STOP PRESS: Shane and Niki are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Olivia Cleo Rose born 8.22 this morning (Tuesday 8th May), 3.7 kg or 8lb 3oz.
She is 51cms long and Shane says, she looks like Niki, because she is very cute!
Welcome Olivia and congratulations Shane and Niki!
Now for the regular Bimbadeen Bulletin!
The big news in the past few weeks is that Shane and Taurus won the CCI3* at the Sydney Three Day Event, which was one of the Australian selection events for the London Olympic Games. Shane and Johnnie Walker’s Taurus lead from start to finish to win the class ahead of a field of Australia’s leading horses and riders. In addition to wins this year at Sydney CNC, Scone CNC and Kihikihi CIC (NZL) Shane hopes these results will lead to Taurus being included in the Australian Eventing Team for the London Olympic Games. It is now a waiting game until the selectors announce the team on 20 June. Other selection events include Melbourne Three Day Event in early June that both APH Moritz and Statford Neo will take part in. Shane hopes that these horses will also catch the eye of the selectors and add depth to his team of Olympic hopefuls. Australian riders based in the UK are having a disrupted preparation for the Olympic Games due to wet weather that has forced the cancellation of Badminton Horse Trials. Those riders planning on attending Badminton now have to revise their plans and look to other events.
Shane and Taurus Photo: Main Event Photography
In addition to Taurus, Shane also rode Virgil and Wisteria Lane in the CIC2* at the Sydney event. These two started the competition very well, Virgil led the dressage and Wisteria Lane was just behind in 2nd place. Wisteria Lane went exceptionally well in her first 2* start and jumped clear cross country with just 1.6 time penalties. Virgil made a rare mistake at the water and failed to stick his landing resulting in a very wet horse and rider. No doubt the young Virgil will learn a great deal from this mistake. See picture below by Elysha Sargent. Wisteria Lane went on to jump a super clear showjump round to finish in 2nd place, which was very pleasing for her first 2* start.
Prior to the Sydney event Shane and Virgil competed at the Sydney Royal Easter show in the exhibition eventing class. This is a really fun competition, Virgil performed very well. He led the dressage and jumped super, he was the only horse to clear the joker fence. Shane and Virgil won the class, in 2nd place was Tim Boland on Umunga who was previously ridden by Niki.
Soigne and Gordy headed to Canberra CNC, they had a relaxing weekend with just one horse each. Soigne had planned to take Warrego Collateral Damage in the 1* however he cut his leg during the week leading up to Canberra so she took Gold for a canter around the 1*. Gold managed to catch Soigne snoozing and had a cheeky stop at the water. Gordy had a good weekend with Lee Hokianga’s Glenorchy South Park in the Pre Novice, they put together a good dressage test and clear cross country round to be in the lead heading into the showjumping. An unfortunate rail in an otherwise good round saw them drop to 3rd place which was still a pleasing result.
Shane was looking very smart at his recent competitions, thanks to new gear from his sponsors. Shane was kitted out in new competition clothing from Equiline, the dressage tails, jumping jacket, shirt and breeches looked fantastic and gained many comments. He has also just received a new pair of Ariat Monaco Field Boots, these boots are made with beautiful soft leather, Shane commented on how comfortable they are without having to get through the normal breaking in period and they look great too. We are starting to experience cool nights but our horses are staying warm and dry thanks to our Weatherbeeta Orican Freestyle combo’s from Horseland.
Over the next few weeks you will find us at:
19 May: Clarendon Dressage
Michelle: Wallstrasse
26-27 May: Eventing Equestriad CIC at Camden
Shane: APH Moritz, Staford Neo, Virgil and Wisteria Lane
Soigne: Gold & Warrego Lateral Damage
Gordy: Glenorchy South Park
2 June: Hawkesbury Dressage
Michelle: Wallstrasse and Capone
2-3 June: Berrima CNC
Rachel: Bureaucratic & Final Avienge
8-11 June: Melbourne CCI – Olympic Selection event
Shane: APH Moritz, Statford Neo & Wisteria Lane
Soigne: Gold & Warrego Lateral Damage
For more information: www.bimbadeenhorses.com.au
Until next month all the best from BIMBADEEN PARK.
