What a roller coast ride we have had here at Tinney Eventing. Without doubt, after our bad luck at the Melbourne International 3DE with Pluto, we had given up on our ambitions to get to WEG 2014. How the tide can turn - with a phone call from Equestrian Australia High Performance, to say that Pluto and Stuart had been nominated for WEG - then to getting on the reserve list - to now a berth on the team!
It has been rather a rush the past few weeks organizing the trip for Pluto, Amy and Stuart. Now a rush for the rest of the Tinney family with Karen, Jaymee (who was fortunately already in Europe) and Gemma all going to support Stuart.
Equestrian Australia have been exceptional, all travels plus the long list of 'things to do' handled with ease.
Amy and Pluto ready to fly (left) and all safely arrived in the UK (right)
We thought that maybe we would give you a rundown of how the training camp works, their schedule and how much is put into the organising of just the eventing side by Equestrian Australia
- 6th August Pluto is flown to the UK with groom Amy and team vet Nathan.
- 7-12th Stuart, Shane, their horses, grooms, plus vet settle at Unicorn Training facility UK.
- 13/14th Clinic for AUS riders plus UK based squad, 23 combinations 4*B test, ( Newsflash: Shane 1st with 39, Stuart 2nd with 40)
- 19th-24th Pre WEG training, all six horses plus reserves.
- 24th Depart Unicorn by Ferry or Eurotunnel ( 3 trucks for all horses, riders, vet and luggage)
- 24th- 31st Aug WEG - all to return 1st Sept.
Before all the commotion of getting organised for WEG - there were a few weeks back in July where Stuart took his other rides out, firstly Quirindi.
Even though it was a little cold Quirindi did not disappoint. Susie Clapton's Dalinea lead the CCN80 class from start to finish and her other horse Wyandah Rolly had an unfortunate two rails in his round. The Huskinson's War Hawk also led from start to finish in the CCI**. Now he is qualified for 3 Star which we are very excited about! However he may run a few more 2 Stars to become established at this higher level.
The beautiful Queen Mary, owned by long standing supporters, Kathy Ward and Pete O'Connell, at Sydney Eventing
A brief run down on the SIEC competitions. On Tuesday the Pittard’s Pluto Mio was in the 3 star-combined training and won. In the EvA 105 Medusa came 2nd, Kathy Ward and Pete O’Connell’s Queen Mary came 4th. The weekend saw Queen Mary step up to the CNC* where she placed 10th. Gemma rode Carlchen in the EvA105 class and was the 6th placed Junior. Medusa won the EvA105 on her second outing in Australia. Susie Clapton’s Wyandah Rolly came 12th in the EvA105. Dalinea, also owned by Susie, won the EvA80
Gemma then went into pony club mode and ran Carlchen at Zone 23 ODE held at Forest Hills PC - So well run it was a pleasure for Gemma to win the A grade Championships from start to finish - not sure if we will ever get Carlchen back. He and Gemma seem like a very good fit!
We would like to thank all our sponsors, owners and EA for their continued support - we are ever grateful. Hope to see some of you at WEG.
All the best TE
