Equestrian Championships
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th January, 2000
Event Report, Sponsor Details and Timetables
by Berni Saunders

It would be hard to imagine a more beautiful setting for a horse show, rolling hills, miles (or kilometers) of white post and rail fencing, lovely established trees and a tranquil lake which formed a scenic backdrop to the showjumping events.  The Hidden Valley developers have done an excellent job to preserve the features of Heyetsbury Stud - the millionaire's pride and joy.

The event was very well run with a large block of portable stables erected to allow for overnight competitors to house their horses safely. A trade village with suppliers of equestrian gear, clothing, saddlery and feed,  gave spectators and competitors some great buying opportunities and valuable information to compliment a 'full on' weekends competition schedule.

Maree has asked me to acknowledge the many people who helped to make the weekend work so well.   "Without the help of sponsors, friends and family,  I would not have been able to put on such a great show", Maree said.  "Andrew James, Andrew Keam, Bruce Falk, Barry Sawyer, Emma South and her parents Peter and Sue, Steve Crompton, Leigh Dunstan, Poppy Calhoun, Paul Lee, Wendy Angwin and Frank Deirer, the scorer Kim McFarlane and for keeping the showjumping area 'really jumping' Raymond Thomas and Peter. .....  last but certainly not least, my parents, Paul and Kathy" ( Maree's parents are always there  to support her efforts).  "There's  is probably a few more people that I should thank, but I cannot think right now"  was Maree's response to considering this list,  "oh yes, there are many people who were part of the official team and they are mentioned in the program.  I wish to thank them for their wonderful contribution ... I hope I have not forgotten anyone".

Maree was also very grateful for the support that the Equestrian Championships received from the sponsors.  All show organisers understand just how difficult it is to obtain sponsors and how equally difficult it is to make it worth their while.  "It is very important that competitors, spectators and all concerned with equestrian sports, acknowledge the role that the sponsors play in making our sport possible.  When you go to buy something, think about the people who support us, and try to support them".

For the first time the Hidden Valley Championships included an FEI Dressage Program.  As a competitor, it was a great venue with excellent facilities and riding surface.  My horse Avalanche ll was a little spooky about the close proximity of the show arenas, (but this was more likely an equine excuse for - I don't want to do it) but, day two saw a change of attitude and me feeling that the experience of making him settle, with so much happening, had been most beneficial.  I spoke to many fellow competitors and everyone was delighted to have such a lovely change of venue and the chance to participate at a well run competition that is sure to become one of the prestige events in the calender.

Maree had aimed to make this a 'competitor friendly' event, and that it was!  The stewards were 'on a mission' to be as helpful and accommodating as possible.  Kathy Tomkinson told me that "as competitors, we know what it is like to find competition officials with a 'no can do' mentality, we were determined to be different".  Helper Bruce Falk mentioned to me an encouraging comment by leading FEI rider Emmie Schmul, who told him that she and husband Jim, seldom stay on to enjoy the other aspects of a competition day. But, at Hidden Valley they had really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and took time out to enjoy themselves doing a little socialising and spectating.