The Lakers of Kinglake Riding Club Crack It and RADAR once again provides drought breaking rain

“Candlebark” the Clarke Family property provided the setting for the 2003 Lowden’s TTT Horse Trials Championship Series. Riddells Creek Pony Club had improved some of the infrastructure and Kevin Watson had further developed the cross-country course.

HRCAV members arrived in reasonable number on Friday afternoon in fine weather. The food vans were in place as well as the tents for the sponsors and trade stands. Last minute touches were put to various areas and all was ready for the big influx on Saturday.

At 6:0am on Saturday it was dark and foggy. The first arrivals at 6:15am put their horses in empty yards and waited for the visibility to increase over 30-40 minutes. At daylight the fog was in greater evidence but at least we could see a reasonable distance but not the full length of a dressage arena. Those riding were split into 2 groups. Campers and day visitors. Thanks to those members who read the parking instructions. Gradually Candlebark filled with riders and horses, helpers and dressage judges. A few had got lost in the fog or took longer than expect to arrive.

Although the timetable was tight riders and dressage judges ensured that the day was not too long. Thank you to all who helped such large numbers ride within a reasonable schedule. The level 4 showjumping was clearly not without incident and had a considerable influence on the eventual outcome due to the number of stops or eliminations

The evening meal was a good quality spit roast provided by Riddells Creek Hotel. The price of the drinks was higher than we expected. Personal Touch, a one man band, entertained a large group of stayers until close to midnight.

Sunday morning brought the drought breaking rain making life difficult for everyone. The nature of the soil gave cause for concern but after discussion the cross-country Level 5 got underway with minimal change and the course for Level 3 show jumping was lowered and riders advised to ride safely. The Level 5 sections got round with minimal fuss and the showjumping continued with occasional slide.

Level 3 showjumping completed with few problems and Jenny Muir kindly redirected the track for Levels 2 and 1 so that the course was shorted but the height reasonable. Level 3 went cross-country the dismay of some the removal of the water jump. The course still rode well and Level 3 completed as did the 2 and 1 showjumping.

Levels 2 and 1 completed with only one unfortunate incident.

The event was completed and eventually a result was available thanks to our scorer Andrew Hosier.

Well done to Kinglake “Lakers” who saved RADAR from a repeat performance and Riddells Creek who kept the locals well to the fore.

To all who stayed to compete thank you for your enthusiasm and patience. To all the helpers and last minute helpers thank you for allowing the riders to compete. Without you we would not have been able to complete the event.

To all those members of RADAR and their partners who assisted thank you. A number of you put in many hours of physical work well beyond the call of duty. You know who you are and without your work before and after the event HRCAV members would not have been able to ride.

The nature of friendly HRCAV competitions came to the fore in this event. The skill and patience of riders, the generosity of helpers, the wisdom of our President, Ken and the overwhelming support of our sponsors, many of whom were local businesses ensured that the record numbers of riders in the 2003 Lowdens TTT Horse Trials Championship Series would not forget “Candlebark” in a hurry.

Roger Lavelle
TTT Coordinator for
RADAR’s Horse Trials Sub Committee

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