The daffodils might be out but it could still be a bit chilly in the Southern Highlands this weekend
When eventers think of Berrima Horse Trials one thing that quickly springs to mind is the weather. While residents in the Southern Highlands all know that you never go anywhere at any time of year without a jacket … just in case … many eventers leave the sunny shores of Sydney only to discover that the warm sun hasn’t yet hit the Highlands. Having said that, temperatures this weekend for the Berrima area are meant to be around the 17 degree mark - so good eventing weather.
The ever-enthusiastic Vince Roche, who started the event with a group of equally enthusiastic equestrians in 1989, still heads Berrima today, along with his sister, Leonore, who was also one of founding members. The event is run on the property ‘Araluen’ which belongs to Vince’s parents – John and Kathy Roche, who like their children have also got caught up in the Berrima Horse Trials ‘addiction’. In past years the dressage and showjumping phases of the event have been held at the Moss Vale Showground, Parmy’s Polocrosse grounds and Bong Bong Racecourse but these days all three phases are held on the 160 acres at ‘Araluen’.
Although several course designers have had input into the cross-country course over the years, this year's course designer is Vince Roche who told us: “Some minor changes in the tracks have been necessary due to some very wet areas following heavy rain in March and during the event in July.”
Vince went on to say that although some areas on the course were a little ‘cattle-pocked’, most of the going was pretty good. “We have been using a 5-ton vibrating roller and aerator to improve the worst areas, which has really helped.”
Vince Roche wears a Wallaby Hill hat, a Sydney International shirt but this weekend he is in full Berrima mode!
The committee are happy with the number of entries they have received with 14 in the Saddleworld CIC3*, 14 in the Tertini Wines CIC2* and in 19 in The Animal Company CIC1*. As always the lower-level classes are popular and, with so many keen eventers, the EvA80 class is being split into four sections.
Like all events, any help is always welcomed and instead of just coming along to Berrima as a spectator why not put your hand up to get behind the scenes of the event – there is nothing like having a jump judges radio out on the cross-country course to keep up with everything that is happening! Anyone who would like to help is asked to contact Leonore Waugh on 02 48836669 or come to ask for Lenore at the secretary’s office when you arrive at the event.
A final word from Vince … “I would just like to remind everyone to be nice to our parking attendants, marshals and volunteers. We are planning on parking trucks on the first side of the creek and floats on the far side of the creek, which should make it easier for people getting out on Sunday. We look forward to seeing everyone on the weekend.”
An Eventful Life will be bringing you coverage of the event on Saturday and Sunday nights, with follow up snippets during next week.
