EQUESTRIAN VICTORIA NEWS

August/September 2016

In this issue -  Editor's notes

It's a 'bumper' issue of the Equestrian Victoria Newsletter this month as we combine all the news for August and September, after a busy month and the buzz that was 'Rio'. Hang on to your hats though as the Paralympics will be in full swing by the time this hits your inbox!

This issue we introduce a couple of new sections: Club News, Feature Events and Young Rider Updates. We hope that over the coming months we will be able to add more and more to keep you better informed and up to date.

If you have anything you would like to see included, or perhaps a great article about what is happening in the equestrian world in your area, please send it to comms@equestrianvictoria.com.au.

Have a great month!

Rio Wrap-up

Hands up if you spent late nights in front of the TV, your computer or tablet watching the action in Rio, and at times, jumping up and down cheering wildly? Life can be normal again for a short while – at least until the Paralympics begin on 7 September.

Much will be discussed over Australia's performances in Rio, but here in Victoria, the equestrian community can be particularly proud of the fact that we were represented across the Olympic disciplines by 4 team members and 2 reserve riders. These brilliant athletes need no introduction, but let’s celebrate their achievement just one more time:

• Mary Hanna | Dressage
• Matt Williams | Jumping
• James Paterson-Robinson | Jumping
• Sam Griffiths | Eventing

and, our reserve riders:

• Maree Tomkinson | Dressage
• Jamie Kermond | Jumping

EVENTING

The Eventers were the most successful of our teams, continuing on the legacy of Australia’s strong Olympic performance in the discipline. The ‘boys’ came home with the team Bronze medal, after being in strong contention for the Gold following the XC phase. 

However it was Victoria’s own Sam Griffiths that ended the games closest to an individual medal, adding only 6.80 time penalties to his dressage score of 46.30, to finish in 4th place overall (53.10). Sam’s awesome mare, Pauline Brockagh, was particularly impressive going a clear 2 rounds on the final day of showjumping. The pair missed the individual Bronze by only 1.30 penalties. 

“She tried her hardest and I just had to tell her where to go.” -

Sam Griffiths on Paulank Brockagh.

DRESSAGE

For Mary Hanna, our 5-time Olympian, Boogie Woogie’s performance has surely made her more determined than ever as she sets her sights on Tokyo. 

Boogie was a young horse in Grand Prix terms, competing at the level for less than a year.  His score of 69.643% was a personal best and positioned them in 39th place overall. No doubt, spurring her on for bigger and better things with Boogie, is the fact that 2 judges scored over 70%.

JUMPING

MATT WILLIAMS AND VALINKSI S
© Jon Stroud Media

“He was never meant to be a horse to come to the Olympics, he just keeps surprising everyone.”

– Matt Williams on Valinksi S

The fences were BIG. The course tough but fair. Our riders were determined.  So it was that our attention turned to the last of the Equestrian disciplines - Jumping - where Australia fielded a strong team of 4 outstanding riders. Headed by captain Edwina Tops-Alexander, the team proudly sported 2 Victorians - Matt Williams (Valinski S) and James Paterson-Robinson (Amarillo), with Scott Keach (Fedor) the final member.

JAMES PATERSON-ROBINSON AND AMARILLO
© Jon Stroud Media

WATCH JUMPING HIGHLIGHTS 

Paralympics

EV Awards Night. A Celebration of Excellence.

MITAVITE AMATEUR OWNER RIDER AWARDS 

Equestrian Victoria hosted the MITAVITE DRESSAGE AMATEUR OWNER RIDER AWARDS as part of the EV Awards Night.  Riders were congratulated and presented with their awards following a year of hard-work and determination, and there were many well-deserved smiles as they each received their fantastic prizes.

EV also wishes to acknowledge and thank Mitavite for their fantastic sponsorship of the Leaderboard throughout the year.

A special acknowledgement must go to Dolly Joyce who was responsible for establishing and running with the Leaderboard. Every AOR participant would not have this opportunity if it weren't for Dolly's tireless energy, passion and innovation. We're sure each member will join us in thanking Dolly. 

Stakeholder Engagement Program

Equestrian Victoria (EV) is conducting a state-wide equestrian stakeholder engagement program, to gain insights into:

1. The need for state equestrian facilities
2. How EV might better service its members and other equestrian groups in Victoria.

As an EV member you are invited to participate by completing the online survey.

We are also interviewing and/or surveying the peak bodies for every equestrian discipline, and every riding and breeding group, in Victoria.

Further information please contact Suzie Batten, EV Board Director, on 0419 546 104 or at suziebatten@equestrianvictoria.com.au

Club News

WVDC CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY

On the 27 July 2016 nearly fifty members and friends came together to help celebrate the 40th Birthday of the Western Victorian Dressage Club. It was a night that connected the club’s history with it’s future and made all feel proud to be a part of this passionate group of dressage enthusiasts. 

Amongst the Life Members, past presidents, previous and current committee members, judges, local dressage enthusiasts and our very own Olympian, there was plenty of camaraderie and warmth to fill the beautiful function room at Oscars Café and Bar (formerly known as the Criterion!) in Ballarat.

The highlight of the evening was the reading of two letters received from Mrs Marie Gahan who is one of Club’s inaugural members. The first letter enlightens us on the early history of Victorian Dressage, as seen through Marie’s eyes, and was beautifully delivered by Mrs Maria Millikan. Sadly Marie was unable to attend the evening so she also sent through a letter of apology that went on to highlight the work of previous WVDC committee members. This letter of apology was full of recollections, which were read and amusingly brought to life by one of the Club's longest serving office bearers, past president Mr Robert Hammond.

From the Chair 

Feature Events

Admin Matters

SHOW HORSE MEASURING DAY 

Saturday 10 September 2016

An official Equestrian Victoria Measuring Day will be held at Werribee Park Equestrian Centre on SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2016.

Avoid the queues at Barastoc and take advantage of this opportunity before the show season begins.

• Fee: $10 per horse
• Bring: Current registration papers and proof of current EV membership
• Got questions?: events@equestrianvictoria.com.au

National News

Young Rider Updates

The 2017 Victorian Youth Dressage Championships, to be held for the first time in January (Friday 13- Sunday 15) will also break new ground by running at the Boneo Park Equestrian Centre.  Strategically placed just before the Boneo Classic, the event caters for riders aged from 8 years of age (subject to a proposed rule change from 1 January 2017) right up to 25 years of age.  

Tests will be offered from Preliminary level to Grand Prix including a full range of the FEI classes for Ponies, Juniors, Young riders and Under 25 Grand Prix. In a bold move the Organising Committee of the Boneo Classic will offer the FEI tests at International level providing our riders with the opportunity to compete at two shows with top judges at a world class facility. The schedule will be available late September with entries closing early December. 

For those riders that might want to just 'have a try' at EA level rests there will also be tests run at Participation level so there will be something for everyone.  

Event enquiries to jancsmith@bigpond.com, donnadesmet@bigpond.com or dressage@equestrianvictoria.com.au . The website will be available soon and information also available on the event Facebook page.

Young Rider Dressage Squad and Development Program.  

Vale

ANNE BRYANT

Equestrian Victoria was saddened to learn of the passing of Anne Bryant at the age of 94. Anne was from Camperdown in the western districts of Victoria and was a long time member of Equestrian Victoria and a prominent dressage rider and dressage judge. She also had an interest in show jumping and was a part-owner of show jumping horses.
 
Anne will be sadly missed and will always been known by her friends and acquaintances as a charming and gracious competitor and judge.
 
Our sincerest condolonces to Anne's family.

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