Name the season in Adelaide. Rebecca McCrae trots up with Hi Tide in winter gear while Natalie Hibbert sticks with the summer wardrobe
For those of you reading this (and shivering) in the Northern Hemisphere you may grimace when I say that it is raining at the Mitsubishi Motors Australian International 3 Day Event, particularly if I say that this is a good thing
Adelaide in November can be very hot (read 40 degrees centigrade) and, as it has been over 30 degrees during the past few days, when the weather man’s predictions of rain came true as my plane landed, I did a little jig
However the cool change may have played havoc with the outfit choices of some of the riders as this first horse inspection is usually one of skimpy dresses, shorts and unsuitable footwear for hurtling along a runway with a fit horse. Today it was a combination of those who had packed shorts or summer dresses and braved the elements to wear them and those who simply opted for warm and comfortable
No shorts but colourful legs for the Ground Jury
The CCI2* and CCI4* horses were presented to the Ground Jury this afternoon with Christian Landoldt (President), Gretchen Butts (USA) and Sue Baxter (GBR) presiding over the formalities while the horses in the CIC3* have their quick trot up on Thursday.
Christian Landolt is one who normally shows his knees in Adelaide but had sensibly opted for full length red trousers and New Zealand’s Clarke Johnstone is another that has been spotted in shorts in Adelaide in the past but today looked much more formal.
Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation
In fact Clarke got our vote as the Best Dressed Male in a very luxurious looking royal blue velvet jacket (just bought today apparently), cream trousers and maroon tie with matching pocket handkerchief (not to mention beautifully polished shoes)
Andy Daines also looked very dapper in cream jacket and trousers, we always love Rohan Luxmoore’s hat and Matt Gaske looked very James Bond in dinner suit and bow tie
The name's Gaske. Matt Gaske
The ladies’ outfits ran the whole spectrum with two girls back to back demonstrating the difference in temperature. Young Rider Rebecca McCrae, fully rugged up with coat, boots and trousers was immediately followed by Natalie Hibbert in shorts and off the shoulder top
Molly Barry and Shinu Kuma - CCI2* (above) and Cindy Lyall's jacket (below)
Another 2* Young Rider, Molly Barry opted to combine the two with a nice short blue dress teamed with long boots, Chelsea Priestley had to hang onto her hat as the wind threatened to blow it off and we spotted our favourite jacket on Western Australia’s Cindy Lyall (whose horse GI Joe has his own fan club).
But our favourite outfit from the ladies was that of Edith Kane with a chiffon skirt and very pretty top teamed with really elegant flat shoes (‘They’re even comfortable!’)
Edith Kane and Valenthyme
Another Western Australian with a striking top was Sonja Johnson who opted for her gold jacket but refrained from adding her ‘Christmas bauble’ earrings as they didn’t go with the gold and white theme
Both of Sonja’s horses looked in great shape and many of the equine stars were feeling rather fresh. Megan Jones kept Kirby Park Impress calm and under control although ‘Candy’ was certainly on her toes looking really fit, and Megan’s husband James Deacon trotted a very flighty Jocular Vision for Emily Gray. Sadly one other Olympic medallist didn’t present with local hero Wendy Schaeffer withdrawing Sun Showers from the CCI4*
Megan Jones had two horses to manage - Kirby Park Impress and Wilberry in her hair
There were nervous moments for a couple of the favourites with Mattea Davidson’s Kinnordy Gwendolyn sent to the Hold Box in the CCI2* but accepted on re-presenting and the Ground Jury having a little huddle before passing the defending champion Willinga Park Clifford
Hazel Shannon
HazelShannon and Willinga Park Clifford
The unseasonal weather is not set to stay for long and by Sunday, when we’ll be at the real pointy end of the competition, the punters in the VIP marquee will be sunning themselves in balmy conditions more typical of South Australia. But tomorrow the weather forecast is still for cool, drizzly conditions for the start of the dressage as competition kicks off with the CCI2* class. First into the arena will be another strong contender, Western Australia’s Emma King on DVZ Chevalier at 9am
See you then!
