Feathers fly at TTTTake six riders, six horses, surround them by a crowd of people in Arena 1 at the Werribee Equestrian Centre, add music and you have . . . . . . . a wonderous or was it a thunderous night to behold.The Clydesdale Cross Sports Horse Association drill team and CCSHA patron Leanne Williams proved to the audience what Clydesdale Cross fans already know - they are a breed apart. And what a place to do it - HRCAV top teams Dressage weekend on November 12 and 13. The team comprising Chris Josephs, of Yarram, Deb van Iersel of Emerald, Benita McDonough of Cranbourne, Sue Rosenblum of Balnarring, Sandra Kingston of Cranbourne and Vicky Robieson had been quietly, or not so quietly, practising the ride for five short weeks under the guidance of coach Natalie Frew. Chris travelled two and a half hours each way for practices. It was only when the six horses all got together at Natalie's property that the fun started. Getting six riders and horses to go in several places at one time is a feat in itself. Then there are the intricacies of riding the movements and timing. For those unfamiliar with Drill Riding getting up close and personal is well, part of the drill. Getting the horses to understand that was another matter. It is highly exhilarating when everyone trots past you, through you and then canters up behind you. It is even more fun when you go into the movement called the wheel. This is a spectacular movement where the horses pack close together and form a line (three facing one way, three the other) and slowly rotate. The riders are kneecap to kneecap, the horses shoulder to shoulder, in theory anyway. The horses in the middle barely move the ones on the outside go like the clappers. It was the most practised movement and which caused the most amusement. The weekend duly arrived. Gear had been begged and borrowed. The team sported the new black CCSHA sweat shirts. "If only we had more time" is the lament of many an actor and student - the drill team were no different. There were a few jitters, particularly as the team all crowded outside to watch the first of Leanne's stunning dressage displays on Avoca Cardinal.  Leanne on Avoca Black Saint - retired Grand Prix Dressage horse The team were to go in between Leanne's two performances, a wise move we thought, and all too soon it was our turn. In truth the ride went for six minutes but it felt like it was over in seconds. The horses true to their breed pulled it off. The audience loved it, the horses took their bow and applause as their right. But the night wasn't over. Leanne's second and super display on Avoca Black Saint left the audience gasping and the drill team in awe. With Avoca Black Saint and Leanne in the lead, the drill team entered the arena for the second time, and the great horses ended a great night with an encore ride around the arena. Big thank yous go to: The CCSHA committee for their support The many people who loaned gear so the riders could look their best Natalie Frew for her support and guidance The many supporters who ensured we got there either in one piece or with plaits intact. The horses - in drill order Sue's horse (above) - Sue bought Monty when he was 15 months old while hunting for a new (Warmblood) horse. He too is out of a thoroughbred mare by a Clydesdale stallion. He has been home schooled following the Steve Brady method and then left in the paddock as a spare until the CCSHA started. He is now a six year old and will be competing level 3 across the board next year. He is continually surprising Sue with his willingness to learn and is proving to be rather competitive out there. The judges seem to love him and so does everybody he meets. His favourite food is food and his favourite activity is cross country. Sue's goal is to train him to be suitable for her now 9 year old daughter to ride in the near future.  Jess' horse (above) - ridden by Benita on the night - Archie is a seven-year old Clydie x QH, bred by Brendan Cook at Tipperary Springs Performance Horse Stud. He was bought as a two year old by Jessica, then a Level 5 rider and they have learnt everything together. He is perfect at being brought out of the paddock in between raising a family and behaving like a true gentleman and competing successfully in HRCAV.  Benita's horse (above) - ridden by Vicky Robieson - Masquerade or Molly to her friends. Molly is a 10 year old mare. 1/2 TB and 1/2 Clydesdale. She was bred in the Officer/Pakenham area for Light Delivery. She has hunted with Melbourne Hunt Club for three seasons (including one season with a 74 year old lady). Molly has had one foal, been used as a mounted steward's horse at Mornington Races. She has been used for teaching beginners at Hillcrest Christian College, as a stock horse and for HRCAV.  Sandra's horse (above) - Hayes Park Kahlua. 'Little Lu' as she is affectionately called, is owned and bred by Chris Hayes of Hayes Park. Sandra leases her off Chris. Kahlua is a five year old 15.1hh Clydie QH cross. That they got together at all was a marvellous fluke. We are currently graded level 3 for dressage and four for everything else. Kahlua has a quick mind and the ability to do the job. Kahlua loves to be the centre of attention. Sandra is convinced that Kahlua was told at birth that all she had to do was look good. Horse life however dictates differently - prettiness is one thing, education is another. To Sandra she is perfect in every way, our coach Pagan Davies takes a more grounded view and we have lots to work on. Kahlua is in short adored … and adorable.  Deb's horse (above) - Avoca Rubicon is 3/8 Clydesdale and by Leanne and John Williams Stallion Avoca Cardinal and out of a full TB mare Crystals Dream. He is currently successfully competing at EFA Novice (official) and Level 2 HRCAV. Avoca Rubicon was the winner of the Michael Lee Trophy for the Victorian Dressage Club best performing Preliminary Horse for season 2004/2005. Debbie is a EFA/NCAS level 1 General coach and Stock Controller for Holden. Debbie has experienced a great deal of pleasure training and competing Avoca Rubicon he has been a dream in every way. The Gentle Giant with the little lady.  Chris' horse (above) - Kafoophs, (Foopsey) is a 12 year old, out of a thoroughbred mare, by a Clydesdale Stallion. He is 17hh and lives on the smell of an oily rag, The thing Foops is best at is acting as a non too subtle pick pocket, he has stolen many a wallet from back pockets. Chris loves him because she is getting old and loves having a horse she can rely on to pick me up, when I'm about to fall off. |
Latest News: Our new online registration and membership system is live! CCSHA annual show Held on Sunday March 30th CCSHA show sponsored by B-Boots Horse Work Boots Great Protection from brushing and knocking Made to measure or buy standard sizes www.b.boots.com.au Avoca Park Clydesdale Performance Horses John & Leanne Williams Macclesfield, Victoria www.avocapark.com.au Joseph Lyddy Leather and Horse Care Tried and true leather and horse care products The Nrg Team Stockgain, No Knots, Proplaits etc |
