No snow is forecast this weeekend
The course is set, grass has been mown, the flags are up and everything is looking good for a great weekend of eventing at the National Capital Horse Trials to be held at Equestrian park, Canberra.
Secretary and eventful life blogger, Kate McKenzie, is looking forward to the event. “It’s all looking really good. The course looks lovely and green and it’s amazing the difference it makes when you put the flags up – it really looks like an event.”
After finishing his Lynton Horse Trials comitments Sweedish course designer Dan Olfen headed to Canberra and has being working together with Grant Johnston to design the two and three star courses along with the lower levels, with Brett Ryan working as the course builder. Meanwhile Ben Smith has been kept busy designing the one star track.
Jade Findlay jumps in the water jump at last years event
From what we hear there have been a few changes made to the cross country course and the water jumped has been ‘revamped’.
“The weather is sounding pretty good for the weekend,” said Kate “but knowing Canberra it will still be pretty fresh in the morning and day time temperatures are expected to be somewhere between 17-19 degrees. At this stage we are not expecting snow!”
Dressage for many of the 200 plus riders will take place on two of huge sand arenas, which can hold two arenas on each while three other arenas will be placed where the building of the third huge sand area is still being constructed. “It will be fantastic when we get the third ‘sand pad’ finished but for the moment we will just have to put up with limited warm up space so competitors must be aware of that,” said Kate, who as well as carrying out her secretarial duties also plans to compete at Canberra – mad woman!
Shane Rose will be back at Canberra this year riding APH Moritz and Virgil in the CIC3*
With 17 riders in the CIC3*, 35 in the CIC2* and 30 in the CIC* the action at the higher level should be intense while nearly 150 lower level riders will be aiming to get around the challenging course as they bring their horses through the grades.
Riders aiming for Adelaide three day event including Stuart Tinney, Shane Rose and Craig Barrett will all be hoping for a good run at Canberra, which is ideally placed a few weeks out from the South Australian event.
We will be at Canberra to capture all the action so keep a look out on the website, facebook and twitter to see regular updates and end of day reports and photos.
For a list of who is riding when please click here for the latest draw (NB these times may be subject to change)
Before we close a few notes from Kate for riders to remember:
Helmets are to be worn in the warm up area, top hats can only be worn in the Sand arena.
Please don’t lunge in the warm up area, there is plenty of space in the camping area (but you may have to walk a bit to find it!)
Brindabella Stockfeed can deliver feed out on SATURDAY. Please ring on 62602086 or 0447858880
Yards: we are trying to stop the problem of horses being put in the wrong yards! If you find a horse in the yard with your name on it, let Kate or Karl know and that horse will be impounded! Attached is a list of all the yards if your name isn’t on the list and you need a yard, please contact Kate on 0403200341 or [email protected]
The PA system will be broadcast again on your FM radio. Tune to 99.5
Showers: There are no showers on site, however there are some a reasonable walk or short drive away. They will be open from 7-10am and 4-8 pm on Saturday and 7-10am Sunday morning in the Pavillion of the North Curtin Oval.
Ice will be available to pre-order from the secretary’s tent on Saturday. Delivery Sunday morning at 9am.
Farrier. Clint Beresford 0408963801 pay for use service!
Dogs are allowed at the event, but need to be on a lead at all times
If you are building your own yards, please build them in the camping area, even if you are not staying. Your horse will be safer in this area, as the perimeter fencing will further protect them from the main road. Horses have been fatally injured escaping onto the Cotter Road. We do not want this tragedy to occur!
Don't like plaiting? Michelle is happy to plait for you! Contact her on 0412662615 (from 3pm weekdays, anytime on the weekend) or [email protected]
XC is to be held on Sunday.
If anyone wants to scratch, or has any further questions, please contact Kate on 0403200341 or [email protected]
