John Nicholson
We nearly forgot to tell you about a big event happening in Perth this weekend but eagle eyed Sonja Johnson wasn’t going to let us get away with that! After all, as she points out, there are not many cross country courses in Australia designed by John Nicholson.
John, brother of the current World Number One rider, Andrew, designs some amazing courses around the world, including the one at Kihikihi in New Zealand which always delights us with its fantastic carvings and fence dressings. However this weekend it will be the riders of Western Australia who will get to ride his course at the State Equestrian Centre near Perth. The 2* and 3* courses, which are situated on the plains of the Swan River and includes both permanent and transportable type fences, have been newly constructed by John.
Photos courtesy SEC Brigadoon
Located just 35 minutes from the Perth CBD in the picturesque Swan Valley region the State Equestrian Centre lies on 164 acres of prime sporting land positioned on the banks of the serene Swan River and nestled amongst the beautiful Bells Rapids, world class wineries, top notch restaurants and many more local attractions. As well as the new cross country course, the riders will get to take advantage of some of the excellent facilities at the venue including the 70m x 30m indoor arena (where the 2* and 3* competitors will perform their dressage tests), the 60m x 35m sand International Arena, the 80m x 80m C-Quest arena and a modern stable block with 147 stables
There are only three entries for the CIC3* - Sonja Johnson on her two stars, Normandy Squad horse Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison and her Rio Squad horse Belfast Mojito and Belinda Isbister on the delightfully named Holy Bruce, however the CIC1* and 2* have a good number of entries with well-known names such as Lindsay Honey, Michaela Martindale and the eventer/dressage rider Deon Stokes amongst the competitors. There are also lower level classes with a Pre-Novice and Pre-Novice Junior (EvA105) and three sections of EvA95
Although the numbers in the 3* may be small, this is a great initiative to ensure that top class riders based in Western Australia have access to world class facilities and there is a commitment to improving the cross country courses for all levels. Olga Reveler, to whom the event is dedicated, played a big part in developing eventing in Western Australia and her daughter Nikki Harwood, owner of Sonja’s Parkiarrup Liaison, continues that commitment as Honorary President of the event.
We’re looking forward to hearing how the weekend goes (hint, hint Sonja)
