TTT Combined Training Report by Michele BinderNepean Equestrian Club hosted the 2006 Top Team Trophy Combined Training event at Ayr Hill on Sunday 17th September. The turnout of CCSHA members was particularly good, with 11 members (almost 10% of our membership) competing for the highly prized "Champion Clydesdale Cross" rug. Our members were spread over almost all levels, with competitors in each level with the exception of level 1.The weather forecast for the day was excellent, with a predicted top in the low 20s and fine all day. Perfect weather for riding. Although those on very early might have wished they had installed fog lamps on their horses so they could see the dressage arenas. A very thick fog had settled over Ayr Hill which did not lift until well after 9.30am. I have no idea how the judges saw any movements taking place near "A" - perhaps this was to competitors advantage! Although I did not get around to see all our members compete, those who I did see seemed to having a fantastic time. I was on early and passed Sue Rosenblum on Monty warming up. We did not have a long conversation as Sue politely informed she felt like she was going to "chuck". However, despite her lack of time to prepare in the lead up to the competition, Sue and Monty put in a fantastic level 3 test to be placed sixth after dressage, rising to 3rd at the completion of the jumping. A magnificent effort for a combination with no work for many weeks. What a wonderful advertisement for the Clydesdale Cross. With Sue and Monty setting the early pace it was going to take a big effort to catch them. In a separate level 3 section Robyn White and Glitz did their best, placed third after dressage and with a clear round in the showjumping, finishing third overall. They had just pipped Sue and Monty in team points earned, so were looking good to take home the rug. My own day went very well. Having been counselled by a number of people recently, including our President's lovely wife Helen, over my habit of riding my horse too conservatively in competition, I really "went for it" in my dressage test. The end result was a super test that saw us placed first after dressage. A clear jumping round saw us retain our lead and finish first in our level 4 section. As you might imagine I was totally stoked. But it most certainly didn't mean I was a shoe-in for the CCSHA rug. We had a number of level 5 riders still to go, with a few, including Sharon Pilcher on Charlie Armani and Nerrida Prosser on Komal Baloo, very well placed after dressage to make a bid for first place and perhaps snatch the rug. Unfortunately for them, a few rails down in the jumping saw them finish out of the placings. And unluckily for many of the level 5 riders, the weather turned against us and brought a thunderstorm during the level 5 showjumping. Many a soggy rider had to complete their day with rain and lightning. So, Rio and I took home not just our first rug, but two rugs - our section winners rug and our CCSHA rug. I am pleased that we have carried on the tradition of having to win our section in order to also be Champion Clydie Cross - it just goes to show how wonderful and competitive our horses are. And don't forget - we have an equally delightful rug on offer at the next TTT event in November. If you are competing at TTT Dressage, don't forget to register your eligibility with me in the usual manner (your name and CCSHA membership number, your horse's name and registration number, and your back number for the event). Please don't forget - a lot of people eligible for the CT award forgot to register with me and although I think I got everybody off the full list of times I will not always have time to do this! It is your responsibility to make sure that I know you are competing. You will NOT be able to register in retrospect just because you have done well. Competitors Results for TTT Combined Training: Level 2: Chris Josephs and Kahfoops - E Benita McDonough and Masquerade - 16th Level 3: Jason Kiekebosch and The Dell - 16th Sue Rosenblum and Monty - 3rd Robyn White and Glitz - 3rd Level 4: Ann Beaver - Coco Chanel - E Michele Binder and Rioja - 1st Level 5: Peter Hisco and Scarlett - 9th Sharon Pilcher and Charlie Armani - 14th Nerrida Prosser and Komal Baloo - 20th Jean Rotherham and Gunnamatta Doll - 10th Well done to all our members and their wonderful horses. |
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 |
