The Tassie Crew! L-R Myself, Alex Deegan and David Gardiner
Currently I am relaxing in my truck, hearing my horses snort and eat. I’m listening to music, having just eaten nachos for dinner with two fellow Tassie eventers and friends ... this is my kind of paradise.
A week ago David Gardiner, Alex Deegan, myself, Sizzle (Berragoon Sizzle), Will (Mighty William), Harry (All Or Nothing) and Boots (Leather Boots) all packed into the truck for another trip over the Strait! The Tasmanian season finished with success with placings for two of my three at the Southern Champs and then we made a quick turnaround for the boat, with some Heath Ryan lessons thrown in
Poppy and Siz at the Heath Ryan clinic Photos: Sarah Walker
As usual Heath was inspirational and motivating. His knowledge on arena craft is beyond comprehension and he gave me some great pointers ready for Camperdown HT which was the following weekend.
All the horses travelled exceptionally well and were fresh and happy when we saw them 12 hours later! Despite my terror at the thought of driving the 'big' truck through Melbourne it went off without a hitch and we made it to Ballarat and then Camperdown a few days later in one piece.
Sizzle did a super test! If only his rider had turned the right way in the arena we would have been 4th after dressage in our first CIC 2**! But alas, those four penalties meant we were 8th but in the running for minor placings if we played our cards right (Will Enzinger and Wenlock Aquifer were a little too hard to reach!!).
Will at the Southern Tasmanian Eventing Championships Photo: Meghan Walker
Siz then jumped a SUPER scopey SJ round with just one rail at a massive square oxer... not bad for a munchkin! We then had a crack at the biggest and hardest XC course we have ever attempted. To say I was terrified was an understatement! But my super little horse just stepped up and took it all in his stride. He was bold (a little too bold maybe!! Breaks... Breaks!) and he just ate up the course. So we ended up 3rd - I was just blown away! Melbourne 3 Day here we come
Will had a run in the Pre Novice as he was substituted in for Smashy who put himself out on an enforced break and he came through with the goods! Despite carrying 10 penalties due to us being a previously established 2** combination, we still placed 6th so he is now set for a 1* run at Heytsbury HT. Our two year injury break did us good!
Siz and Will placed 3rd in the CIC 2** and 6th in the prenovice respectively at Camperdown! Go ponies!
Dave and Harry did really well in their last Pre Novice start before 1* with an 8th in the Junior Pre Novice and are looking super confident.
Alex and Boots were having a great run around their first 1* but unfortunately parted ways four jumps from home in a really tough 1* course... But after having a great week schooling they are ready to have another crack!
We have Heytesbury HT this weekend, then we are home for a couple of weeks until we do it all over again ready for Melbourne 3 Day Event. So wish us luck!
Until next time,
Alice
