Avenel International Horse Trials
&
Ellesmere Equine Equipment National Horse Trials
"Limerick Lane" Mangalore, Victoria, Australia
27th & 28th April 2002 - Page 1
By Melissa Dey

 The sun shone all day and reminded us exactly why northern Victoria is so dry.  With only a month until winter starts, it was sunblock, hats and tee shirt weather for this year's event.  Driving up the new entrance to "Limerick Lane" I was amazed to see dams absolutely bone dry, and drainage channels empty - wishful thinking I guess.  It does concern me that we run an autumn eventing season - more often than not the ground is as hard as concrete.  The dust trails left by vehicles and horses alike demonstrated just how dry the surface was. But Australian event riders and horses are a tough bunch, we have proven that time and time again.

Special thanks must go to "Limerick Lane" owners Mr and Mrs Gerry Ryan for the  use of their property.  Gerry has been very generous in allowing the organising committee to plan ahead for the next four years.  This comes as a welcome relief, as a few of us thought that Avenel might disappear from the eventing calendar.  We must also thank Mr P O'Connor for the use of his property for part of the cross country course.

The committee did a fine job to run the event.  A small band of loyal workers rally together and managed to stage an International event. Congratulations for gaining this status. Hopefully the numbers will start to reflect the significance of the CIC*** status.   I am sure that the difficulties in qualification lead to low rider entries.   As the event continues this will no doubt be less of an issue. Remember that all of our event committees are always looking for more members. If you are interested in keeping the sport alive, please consider joining your local event committee and helping them.

Heath Ryan (above) clear over the Lowdens Saddlery Wine Barrels to take first place overall in the CIC***.

A small group of eight started the Jayco Caravans CIC***, with only three placings awarded on the final day.  Heath Ryan riding his lovely chestnut horse Flame took first place. Second to John Bird riding Woodmount Fame and third to David Middleton on his first mount Willowbank Jack. David chose a very easy ride cross country and amassed a huge number of time penalties - but was the only clear round.

David Middleton (right) in the starting box riding Willowbank Jack in the Jayco Caravans CIC***.

Chris Smith (left) safely up the first step of the Ellesmere Sporthorse Stud Steps Up. Unfortunately Uptrend didn't make the next element and had a rather worrying dismount from the jump. Fortunately both rider and horse were unhurt and Chris wisely chose to retire at this point.  This horse is a beautiful chestnut gelding by Vain, he would not look out of place in the showring.

John Bird (left) takes a bold leap from the Gordon Real Estate House.  Woodmount Fame had one stop cross country but still finished in 2nd place.

Hayley Easedale riding A Little Loud clear through  the Gordon Real Estate House combination.

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