Gleaming in the sunshine! Photos by Deanne Carter
The train to Wagga generally takes about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. So, on Friday 24th October, I was up at 5am and in the car by 6am to leave my car at work and headed to Southern Cross station. A replacement bus had been organised and we were to board the train at Broadmeadows. All went smoothly and I soon was enjoying the trip with a quick snooze, a read and a few of my favourite Paul Walker movies.
When we arrived at Culcairn, about an hour from Wagga, we stopped to let some passengers depart. After a while, there was an announcement over the PA that carriage B had broken an axle and the train would be terminating at Culcairn and replacement buses were in the process of being organised. I later heard from Ren that some fires had started along the train tracks as a result of the axle sparking.
The reaction of passengers was amusing. Some were fine with the issue, like myself (I am used to the “hurry up and wait” scenarios with fire fighting) and others lost their tempers. Honestly, the communication from staff was excellent and it wasn’t their fault. If we had continued, the train would have derailed, so I for one was pleased the staff had made the right decision. Some people need a reality check sometimes!
After a three hour wait and enjoying more movies, I arrived in Wagga and was greeted by my bestie, Renae. We headed back to work until around 5pm when she was finally able to get away and we went to pick up my new club vest, did some grocery shopping and headed home.
When we arrived home, we of course went for a ride! Renae warmed Tark up and then it was my turn. Oh boy! Has this horse changed! It was like going from a bus to a new Lamborghini and I had NO idea how to work the control panel. I had been feeling confident prior to riding Tark as I have been doing stacks of flat work with BSP and my coach Kirsten and I had ridden Tark quite well last time in June, so I thought I was finally becoming a decent rider, but Tark proved me otherwise and I actually felt quite inadequate. He was incredibly responsive. Walk to canter transitions, no problem. But boy, I really needed a very strong outside rein and he had a few tantrums which I am sure was the result of me!
The following morning we were up early to try and beat most of the heat (as it was to be 35 degrees) and running around to get the club and grounds organised. Once we had done that, we then did some other chores and more shopping and finally when it was cooler I was graded at 7:15pm when the assessor arrived. Once that was done, we untacked and headed inside for a quick meal and then we were back outside half an hour later and washing Tark in the dark, before heading into the stables where we plaited him and fought off the bugs from going down our tops. That was an interesting experience! I am not particularly good at plaiting, but I love it. It’s so relaxing. Finally at around 9:45pm we were back indoors and in bed by 10:30pm.
Sunday, we were up very early and on the road by 7:30am. Renae was the event secretary for the day, so I finished getting Tark ready and caught up with some old and new faces and finally, at 9am, I was mounted and warming up and so was the weather! I think it got to about 32.
The judge took FOREVER with the classes and with each line up, he also gave (I am sure with best intentions - but it wasn’t really wanted by anyone who was waiting for ten minutes in the heat while he rabbited on) “riding tips and advice” and by lunchtime, I’d pretty much had enough. I am not a showie and Tark is an eventer and I really had lost all of my enthusiasm so during the break, I untacked, unplaited and washed Tark down and went and helped in the canteen, which I really enjoyed.
Finally all the presentations were done, everyone was happy and we had cleaned up and it was time to go home.
Ren had a migraine, so Sunday night was an early one as we were all tired and Monday morning, it was off to work at 8:30am and on the train home by 2:30pm. I finally walked in my front door at 8:30pm that night.
I loved the experience of an official HRCAV show, but it’s definitely not for me! Riding around in circles makes me dizzy! I can’t wait to get back out next year and event and show jump!
I am grateful for the opportunity to ride another amazing horse and Renae’s hard work and dedication is paying off. Tark is coming along in leaps and bounds! I am so proud of her!
Until next time,
Happy riding!
Love Jenna, BSP and Tark. xxx
