The 2013 Badminton Horse Trials winner, New Zealander Jonathan (Jock) Paget did not start riding until he was 18 and in less than two years he went from never having jumped a fence to competing at 3* level.
Much of his success in those early days was thanks to Australian Kevin McNab, who Jock was based with during these two years at Kelecyn Equestrian in Tamborine, Queensland. Kevin is now also spending some time in the UK and is giving his ex-pupil some competition, having just placed fifth in the 4* at Luhmuhlen, Germany. The Tamborine area is also home to Australian eventing rider Olympian Rebel Morrow who competed at the Athens Olympics on her horse Oaklea Groover.
Inspired by these great riders from the area and keen to promote the sport of eventing, a group of riders in Tamborine are looking to do their bit to expose the sport to the wider public and horse riders, by hosting a horse trials event, the Technyflex ODE, on June 22 and 23.
The Tamborine Equestrian Group President Lisa Mortlock, says because there’s so much to the sport, they’ve also introduced a new “Come and Try” class. Maybe riders taking up the sport this weekend in this class will emulate Jock's success in the future?
“Horse trials or Eventing is like a triathlon for horse and rider – where they compete in three phases, dressage, cross country and then showjumping. Taking the leap from watching to competing can be a big one, so we wanted to introduce some baby steps,” she said.
“The ‘Come and Try’ class on Sunday is for those who’ve never competed in eventing before. It gives riders the chance to try the sport in a non-threatening and fun way. For all our competitors, we will have encouragement awards as well as our prizes for placegetters in each class”
Learn about eventing and check out Kevin McNab's Kelecyn Equestrian Centre at the same time!
Sunday is also cross country day, utilising a course which Kevin McNab was instrumental in setting up and which runs partly through his property.
“The event is open to the public and free to attend, so anyone interested in horses can pop in and take a look at the sport. Sunday is our Cross Country day where there is always lots of excitement, with the day beginning at 8.00 am. Come along and visit the trade stalls and be part of the excitement,” says Lisa
Details
The Technyflex Tamborine Equestrian Group One Day Event
Saturday 22 June Dressage
Sunday 23 June Cross Country, Showjumping and “Come and try” Class
Equestrian Grounds, Via Creamer Road, Tambourine
"To be competitive at the highest level its important your horses have the very best of everything, we use Technyflex and have done for 7 years now. Technyflex is a key player in our success and we wouldn't do it without it!" Jock Paget
