Chef d’Equipe’s Report

Pictured left - Belinda Dawkins.

The Victorian Dressage Championships began in perfect conditions with the Intermediate 11Championship on Thursday afternoon. The Victorian team representative, Mary Hanna had to withdraw Pretender 11 after sustaining a foot injury early in the week. This left the door open for reserve combination Leanne Williams and Avoca Black Saint. The atmosphere was full of excitement and a good crowd gathered to watch the rather nervous looking riders – the pressure was really on. Avoca Black Saint did a lovely test and Leanne was delighted. Their score was 58.21% and an eighth placing.

Renee Pedretti wasn’t quite as lucky with the weather and rode in appalling conditions in the Advanced 5F on Friday. Sunbury Lodge Thomas didn’t bat an eyelid and literally ploughed through the quagmire in Arena 3 – he even looked to be enjoying himself. The judges were at odds with each other and I thought the score of 57.30% a bit lousy.

We awoke to a perfect day on Saturday and everyone was in terrific spirits – the drought appears to be breaking and we are all thankful for the rain. Julia Battams and B.W.S. Stolichnaya look a picture and are delighted with their test in the Intermediate 1 test. They are right up there with a great score of 64.83% and 3^rd. place. Team members in the Elementary 3F, Kate Boyes and Pasa Doble,look stunning as always and this horse just gets better and better. Kate was delighted with her test and there is only 2 marks between them and Weltklasse from South Australia. After the miserable percentages on Friday it was great to see such depth and quality in the Elementary Championship being rewarded with some decent percentages. Pasa Doble’s score was 69.55% and a second place.

Sunday looked threatening from the start but the rain held off until after lunch when both of our team members had ridden. Deboral Court and Northern Delphinius rode a lovely test in the medium 4F with a score of 62.35. and placing 14^th. Whilst studying the Championship scores, the placings changed quite a lot from one test to another – the thunderstorm later in the day obviously played a big part in some horses’ performances. Emma Schmul looked well in charge of the situation as she cruised through the Prix St George on Belcam Aarchon. The surface of the Indoor Arena seemed to suit him down to the ground and he did a super test for a score of 62.08% and 5^th.placing.

The EFA Team (Elementary/Medium/ Advanced) placed 3^rd. after South Australia and New South Wales, and the FEI Team (Prix St George, Inter 1/Inter 11) came 2^nd to South Australia.

I would like to thank all of the Team Members for their good humour and sportsmanship and congratulate them for contributing to a seriously good competition. I’m sure everyone would agree that this years standard of competition was extraordinarily high and there are some rather stunning local and imported horses doing some really nice work. It would be great to see some slightly more generous percentages across the board

 Belinda Dawkins
Victorian Chef d'Equipe

All riders appreciate the unpaid work of the Chef d'Equipe.  It is a very busy and responsible job - taking car of the State Team riders and keeping an eye on all matters which will concern all riders representing the state - in this case Victoria.  Being the host State, there lots of people to answer to.

Belinda did this all while being mum to Fleur who also rode at this competition.  She her job without fear or favour and always with an encouraging word and a smile.  A

As a rider this is very reassuring and a great sense of security.

Well done Belinda - we all appreciate you giving up 4 days for us and leaving your personal commitments behind.

Berni Saunders.