Three Aussie boys - Bill Levett, Sam Griffiths and Chris Burton
A-list riders pledged their support to the equestrian community devastated by the fires in Australia by joining the Eventing Rider’s Association to deliver a unique training event on 26th January.
Probably the hottest tickets ever sold for a lecture demo, the chance to learn from the finest led to the afternoon session being sold out within 48hours.
A second evening session, was then offered, duly selling out again such that approximately 600 people were treated to a spectacular showcase of ‘favourite exercises’ from Australian riders, Paul Tapner, Bill Levett, Chris Burton, Sam Griffiths and the ‘Rest of the World’, Tim Price, Piggy March and Alex Bragg.
In an unexpected twist, Paul, Bill and Alex were joined by Alice Goring, Imogen Murray, Paul’s daughter, Maddie, and Bill’s son Josh, and Alex’s daughter, Eloise, as the guinea pig riders.
The parents had perhaps better watch out for the talents of their offspring, and the younger riders, who somewhat stole the show with their execution of the exercises.
Pick on someone your own size! Alex Bragg takes on the younger generation eventers - Maddie Tapner and Ursi Levett
While the serious reason for everyone’s support was in everyone’s thoughts, the spontaneous banter between the riders, and between rider and their respective though perhaps not always respected, ‘coach’, brought the house down with gales of laughter from the audience.
Demonstrating great training exercises – we’ll profile them later on An Eventful Life – so the riders also gave the audience an insight into their ‘off camera’ personalities – forgetting it was being live-streamed on Horse & Country TV!
Their fearlessness was balanced by a patient, meticulous, repetitive, training methodology, combined with an evident desire to bring out the best in their horses – and pupils – all underpinned with a competitive spirit.
The latter was perhaps best witnessed by a hilarious ‘no rules’ race which pitted the ‘Australian’ riders against ‘The Rest of the World’.
The aim was to sprint from the ‘Start Box’ to put on dressage attire, demonstrate movements as directed by the audience, change into show jumping attire to jump a course of fences, before switching into cross-country gear for a finale.
While Australia ‘won’ both afternoon and evening performances, outside influencers brought many a ‘Rest of the World’ competitor to the ground with Bill’s daughter, Ursi Levett, better known for her vaulting prowess, springing into action, even unable to thwart the super speedy, Imogen Murray who took individual honours in the afternoon and was only overtaken by Chris Burton when her final approach was totally sabotaged by Paul Tapner in the evening!
The hugely appreciative audience also raised over £2000 in a fabulous raffle, with more monies expected to be raised from the ‘Sausage Sizzle’, served by top riders including Jonty Evans and ERA’s, Bruce Haskell.
Ed Bracher, CE of the Riding for the Disabled Association, welcomed everyone to their fabulous new training HQ at Lowlands Equestrian Centre in Warwickshire and the event was ably compered by the voice of the Event Rider Masters series, Nicole Brown.
No flies on him. Paul Tapner wearing the iconic Aussie cork hat and Nicole Brown
For those who missed out - there’s a chance to watch on Horse & Country TV – and for those keen to support, there’s still opportunities to donate at www.eventingriders.com or to bid on unbelievable ‘money can’t buy’ auction lots at www.eventingriders.com/auction
The three charities to be supported are Equestrian Fire Relief Australia, BlazeAid and BuyABale with Paul Tapner concluding each session with a heartfelt thanks to all involved and an extra thanks to ERA, encouraging all to join the Association such that everyone can have a voice in the sport.
Many thanks to Fiona Scott Maxwell for the fabulous photos and videos
Article by Anna Bruce
Piggy French (above) and below, hatching a plot in matching bobble hats, with Jenny Levett
There was the occasional horse! Plenty of banter from Bill Levett and Piggy as Bill was put through his paces
