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EFA (Vic Branch) Inter-School State Championships is now in its second year, and in the
short space of two years it has grown into one of the biggest (if not, by number of
entries) equestrian competition held at the wonderfully suitable venue - Werribee
Park. The inaugural Inter Schools Championships was held in 1999and run by private individuals, it went 'off the rails' in terms of administration and financial management. The EFA ... recognising that the concept was a good one, stepped in and formed a committee to ensure that Victoria's junior riders had an event that would foster their interest in equestrian sports. The concept of the competition was to develop 'all round' riding and events were designed to cater for the keen competitive junior equestrian, as well as those who do it more for fun ... but would love the chance to represent their school and have a great weekends' fun. Many of the 500 riders who took part in this fantastic event, had never competed before. Lots of the kids were given a unique opportunity to ride in the indoor arena - the same place that showcases our Olympic riders. It must have been a surreal experience for some of the kids!
Kids and adults alike enjoyed the spirit of the event which will no doubt grow even more. Certainly the organisers are thinking of ways to avoid limiting the entries, and yet still keep the competition 'workable'. I spoke to the Event Director Miranda Cox who has worked tirelessly to ensure that everything went well, and when I congratulated her she was quick to point out that without the support of a wonderful and enthusiastic committee, I may not have been making such comments! Miranda is one of those people who is in charge and knows instinctively what is needed in most situations.
Miranda spoke about the competition and its objectives and future direction, at the presentations on Sunday. She said that the philosophy of this event was to encourage 'all round' riding. She then went on to say that it seemed likely that we would see the introduction of regional qualifiers for discipline specific events. Miranda highlighted that this was a first competition for many of the juniors - who were thrilled to be taking part at such a prestigious event. Reg Cleland spoke of the enormous workload that has been created by conducting a competition for 500 riders with 5 separate events. Every square inch of the huge Wrrribee Park complex was taken up. On Saturday there were 400 dressage tests ridden and the enormous scoring job was very efficiently taken care of by Leon Baggot and his fantastic team. Reg announced that the EFA would be calling a special meeting in order to discuss the future of the Inter School State Championships. There will need to be more people on the Committee, and a year round plan put into action. Reg complimented the kids and their parents for the way that they conducted themselves. There were no problems with riders warming up on 'out of bounds' areas (such ads the polo field) and every one observed the rules and worked together well to ensure that the event ran smoothly. The overall individual winner of the event was Penny Barnard-Brown on Murrumbidgee - a horse she has owned for just 12 months. Murrumbidgee found the exitement of the presentations a little too much ... which served to highlight Penny's skill and tact to be able to ride him through all phases, and come out on top - well done Penny!
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About the Competition | Dressage
Highlights - Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3
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Well known and successful competitor Karen Fisher
kept both competitors and spectators informed with an expert commentary of events which
were conducted in the indoor school. She could be heard through a PA system which
extended to the outside warm-up area, and this meant that everyone knew where things were
up to and the rings were able to run to time. Karen proudly told me that some of the
classes were completed ahead of the allocated time.
There was a real 'buzz' everywhere at the
Werribee Park complex. 
