Queensland Eventing Season finishes with a bang
Eventing Queensland concluded the 2017 eventing season, partnering with the Tamborine Equestrian Group to run the 2017 Southern Steel Group International 3 Day Event and Eventing Queensland State Championships.
Over 250 horse and rider combinations travelled from as far North as Rockhampton and as far South as Mossvale in NSW, to be part of the first three star - three day event to be held in Queensland since 2014.
After days of solid rain in the weeks leading up to the event, the first day of competition started on Friday with all CCI1 & CCN 105 entries being accepted at their first Horse Inspection. The Dressage phase followed with some riders in the EvA95, EvA80 and EvQ60 taking advantage of the long format and also completing their dressage test on Friday.
Friday afternoon was the first opportunity the riders had to view the reinvigorated Cross country course designed by Ewan Kellett. Among the jumps sparking the most interest was a tree trunk the riders christened ‘the stick’, while photos barely do it justice, it was roughly the same height as the average competitor’s shoulder. The CIC3* riders were required to clear ‘the stick’ on the downhill run to the first water complex.
Cross Country Day on Saturday came with great anticipation, riders of all levels were excited to ride the course which included new jumps and sections of new course for every level right down to the EvQ60. The ‘10 minute box’ gave horses and humans alike the opportunity to cool down after completing the course in a day with a temperature of over 30 degrees. While several people required a change to dry clothing there were many friendships made and strengthened by the willingness of everyone to lend a hand.
The adrenaline continued filled the atmosphere on Saturday evening with a 130cm showjumping speed class. It was down to the line, but in the end it was speed class veteran combination Elizabeth Ballard and Bramley Star who took the top of the podium.
The celebration of the days triumphs continued into the evening as riders and spectators gathered to watch live steaming of the Australian Riders in PAU, France.
At last, the final day of competition arrived. All horses passed the final horse inspection and showjumping began with the star classes entering the ring in reverse order of places.
The CCI1* class was won by Madison Simpson on Fairbanks Casino who finished just over a rail ahead of Athens Olympian Rebel Morrow on Peter Fitzgerald’s QEB Supernova.
The CIC2* class was close heading into the final phase with just over a rail splitting the first four combinations. The pressure was on for class leader Matt Gaske with only 3 horses before him jumping clear. Matt piloted Thymes Too skilfully around the course and despite one unlucky rail, emerged as the victor on a commendable score of 45.90 penalites.
This left the CIC3* class with local favourite Brett Cantle in the lead on the stylish Premonition. Despite being the quickest on the course he entered the arena with less than 5 penalties in hand. With the whole crowd riding with him, Brett rode the mighty chestnut stallion to victory adding just 3 time penalties to his score.
As the riders prepared for the champagne podium there was much reflecting on the weekend. It was great to hear about all the fun everyone had and the excitement with which the New South Wales riders were already planning their return to Queensland in 2018.
Equestrian Queensland would like to congratulate the huge team involved, from organisers and officials to volunteers and sponsors, in bringing the event to life.
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