The number people needed to run an event like the National Dressage Championships is huge.  Many like the Event Director have an enormous role to play and others may have a smaller yet important job. 

As a competitor, you are very involved with the preparation and presentation of your horse, seeing that grooms and friends are taken care of, and very little time is available to think of the people who put in this great effort to make it possible.  Most of the volunteers do not even get to see the events as they are too busy gathering up bits of paper, running around to find people or papers and generally making sure that everything that is going on in the arenas is happening with no problems or holdups.

Although most competitors have a 'grizzle' about the cost of entries and all of the extras involved in the sport - take a moment to think about the costs if the volunteers had to be paid?  We would struggle to get 5 horses in each class.

Also take the time to think about what we can do to keep the sponsors interested in our sport.  They must see some new business arise from their involvement - so before you buy products think about the people who are behind our sport and try to give them your custom, for without their financial backing our sport would have to pass the extra cost onto competitors.

Not only did they provide sponsorship dollars but they spend days setting up the wonderful display of many beautiful cars - see below!

Kevin Browning is a Senior Executive and the driving force behind their involvement in our big event.

It was a popular win as Di has worked very hard for her success and Snowy River Blackwood has come a long way through her dedication and attention to detail.

Congratulations Di.

They scored the highest percentage of any test over the 4 days of competition - with 74% for their Novice 2F ride.

Well done Matthew and Cinders.   Congratulations for owner Claudia Harper.

It could be considered an effective fitness program just getting around from the competition arenas (and a half day hike to the stables)

Those who have been there before come prepared !!! Clemens Dierks was one of many who ensured that walking was not the only alternative.

Here Kathy Tomkinson (mum of Maree) grabs a little bit of shade as she watches Maree's Advanced ride on Kings Warrior.

She is the owner of Judy Smith's FEI horse Kaskadeur and had an interest in the gorgeous imported gelding  Ramazzotti.

Flors is always there to support the team and Judy recognises Flora's wonderful contribution.

Well done Flora.

Susan took time off from her busy life to be part of the grooming, washing. cleaning. cooking back up for Judy - great effort Susan.

Every horse had their gear checked before (or after) their ride, and this hard working team had to keep their wits about them, and have a great deal of knowledge regarding the rules.

Again, they were not able to see all of the events as they had to stay put...

You did a great job.