Brilliant sunshine blessed the 2014 Pryde's EasiFeed Queensland International 3 Day Event held at Warwick 28-31 August. The lead up to the event was perfect with approximately 70 mls of welcome rain soaking the course in the fortnight leading to the event providing perfect surfaces on the arenas and cross country courses, a reward for the hard and diligent work performed by the new Warwick Horse Trials committee over the last year in reconfiguring the competition areas and resurfacing both the main arena and cross country tracks. The rain ceased on cue and the days of competition were filled with sunshine.
With big events struggling for numbers in 2014 the QI3DE organizing committee led by Dr. Cameron Osborne and Ron McCarthy were very happy with the 175 horse and rider entries which included the largest contingent of NSW riders to attend so far.
The excitement of the event was embellished with expert commentary on dressage day by former Olympian Ricky McMillan. Former Australian Olympic Eventing coach, Wayne Roycroft provided his considered and enlightening opinions during cross country and showjumping. Celebrated former ABC sportscaster Warren Boland anchored the broadcast team doing a great job of keeping both patrons and riders abreast of the state of the competition with timely announcements and interviews. Internet publication of true live results kept all interested parties abreast of the competition action
In keeping with the philosophy of the organizing committee to develop the QI3DE into a marquee event on the Australian equestrian calendar, riders were provided with a swanky 24 hour riders lounge allowing viewing comfort of WEG on the big screen. A commercial kitchen was imported onto the venue to provide top quality food service and meal variety. Picnic baskets full of Southern Downs food and wine were offered to patrons to enjoy on the cross country course or at the main arena.
There was never a dull moment during the days of the event with a dressage Master class taken by Ricky McMillan and featuring Tor van den Berg during the recess on dressage day and the Puissance show jumping event after the cross country finished was again a great crowd puller.
John Twomey, a vocally proud Queenslander, ably supported by Charlotte Price, Isabel English and Matt Gaske led the Qld team in the feature Fitton HorseInsure “State of Origin “ event to wrest the trophy back off the NSW team of Augusta Clarke, Louise Barnes, Amanda Young and Soigne Jackson following their win in 2013.
There was strong competition and some very close results in all nine classes contested with the cream coming to the top in the final analysis.
Winners - CIC 3* - Charlotte Price - Kinnordy Gambia
CIC 2* - Isabel English - Grand Andi
CCI 1* - Isabel English - Cullendore Trooper
CIC 1* - Portia Wilson - Twenty Two Red
CCN 105 - Eleanor Osborne - Highborne Night Shadows
EvA 95 - Charlotte Price - Finch Farm Bouncing Barclay
EvA 95 J - Megan Cooper - Kelecyn Bam Bam
EvA 80 - Rebel Morrow - Astronaut
EvA 80 J - Madison Hose - APH Swashbuckler
The success and continued development of the QI3DE is reflected in the magnificent support given by a host of willing volunteers but especially the faith shown by its loyal sponsors and benefactors. Prydes EasiFeed, Wagner’s Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, Wotif.com, Fittons HorseInsure, NQ Heavy Haulage and Horseland and were major sponsors. Funding was provided by Equestrian Australia and Eventing Qld and a significant success was the granting of financial support of the event for the first time by Qld Tourism and Events. Thank you to local regional wine producers Jester Hill Wines and Ballandean Estate Wines for showcasing wonderful wines for our visitors.
The message on the grapevine is that all that attended enjoyed a great event that ran like clockwork and most importantly left with good memories since they not only were provided with top class competition but they had fun .
View our full photo gallery here
