The winners of the Coprice CNC* Olivia Kamper and Malibu Swift
“He saved me from a few hairy moments out there,” admitted Olivia Kamper after she had just finished her show jumping round and won the Coprice CNC* at the NSW Interschool competition yesterday riding Malibu Swift. Lying third after dressage Olivia was the only rider in the small field of five who managed a clear round in the show jumping phase and despite collecting 11 time penalties she finished well ahead of second placed Kathleen McGrath riding Shar Amoon Em Su.
Olivia on her way to a clear round
To hear what Olivia had to say about her day CLICK HERE
And we couldn’t leave Olivia without talking to Olivia's little sister so to hear what Paris Kamper (pictured above) had to say CLICK HERE
The Interschool competition, which runs over four days (although for those behind the scenes it runs for a lot longer), incorporates many aspects of equestrian including, dressage, show jumping, eventing, combined training, show riding and vaulting. Around 2000 entries were taken overall for the various disciplines, which must make working out a draw for this event a logistical nightmare with many riders taking part in several disciplines. Vicki Burgess and her team could be seen busy in the office and when Vicki emerged she admitted that she had pulled in several members of her family to help this year. “My niece is here, my son's girlfriend is here and husband Daryl is out on the cross country course somewhere so it’s quite a family affair. We have had the usual questions and queries from parents and if I had one wish it would be that everyone took the time to read all the pages of information that is sent to them prior to coming to the event … that would probably cut down the work load by 50% at least!”
Dressage gets underway
The weather forecast for the week wasn’t looking very promising with heavy rain predicted but at least some of the riders in the eventing classes managed to get through cross country before the heavens opened. Dressage took place in the muggy heat prior to the rain and it was good to see the dressage arenas had recovered well from the previous weekend's One Day Event. As riders warmed up for their tests we spoke to a few parents about what Interschools meant to them. The feedback ranged from ‘we love it and it’s a great way for the children to represent their schools’ to ‘this horse Interschool stuff is harder than looking after a new born baby!’ It was easy to pick out the parents who had been at Interschools before and who knew how the whole thing ran in comparison to those who were here for the first time. Two parents who were attending their first Interschools were Prue and Craig Barrett whose son Oliver was taking part in the EvA60 junior class. “I really have no real idea of what is happening,” said Prue. “I forgot to pick up Oliver’s numbers this morning, so I sent Craig off to get them in case I got into trouble!” The Barretts must have managed to get Oliver to the right place at the right time and with the right information because Oliver, who was representing Maitland Christian school, rode Kerulen Midori to a win in his class.
A 'new' Interschools parent - Prue Barrett with youngest son Jesper
In the Coprice EvA105 Open Madeleine Prell and Coolaroo Tanami won the class in fine style for her school Frensham (Mittagong). “He’s a lovey horse to ride,” said Madeleine. “I got him from Judy Street, who is a relative of ours, and apart from not having the best walk in the world he just bowls round the cross country course so I feel very lucky to have him.” Madeleine was one of only three riders in the class to go clear and under time cross country the others being Zoe Neil riding Elle Baci (who finished fourth) and Jacqueline Basquil who finished third on Danny Boy.
Madeleine Prell with her hard working mum Annette and Tanami
The New England Girls school in Armidale was well represented in this class filling the places between fifth to eighth. Eventing/dressage rider Brett Davey is now the Head Coach and Director of Equestrian Activities at NEGS, a role he is really enjoying. “This job came along at just the right time for me and I love being there. The facilities are really amazing and I couldn’t hope for a better place to base myself and my six horses. I’m looking forward to a busy year with a mixture of dressage horses and eventers to compete so it’s all pretty exciting. It’s great to be here at Interschools to help and watch the children and so far we seem to be doing pretty well.”
Brett Davey 'pinches' a buggy to keep an eye on all the NEGS riders
The EvA95, 80 and 60 classes were divided into age groups with both the Intermediate and Senior sections for the Coprice EvA95 being won by their dressage leaders. Amber Stockman and Simba in the Intermediate section added just 3.6 from cross country to her dressage score of 43 while Chloe Hayden and My Cyrano had some time cross country and one rail down show jumping to win by the tiny margin of 0.2 ahead of Lyndsay Menzies riding Dennis the Menace.
The biggest class of the day was the Coprice EvA80 Junior/Intermediate section where 37 riders took part. Grace Kaveney, from Hennessy School, near Homebush emerged as the winner finishing on her dressage score of 37.2. The next few places were hotly contested with just 2.4 separating second to seventh place. The senior division of this class was again won by its dressage leader this time Lauren French riding Royal Emporer who was representing Freshwater Senior school, which is situated on the Northern beaches of Sydney. The Coprice EvA60 senior class was won by Emma Noakes riding Snowview Tattoo. Emma had made the trip down from the central coast and was representing her school Green Point.
How cute are these two?
We spoke to several riders in the stables at SIEC (as we tried to stay out of the rain) so keep an eye the website to see other Interschool photos and articles.
For the full results of the Eventing and Combined Training classes click HERE
CLICK HERE for the 2013 NSW Interschools PHOTO GALLERY
