Show Ring News
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DAVIS SANDERS HOMES 
HIDDEN VALLEY EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Northern Highway, Wallan

Sat. 25th & Sun. 26th January, 2003

About the Show - 2003 Championships
Page 1 - by Berni Saunders.

The 2003 Hidden Valley Equestrian Championships were set to be the biggest and best in the events 6 year history, as most of Victoria's top equestrian combinations in both hacking and dressage, have the Australia Day weekend pencilled in their diary from one year to the next, to be sure that they do not miss being part of this well organised, prestigious event.

I had planned to be part of the Grand Prix dressage competition on Saturday and part of the 'press' on Sunday.  Unfortunately Melbourne's weather on Saturday made it impossible for myself and many other competitors with properties in high risk bushfire locations,  to be away from home.  With temperatures forecast to reach the low 40's combined with a strong northerly wind it, would have been impossible to go anywhere without putting property and animals at risk.

The conditions at Hidden Valley on Saturday was not conducive to pleasant competition, as the temperature was recorded at 44.1 at the hottest part of the day.  Only a hand full of competitors took part and Maree and her team of helpers were very disappointed, but quite understanding regarding the number of 'no shows'.

The early forecasts promised a slightly cooler Sunday, but still a little to warm for most riders.  Mercifully the temperature forecast was revised early on Sunday, and we enjoyed a perfect, mid 20's day with the sun diffused by a light cloud cover which lifted later in the day - it was a perfect day to enjoy some of the most beautiful horses in the country, shown to perfection in the most glorious setting.

The condition and presentation of all entries in the 2003 Hidden Valley Equestrian Championships belie the difficulties of drought conditions which face all Australian  horse owners.  The standard of presentation, training along with the quality of the horses was absolutely outstanding and reflects that the owners of the 'best' Victorian horses make this competition their property for their Australia Day weekend.

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What a beautiful back drop to the
championship ring ...
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Maree Tomkinson has been the manager of the Equestrian facility since the property was established 6 years ago.  This magnificently appointed property was formerly Heyetsbury Stud,  established by late Robert Holmes aCourt who designed and built the 2000 acre stud to make a mark as one of the great stud farms in the world.  Maree's father Paul Tomkinson (pictured above) has been involved in the development of this innovative and successful lifestyle estate which focuses on the interests of golfers and horse enthusiasts.  The Hidden Valley golf facilities are as impressive to golfers as the equestrian facilities appeal to those with a passion for riding.

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Paul Tomkinson welcomed everyone to Hidden Valley and gave a history of the development so far and shared some insights for the future of Hidden Valley.

view1.jpg (13308 bytes)The Saddle Horse event finals were conducted outdoors this year - and this made for a better spectacle with people situated on two sides of the spacious ring and the backdrop of beautiful 'Tuscan' houses and spectacular hills.  Green grass is something that most of us were pleased to see and the grounds staff at Hidden Valley (with its own lake for irrigation) must be congratulated on having the property looking so good.

mareekathy.jpg (22856 bytes)I hope my highlight of Sunday's competition will help you to share the special moments - may I take this opportunity to thank Maree, Kathy & Paul (Maree's parents) Emma, Bruce and all of those who worked very hard in trying conditions - you made The 2003 Hidden Valley Championships a great event which no doubt will be even bigger and better next year.

Pictured right - Kathy (left) and Maree Tomkinson - kept busy ensuring that everythins was perfect for the competitors

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Bruce Faulk (announcer) & Emma Short
Part of the hard working support team.

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The Judges - No show without them ...
From left - Julie Gittoes, Melissa Oven
and Kaye Cartner

All of these photos are available in a large file size
contact Berni on cyberhorse@ozemail.com.au

Hidden Valley full Results
Go to Hidden Valley 2003 Report Index | Go to next page
Go to The Virtual Equestrian Main Index

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