It had already been a very wet winter and spring in the UK so it should not have come as any surprise when the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials was cancelled only a few days before the event was due to start. This was not only a blow for the Badminton Estate and the considerable number of spectators and traders who normally attend this major event but also resulted in a huge flurry of activity among riders, coaches and national selectors who were forced to re-arrange their Olympic lead-up schedule. The closest we all got to Badminton was to read the Badminton Life magazine online, however here in Australia we got our eventing fix that weekend by covering the Pony Club Victoria Horse Trials State Championships won by the Hastings Pony Club (not quite Badminton but .....)
CLICK HERE for full reports from the PCAV Horse Trials State Championships
There was also a flurry of activity at AEL as we pondered which events to go to in the UK in light of the changes. The World Cup CIC-W at Chatsworth had always been on our event list, both because of its standing as a World Cup round and the beautiful location in Derbyshire which always attracts a big field of international riders. Following the cancellation of Badminton its numbers were set to swell but it wasn’t the only thing that swelled with the onset of more rain. Sadly, Chatsworth too was cancelled due to the weather and ground conditions
Chris Burton and Leilani whipped around Saumur in the wet Photo: Libby Law
Finally we got some international eventing action in Saumur, France where several Australian, British and New Zealand riders had succeeded in getting a last minute start. Australia certainly got off to a good start with four riders in the top ten after dressage; the rain poured down on cross country day but it didn’t bother Chris Burton who took both the lead and second place while Clayton Fredericks had a fall resulting in a hospital stay. Chris maintained both places in the showjumping, winning on Haruzac and second on Holstein Park Leilani despite being under pressure from Andrew Nicholson in third place on Viscount George.
Australian Bill Levett also had a good event, fifth with One Two Many NJ and sixth riding Hippolyte (above). Xavier Boudon was at Saumur for AEL and brought us lots of interviews, videos and reports to complement Libby’s stunning but soggy photos!
For our full reports from Saumur CLICK HERE
It may have been pouring with rain as the elite Australian riders battled it out in top level competition in Saumur but in Greenvale, Victoria the sun shone for the competitors participating in the HRCAV TTT Horse Trials.
It may seem a world away (or at least half a world) but eventing is eventing irrespective of the level of competition and it is the grass roots competitors that keep the industry of the sport going. Although it is crucial for Australian eventing to be represented at the highest level (which we are, thanks to our numerous elite riders), it is also important not to forget the thousands of everyday riders who enjoy the sport and help keep our ‘horse economy’ going.
The home team and defending champions, Bulla Adult Riding Club were victorious again and over 400 riders not only enjoyed the competition but also a friendly, fun and well run event
For our full reports from HRCAV TTT Horse Trials CLICK HERE
The very elegant Catherine Burrell and Urzan at Houghton Hall Photo: Libby Law
The World Cup eventing at Chatsworth may have been cancelled but the second leg of the new FEI Nations Cup Eventing at Houghton Hall, UK went ahead. Team GB took the top place on podium with the Australian team of Wendy Schaeffer, Sam Griffiths, Catherine Burrell and Lucinda Fredericks taking silver and Germany bronze in the CICO 3*. Sam had a triple celebration; as well as team silver in the Nations Cup it was his 40th birthday on the Sunday when he also won a CIC 3* riding Real Dancer.
Sam Griffiths and Real Dancer Photo: Libby Law
For our full reports from Houghton Hall CLICK HERE
Megan Jones held off John Twomey to win the CIC 3*
While the UK based Australians were chasing glory in the Nations Cup at Houghton Hall, it seemed that most of the Australian eventing community were all at Eventing Equestriad in Camden, NSW. Run by a committee headed by NSW Eventing President and top eventing rider, Shane Rose, Eventing Equestriad is rapidly becoming one of the major events in Australia. Megan Jones riding Kirby Park Allofasudden won by a whisker (or 0.1 penalties) from John Twomey on Highly Recommended while Shane, as he didn’t have much to do, rode Statford Neo in the 3* and came third. Shane also took out the CNC 2* and 1* classes and was full of praise for not only his horses but the team that put Equestriad together.
When you want something done, ask a busy person - Shane Rose
For our full reports from Eventing Equestriad CLICK HERE
To relive the photographic memories from any of these events, visit our Photo Gallery
Coming Up Next: Chris Burton continues his winning streak at Tattersalls while Melbourne 3DE and Luhmuhlen 4* give Australian selectors something to think about..............
