With only nine weeks separating TIE’s two 2013 events, riders, grooms, volunteers and spectators may be experiencing a sense of déjà vu as the excitement builds ahead of this weekend’s event. So we take a sneak peak at what we can expect from another weekend of eventing in Tamworth – what’s new, and what can we expect to remain unchanged?
Let’s start with the unchanged ...
The facilities at AELEC are impressive from the word go
1) Country charm, matched with “big event” professionalism
The TIE event is certainly unique. With facilities often described as being ‘like SIEC, only better!’, and a brand new cross country course up to 3* level, it’s not quite what first time attendees expect to find in a country town. TIE aspires to be up there with the premier events on the Australian eventing calendar, whilst retaining a friendly, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The September event promises to uphold this and the committee are excited to see everyone back in Tamworth.
2) Strong entries and a quality Three Star field
With over 270 entries received for this weekend’s event, a new record, TIE is excited about the future. With plans for a 2* course in 2014 and murmurs that an EvA60 course may even be on the horizon, TIE will be bigger and better with every year that passes. The Three Star class has attracted a quality field at both previous events and the September event is no exception. Originally over 20 CIC*** entries were received; unfortunately the start list has now reduced to 14 due to scratchings. Tim Boland has two rides in the CIC3* with Umunga and Lord Limmerick while 'our own' Hamish Cargill will be hoping staying focused on a good clear round with Starburst.
Hamish Cargil will ride Starburst in the CIC3*
3) Super cross country courses with fantastic footing
Riders at the July event were pleasantly surprised by the good footing on the AELEC Cross Country course, with Shane Rose describing it as being ‘as good as you’ll find anywhere’. Whilst little rain has fallen on Tamworth over the last two months, work has continued on the surface to ensure that it is of the quality riders expect. As for the courses, no new fences have been added since July, however riders can expect to see fences in different locations and a few new lines and combinations, particularly in the CIC classes.
And now for the what's new ...
1) Warm weather
The July event, whilst sunny, was certainly not warm. Riders were greeted by frosts and -3 degrees nine weeks ago, however the forecast for this weekend is 28 degrees each day and endless sunshine. Spring has well and truly sprung!
The Tamworth ice!
2) International and Interstate Officials
The TIE Event has always had an overseas influence, with Richard Massey from New Zealand engaged as the Course Designer. This year, Helen Christie from New Zealand will be on the Ground Jury, while Roger Kane will travel north from Victoria to be the Technical Delegate and Bronwyn Hew will travel south from Queensland to be the FEI Steward.
3) Saturday evening entertainment
The indoor arena at AELEC will come alive on Saturday evening, with multi-award winning country music singers Jodie Crosby and Linda Newton joining forces to entertain the eventing crowd. AELEC is so well designed that it even has a bar on the mezzanine level of the indoor arena, which will no doubt be the most popular part of the venue from around 5pm until 10pm on Saturday evening.
Stay tuned, as John Lechner will be on location in Tamworth this weekend catching all the action for An Eventful Life.
Article by: Amanda Young
Photos: ESJ Photos
