aim for.
Linda and Roadie training with the group's unofficial coach, David Green Photo: Deb Postle
They came up with the concept of the Closer to the Finish Leaderboard for riders over the age of 50 competing at designated events in SE Queensland .The leader board is divided into 2 sections; the first is for the Winter season (March to June 2013) and the second for Spring (July to November 2013) with points awarded to all Veterans who compete. The lowest final penalty score, regardless of class, is awarded first place with 10 points and the next lowest penalty 2nd place (9 points) and so on. If a rider is eliminated, retires or withdraws from competition only 1 point is awarded. The points are tallied to determine high point winners for both seasons and an overall High Point winner for the year.
Rosettes are awarded at each designated competition and a trophy, rug and RxR ProModel Safety Vest will be presented in June and November while an overall 2013 High Point Winner will receive a rug, vest and special trophy
During the summer Linda managed to secure sponsorship to the value of $2,000 from Warambil Performance Horses and Wilpak which is used to purchase the trophies and rugs and Fiona is delighted that RxR Horseriding Vests has also come on board
“ I'm very excited about RxR Vests because a lot of the older riders are still wearing the gear they bought 20 years ago which is not so safe” says Fiona “I know from my own experience how these things deteriorate over time, and we don't bounce anymore!”
Alison Denney is a new recruit Photo: OzShots
I asked Fiona about the age of their riders and she admits to having to be subtle about approaching new members at events
“We scan the riders and, if they look old enough, we tactfully ask them if they'd be interested in being on the leaderboard. The inaugural winner at the Queensland International 3 Day Event in Warwick was Alison Denny who only just turned 50 in January (Alison said she'd like to be in it but do I have to tell people? We said, very funny Alison - only if you want the prizes!) Now that the word is spreading more Veterans are letting themselves be known”
Tom Doyle Photo: OzShots
Tom Doyle is a well known rider in Queensland and Fiona thinks he would be their oldest member but he didn’t start at Warwick this year. Another very competitive older rider in the group is Kathy Humphrey who normally rides 3 horses, usually at Pre Novice, 1* and 2*levels.
Kathy Humphrey at Qld Int 3DE 2012 ESJ Photo
The group is not an official club (‘we don’t want meetings, minutes, treasurers and things’) but they hope to run clinics/rallies at some stage and Olympian David Green is their unofficial coach. Although currently only running in South East of the State, there has been interest from other areas in Queensland and Fiona would be delighted if other States adopted the idea.
To find out more about Closer to the Finish or to contact Fiona visit the blog she runs for the group at http://CloserToTheFinish.Blog.com
