EFA -
Victorian Championships Fundraiser Competition
Saturday January 31st 2004
Competition Report - by Berni Saunders
Page 2 - Preliminary and Novice
The
Preliminary and Novice classes are always interesting and I find myself
wondering why we do not see more of these horses going through. It has
been a long term study of mine to take note of the horses at a National
Championship and then look for these horses at the higher levels in about 5
years time. Sadly there is a high drop out rate - and I am sure that
there are many and varied reasons for this.
The
Preliminary classes are very small these days as the placings carry no
recognition by way of official grading points. I think this has been
counter-productive as, all that has happened is that horses which are
probably not ready, are moving up to over-subscribed Novice classes and
giving the organisers reason to arrange for more classes at this
level. Clubs still conduct the Preliminary ring for the wise riders
who will not let the 'system' or personal ambition dictate the demands that
are placed on their newcomers.
Preliminary Classes
Winners of the two
Preliminary classes -
Georgina Cattermole on the lovely Flemmingka (by the Dutch
frozen semen stallion - Flemmingh) was everything you want to see in a
young Dressage horse - loose, supple, obedient and lost of scope to go
on. Georgie is a tireless worker for the Berwick Dressage Club
and has achieved great things in just a few short years of
training - must be her excellent coach - partner Reiner Kramer!!!
With a 2nd and third
place in the Preliminary - Sue Nevett was 'tickled pink' with her
lanky gelding Clifton Court Lorenz. "Laurence" is by a son of
the well respected Dutch stallion Lucano. They have had success
in the Young Horse qualifiers that were so much of the focus leading
up to DWTS.
A 2nd and 5th in the
Preliminary would have been pleasing for Bec Provan on her Llanavar
Graffik as it was clear to see her is very young and immature.
He looked to find the 20X60 arena just too small for his huge loose
trot - he will be one to watch.
Melissa Alexander (more
fondly known to many as "Cyberhorse Mel") has her first EFA start on
Tudor Park Leningrad. As expected he was rather overwhelmed by
the full on atmosphere that is Werribee Park! Mel was pleased
that her solid basic training work, stood them in good stead for two
6th placings and pleasing scores (for the circumstances) There
will be no stopping them now!!!
AEA Whitney and
Stephanie Bovill make a lovely picture
Good luck Stephanie!
Left :
Avoca Rubicon and
Deborah Van Iersal
have a good ride in the
Preliminary ring.
Novice Classes
Weltwunder E and Samantha Bartlett
showed their usual polished form for a win in the Novice 2.2 and 2.4
classes
Rhapsody and Pernille Hogg had a 1st and 10th in
the 2nd division of the Novice classes. Rhapsody is an imported
Danish mare
River Baron and Belinda Mealor had a 2nd in the
Novice 2.4 ring and not such a good ride in her other test...
Rachael Hart on Hollybrook Pirate - getting
stronger and better all the time
Monica Bird on her
outstanding 5YO gelding Peru by Purioso (Germany)
had an up and down result today - but Monica works very hard to learn
from her experiences and Peru is sure to do the same under her
guidance.
Waiting for his gear check
is the unusually marked
Aztec Griffon and
Jennifer Newman will soon ride
in the Novice classes.
Llanavar Jetstream -
another of the talented team being campaigned
by Bec Provan - who travels great distances to take part in the
competitions.
Congratulations to all of the Preliminary and Novice horses who took part -
in particular the placegetters.
I have most of the photos
that I have used in my report stored in large, high resolution files - if
you are interested in purchasing a photo - email me for proofs and prices -
berni@cyberhorse.net.au
