11th - 14th June 2004  National Equestrian Centre, Werribee
Report and Pictures by Berni Saunders Page 20
Personalities - Part 4

The Holden theme was more than cars and signage - the 'boys versus Girls' challenge really hotted up when the prizes were announced.  The cute and cuddly Holden lions had the same appeal as pots of gold and here two of the winning boy team - David Middleton and Heath Ryan - gloat as they show off their 'booty' 

David Middleton and Heath Ryan both rode two horses in the CIC-W *** competition - Davey was fourth on Armitage Downie Warlord but unfortunately he had to retire on WGEP Figjam.  Heath Ryan gained 13th place on the Irish Sporthorse Aston and 15th place on the brown gelding Diablo Heart. 

Susie Withers gave many hours of her time and added her bubbly personality to the presentation ceremonies.  Susie was once a 'hands on' eventing rider and confessed that something about these few days that made her give some serious thought to taking it up again.  Susie now concentrates her time on acting. She has quite a few TV productions and commercials to her credit - maybe we will see her in the saddle in 2005.  Well done Susie - you were a wonderful and vivacious hostess.

The Showjumping Ground Jury - Angela Tucker from GB, Vince Roche, Brian Schrapel and Val McKenzie from Australia.
Australian Eventing Selector and former Olympian - Gillian Rolton from SA	Emma Mason rode Starstruck for a fantastic 2nd place in the CIC-W *** competition - what a girl!!!

The magnificent venue was the highlight of the four days - in particular the cross country phase which takes place through the majestic formal gardens of the Werribee Park Mansion.  The trees were 'works of art' in their own right and the sculptured garden beds along with the great expanse of green lawns over which the beautiful horses galloped ... this made the day a spine tingling and memorable  experience

Darren Green rode his own Torlea Merlin McOhl, a warmblood cross by the imported Danish stallion - Kilof McOhl (dec'd.)	Darren and Merlin Winners after the Dressage in the Two Star competition - they lost some ground on Cross Country day ...  and are pictured left prior to their Showjumping round and above - in action.
Brian Schrapel  a very successful 3 day event competitor and now a driving force in the administration of the sport as well as a well respected judge.	Angela Tucker from Great Britain - we were delighted to have Angela here in Melbourne - she is the wife of Mike Tucker who is a legendary identity of the sport at an international level.
	I have included a pictorial record of Morten Haugaard (left) on his two horses. Above the chestnut My Hamlet and  below the brown My Antony  Morten's parents were in the crowd on each day of the competition to see him ride.  It was their first trip to Australia from Denmark ... and they enjoyed watching their son ride so well.
Olivia Bunn on her wonderful 8 YO, 18 hand Warmblood cross gelding GV Sterling Soux - for our wonderful Olivia, it was a tragic day as her horse collapsed and died on course, just a little after this picture was taken.  I understand that it was as a result of a burst artery.  May I wish Olivia and her dad Peter and other supporters of this combination our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.  It is so sad to lose our talented young horses - good luck in the future Olivia.
Sue Leslie and Peter the Red show their wonderful style over the logs on Cross country day.  For Sue, the 2004 event ended in tragedy as she fell and suffered quite serious injuries.  I understand that she will be out of action for some time.  I know that I am just one of many of her fans who wish her a speedy recovery so that she can soon return to the sport she loves.  Sue is a very popular Victorian Eventing identify and is always there to give a helping hand - this sort of thing does 'cloud' the day.
Technical Delegate Vince Roche discussing a 'tricky' issue with one of the many 'sector controllers' who policed their area on a motor bike - the organising committee arranged for 300 lunches on cross country day ... to feed the volunteers - great work guys.

I am sure that my pictorial coverage has not been able to mention many of the stars of the event or some of the important people who helped to make it happen ... but I hope that these pages bring just a little of the colour and spectacle that was the 2004 Melbourne International Three Day Event - I look forward to 2005 and know that it will be bigger and better then ever.  See you there!

For Full Results ...  Click Here  |  Go Back to Page 1 |  Index

I have photos pf most of the competitors (not all) in al three phases
please e-mail me if your would like to see the proofs.
berni@cyberhorse.net.au