Sean Corr on Conqueror Mick Photo courtsey Sarah Perkins
The weather was schizophrenic. Raining one minute, sunny the next, and after wet weather forced the cancellation of the last event, no one could blame the committee for being on their toes. Fortunately the ground held up well and nothing could deter the resolve of the 180 riders who turned out to compete at the Fig Tree Pocket ODE
The 1* course was taken out by Alison Denney on her horse Wilberforce; Alison is part of the newly formed group Closer to the Finish for riders over 50.
The open classes proved no worry for the younger competitors, many of whom outshone the more experienced riders. The Junior riders dominated in the open EVA105, with Madison Simpson and Laura Bell taking out first and second place respectively leaving adult rider Shane Eden to collect third. Junior rider Isabel English proved she’s still one to watch and picked up first and third place in the EVA95cm. Elanor Lovett who placed second was also a junior.
In a bid to keep the Fig Tree Pocket cross country course fresh there were new jumps and many of the portable jumps were moved to a new location. Unfortunately this proved the undoing for many unsuspecting riders, according to Club President Deb Postle.
“When the cross country jump analysis came through I was surprised by the number of riders who were caught out by the new or newly placed jumps..
“The other thing that seemed to catch people were changes to the cross country rules, so I’d encourage all riders to attend the steward briefing at the next event or spend a few minutes brushing up on the rules”
The club’s next event is in nine weeks' time on 13th & 14th of July.
Class Winners from FTP ODE
1*
1st Alison Denny & Wilberforce
2nd Beau Cunning & Swing Time Vulcan
3rd Natalie Siianskoski & Casino Royal Diamond Edition
EVA105
1st Madison Simpson (JNR) & Tirumea Coachman
2nd Laura Bell (JNR) & Pyezano
3rd Shane Eden & Edenval Joshua
EVA95cm Class A
1st Brianne Heffernan & Kinnordy Gymara
2nd Rebel Morrow & Luna Del Rey
3rd Sasha Traves & Kings Attraction
EVA95cm Class B
1st Isabel English (JNR) & Prophet
2nd Eleanor Lovett (JNR) & Warrego Savannah
3rd Isabel English (JNR) & Wild N Rowdy
EV80 Class A
1st Vanessa Brown & Ladyship
2nd Toni Webb & Skywalker
3rd Sarah Corr & Cushavon Isabeau
EV80 Class B
1st Matt Norman & Indian Song
2nd Sabrina Nicholetts (JNR) & Dane Ridge
3rd Margaret Schubert (JNR) & Green Isles Mr Darling
Article by Meryn Cooper