The lady who makes it all happen - Gill Rolton
As the hype from the Australian International 3 Day Event dies down and the celebration parties are over for another year it’s time to reflect on what a great event it was. The job Gill Rolton and her team did in producing ‘Adelaide’ is what makes it the event the one that everyone wants to be part of.
"I did it" says Craig Barrett
The fact that the entries were down in the HSBC Adelaide CCI4* in no way detracted from the wonderful win produced by Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire. With this talented mare now on the market it will be a wait and see game as to what happens next. I understand there is a younger Sandhills Brillaire ‘waiting in the wings’ back at home and no doubt we will all be keen to keep an eye on that combination.
A happy Will Enzinger
Flowervale Masserati, who won the Horseland CCI2* with Will Enzinger, is also up for sale and it will be a lucky person who gets the ride on this talented, good looking warmblood. I wonder if Jamie Stitchel had any idea that she really had to win the Dublin CCI2* Young Rider class simply because she was dressed to match the winners garland so beautifully.
Matching beautifully - Jamie Stitchel and her flowers
One horse who wasn’t at Adelaide to receive his prize was GV Billy Elliot who won the Peppermint Grove Award for the Australian based ‘Horse of the Year’ as chosen by the National Selectors. Luckily his rider, Tim Boland, accepted it on ‘Billy’s’ behalf. It has been an interesting year for Tim, with plenty of success stories along the way together with some disappointments. However Tim has been eventing long enough to know that you can’t have the highs without the lows … even though it would be good if you could! I for one can’t wait to see Billy Elliot back in action next year.
Probably the most emotional moment for everyone at Adelaide was the retirement of Kirby Park Irish Jester. There’s just something about a grey horse that makes them all the more appealing and watching Jester being led from the arena, with Megan carrying his saddle, will remain a strong image for many of us for some time to come.
For those of you who weren’t able to come to Adelaide and didn’t watch the live coverage there are still a couple of ways to enjoy the action. FEI TV have now got their coverage of the event ready to watch but if you have not subscribed to their channel just keep an eye on our own Channel 7 who will be showing highlights from the event on January 1st 2013 at 2pm (but check your local programme as times may vary from state to state).
The date for next years Australian International 3 Day Event is 15th -17th November so get your accommodation booked now and be part the biggest and best 3 Day Event in the Southern Hemisphere.
To see the final Australian International 3 Day Event newsletter for 2012 CLICK HERE
