I'm not the only one with broken bones .......... Ruby feeling very sorry for herself with a broken arm
Serious question… who is the meddling ratbag who fast forwarded this year so that 2014 will be all over in a few seconds? It is thanks to you that I am left feeling quite bewildered and confused as my family prepares for Christmas! Where has the year gone?
Unfortunately I am still stuck at home in Tassie thanks to a quite over the top doctor who believes that I should not ride again but after my horrified protest conceded to three months… yeah… good luck with that… but in the meantime, and me being me, I am drawn to every horse event I can find like a fly to a light on a hot summers evening. In doing so it has given me an insight into the foundations of the horse events that are run in Tasmania that us as competitors don’t normally see… and it has given me a lot to think about......
Eventing in Tasmania has been in somewhat of a dry period at the top end . Pony club is the driving force and it was considered a big turnout when nine riders entered for the Grade 1 at the ODE last weekend. As for EA 105, you are lucky to get two or three entries! However I just want to point something out to all the people gasping and spluttering as they remember the 60 odd riders entered in the Pre Nov at Lakes & Craters in Victoria last weekend, Tasmania does have a population of just over 500,000 whereas Victoria’s is nearly 6 million. So I guess in comparison we are doing ok! But as a general rule, Tasmania does have a solid history of punching well above our weight when it comes to producing talented riders! Some of these include Peter Atkins, Seamus Marwood, Lucy Bennett, Yona Lloyd, Lydia Jackson, Erin Berriman and so many more that I don’t have the room to mention, who have all recently showed Australia what talent we have hiding in this little island state. All these riders had to made the move to the main island or even overseas to pursue their dreams of competing in the ‘big league’, but haven’t they done exceptionally well !
While I have been in Tasmania over the last 6 weeks or so I have seen a bit of a comeback starting to develop. Some seriously classy riders are starting to rise up the ranks on some seriously classy horses. Not just in eventing but in Showjumping as well, as more and more riders are entering the Open Championships (1.25m plus) and we are seeing more and more Tasmanian successes outside of this state (Well done Mikaela Briggs! But I’m sure those Show Jumpers of yours would make much better eventers! Surely you haven’t completely fallen to the dark side 
). I think it is so exciting and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all Equestrian in Tasmania in the next few years!
Emily and Patty at Westbury Show having ago at this awful thing called 'Hacking'
Speaking of classy horses I have to admit I have been drooling over some of the horses my sisters have been lucky enough to catch a ride on! One of them caries a bit of family pressure to live up to the standard of his famous brother and I would love to smuggle him back to Victoria with me! The lovely ‘Patty’ as he is lovingly known is quite possibly one of the most stunning horses I have ever seen and Emily Hirst is one of the luckiest 16 year olds alive … ! Lucky he can only showjump otherwise I think I would have to fight you for him Prue Calvert!!
Bethany and Nix doing well at their first show jumping competition together (above) and at the TPRC ODE (below)
And Miss Bethany has been doing exceptionally well on a new horse for her but one that we have had for a while, in Butterscotch Brittle.’ Nix’ is making a bit of a comeback to eventing, placing 6th at the TPRC ODE in what was his first event in nearly two years! Little Nixinoo was bought as a 2.5 year old and has proven to be one of the best horses we have ever had! I had him first, and he placed at both State Trials I took him to. Then he and Emily are currently the Tasmanian JNR SJ 1.05m title holders and he placed at both the National Interschool championships, and Australian SJ Championships in Victoria this year! So I can’t wait to see what he and Bethany can do!
In a twist of fate … Ruby and I have been the laughing stock of the Launceston Orthopaedic clinic as we both managed to break bones within two weeks of each other. You know you need to stop breaking yourself, when you know everyone in the fracture clinic on a first name basis!!! But what can you do! It comes with the territory I guess! (also apparently we horses riders have a ‘look’? This is a worrying thought… is it the tan???)
Finally, I can’t not mention the awesome efforts of the Wilky team, back in Victoria! With some great results from everyone at both Adelaide and Lakes and Craters (you can watch Will's winning CCI3* ride at Lakes here)
Until next time, Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a safe and relaxing New Year!
Alice 
