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2007 Queensland Festival of Dressage Special Mentions and Personalities Special mentions should also be given (and I sincerely hope I don't leave anyone out as there were so many people who gave up so much of their time), and I'll start with Rosie and Alyssa Webb who were in charge of catering for all the officials, volunteers and media - what an absolute feast they prepared! Anyone who knows Rosie and her cooking know that they're always in for a delicious treat! 
The industrious mother and daughter team of Rosie (above) and Alyssa Webb. They are already planning next year's menu!
 
John Goertz from Emerleigh Embroidery, a staunch supporter and sponsor the Qld Dressage Squads 
MC's par excellence, (above) Col Zeller
and (below) Andrew Stevens
'A' Squad member, Anita Scampton (far right) did a great job selling raffle tickets as well as riding in the Grand Prix demonstration Anita was thrilled to be involved with the Festival and said, "I'm so proud of how the event came off. It was bigger and better than we expected. The feedback has been so encouraging, I've been stopped everywhere and told how much people enjoyed the event. Trade-stallers and spectators have all commented on how great it was to get to interact with the squad riders, and again, the professional and positive vibe of the event. Its really difficult to put into words how I feel about the day, but warm and fuzzy is probably a good start. I'm so excited about next year! I hope I have a squad horse next year so I can be part of it all. I just loved the way we all came together and contributed to make this really exciting and positive (there's that word again) contribution to the dressage community in Qld." 
Young Rider Squad member, Danica Vansleeve was another Event volunteer
Jenny Gehrke kindly shared her thoughts on the Festival, "I have been on the QLD Dressage Squad for a few years now and this was the most worthwhile and rewarding event that I have ever been involved in as a squad member. "I saw this event as an opportunity to raise the profile of Dressage and share the knowledge and expertise of the squad riders amongst the dressage community. I wanted to show the crowd that dressage is fun and achievable! "I am really proud to have been involved with this event and have loved working with such a great group of people." Jenny added. "It was really refreshing to see so many who weren't on the Squad get in an help run the festival just because they love dressage or love someone who loves dressage!" 
Even though Tracey Round had been seriously 'under the weather' all week, she said she wouldn't miss this event "for quids" and helped sell raffle tickets along with riding the Prix St George demonstration 
The 'sound people' Jim and Anna Austin, did a fantastic job with the p.a. system and here, Squad member and 'A' level judge, Sue Bright (far right) passes on her congratulations and thanks for their contribution
Nicole Magoffin and Jaybee Anzac share a quiet moment during the Aitken's Saddlery saddle fitting seminar. Both Nicole and 'Zac' had a busy day with Nicole modelling in the Fashion Parade and then the duo did a fantastic workout in the Stallion Parade representing Zac's sire Aachimedes, not to mention their Grand Prix Freestyle display - phew!
Squad member Steffi Stevens was there to give a helping hand
Catherine Alati, another Squad member was on-hand to help out with the Silent Auction bids as well as participating in the "Riding Through the Dressage Tests" segment
Art Director, participator and organiser, Gary Lung "The event went extremely well not only for spectators, trade exhibitors, helpers, volunteers and presenters but also for the organising committee," Gary Lung said. "It was amazing to see an idea grow from its infant stage to the final product with everyone assisting in anyway they could. This event brought people together (who would normally only see each other at competitions) to work towards a common goal of increasing the public’s awareness of the dressage sport. With the response and attendance we received, it was clear that there was a need for an event such as this and that the public wanted to know more about the sport." he added.
Jayden Brown was another one who had a blockbuster day
Event Director, Leasa Stephen oversaw the 'big picture'
A gratified Event Director, Leasa Stephen said, "Firstly, we couldnt have envisaged a better day! The turn out was fabulous...! Our goal for the event was to Showcase Dressage in Qld, and promote Qld's best riders (the Squads) and to raise public awareness for a sport that is exceptionally fast-growing amongst the Qld (and Australian) equine Community. This event was also a fabulous platform for our State's best to share their knowledge and skills to a wider audience. "And secondly, we are now approximately 12 months out from the Beijing Olympic Games... NOW is the time to get the ball rolling on showing the Australian public what this sport actually IS! We at the Qld Festival of Dressage, intend to take advantage of the Olympic year, and do our bit in promoting our Australian representative(s) .... after all, as Qld-ers, we do have a history of having Dressage Riders in the National Team!" 
Popular trainer, rider and coach, Tor Van Den Berge also had a great day
Nicole Tough's mum, Lorraine was another willing volunteer. There were so many of the squads' family members there helping out to make the day the great success it was - well done too to David Round (photographer), Ken McAuslan (general handyman), Sam Duffy, Ave Plummer, Leisa Dunlop, et al
Sponsors, Tradestallers and Personalities Aitken's Saddlery setting up in preparation for the onslaught of keen Festival goers
(below), Bec Aitken always has a smile for everyone  The oft-frequented Pryde's EasiFeeds stall
(below) Ron Major is definitely someone who knows his feeds and welcomes any opportunity to talk to people about their horses' nutritional requirements
Danielle and Felicity Campbell from Elite Equestrian & Camping Supplies, Tamborine having a great day. Along with her tradestall, Danielle very kindly supplied a service to her young up and coming dressage stallion, HP Lothar in the Stallion Silent Auction
Judi and Esther Ruffo from Noosa North Shore donated a fantastic 2-night stay at the Resort in the Silent Auction
Competitor Lyndall Binch and ... thoroughly enjoy their first ever trade stand and look forward to returning here next year 
EFAQ's Marketing and Communications Manager, Liz Buchanan supplied information on Equestrian Queensland for members and the general public
A big thanks to Greg from Aitken's Saddlery for babysitting my new family member, 8-week old pup, 'Rudi'
A final word from Festival Manager, Nicole Tough, "It was the enormous individual efforts of many people, solely motivated by their love of the sport, who have made this Festival possible. I would like to thank an incredible team of people that is the organising committee – Anita Scampton, Tracey Round, Deb Ashby, Sue Bright, Jenny Gehrke, Mandy Finnimore, and Jenny Rykoff. Special thanks to Leasa Stephen, our Event Director whose experience, vision and foresight were invaluable in putting this event together. To Keran Ainslie – our wonder marketer and fashion expert! Keran did all the marketing for the Festival in a remarkably short period of time! To Gary Lung – our artist in hiding! Gary did all the art work for the Festival, from the ad design and logos, the programs, flyers and vouchers. To Kristin McAuslen – website designer extraordinaire! Kristin designed the Festival website. If you are thinking of getting a website – Kristen is your girl!! To Jackie Hill – who had many busy nights organising tickets and answering enquiries.
"To Carole Lok – tireless, passionate – a truly amazing person! There is nothing she didn’t and can’t do! To Nicole Magoffin – who organised the Trade Village and the Stallion Parade and brought much humour to our meetings! To Anjanette Harten – who organised the Silent Auction and printed all the programs. And to Rosie Webb – chef extrordinaire!! Rosie catered for all our sponsors, presentors and helpers! "This entire organising committee made the awesome job of putting this Festival together a whole lot of fun! To all the husbands, partners and parents of the organising committee – THANK YOU for your patience and support! "To our incredible team of voluntary helpers! You are all legends! Thank you SO much! "And finally, to all the spectators, be inspired, join your local riding group, pencil whenever the opportunity arises. Don't criticise the judges - become one! Help set up and take arenas. If we all do a little bit, then dressage is the winner!" Thanks Nic and what more can I say? Main Report Page 2 - Cyberhorse Seminar Centre
Page 3 - Action from the Indoor Arena Page 4 - Fashion Parade Page 5 - Ridden Stallion Display Page 6 - Special Mentions and Personalities
© Cyberhorse 2007 Tracy Mayhew
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