King William and Kate Wallis (left) waiting to start their cross country run in Novice Section 5.  Kate would have been very happy with her clear showjumping round but unfortunately the combination had two stops cross country.

Novice Section 7 saw a win to Eileen Randone on the Flotilla gelding, Aqatilla.  Second to Megan Jones on one of her Novice rides, Wrestwood Callisto, owned by Sir & Lady Mallet.  Third to Jane Griffin riding Boom Crash Opera, fourth to Catherine Wilson on Jiminy Cricket, fifth to Darren Green on the warmblood gelding Torlea Merlin McOhl and sixth to Emily Anker riding Blind Love.

Novice Section 5 was won by NSW rider Chris Burton riding RL Sir William, owned by Graeme Beveridge.  Second to Hayley Easdale riding her beautifully marked A Little Loud.  Third to Joanne Kinross on the Family Ties gelding, Judah.  This horse was third last year in the Pre-Novice ridden by Robyn Brown.  Fourth to Bianca Craddock riding Saddle Up Viking, fifth to Paule Greene riding Scallywag and sixth to Yona Lloyd on her own Calypso Summer – also by Family Ties.

A Little Loud (right) after his clear cross country round, which Hayley rode very close to the optimal time,  incurring just 0.8 time faults.  A faultless showjumping round helped them to secure second place in the Novice Section 5.

Junior rider Emma Scott made the trip from NSW worthwhile by taking out top placings in the Junior Novice Section. She placed first riding Night Commander, a horse she owns with J. McGyffucke.  Emma placed second on this horse in the Junior Pre-Novice here in 2001.  Emma’s second placegetter was N. Lavis’ Interrupt; a horse she placed sixth in the Pre-Novice at Wandin 2001.  Third place to Kristie Austin riding Luke Austin’s Tueller Bench.

Minapre Que Sera (left) takes his rider Hayley Smith through the RACV Lake in the Junior Novice section.  This combination won the dressage, went clear cross country but unfortunately were eliminated in the showjumping.   I am sure that we will see them back next year in the placings.

Pre-Novice Section 4 went to Andrea Smith riding Freedom Up and Over.  Second to Dominic Cook on Dionysus, third to Nolene Byrne on Fourwinds Foxy Lady, fourth to Sharon Ridgway riding Minnie, fifth to Darren Stendt and Calcutta and sixth to Ainsley Kerr riding her own Dollar Dazzler

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Nina Simons (left) kept herself very busy over the weekend.  She competed at the Victorian Dressage Festival on Friday, and then helped out her eventing friends all weekend.  Here she is leading In Stereo for Charlot Dekkers after their cross country round in the Novice Section 5. 

Pre-Novice Section 3 was dominated by the warmbloods!  Anna Cullen on her  Dutchman gelding, AEA Dumbledore and Brad Egan on Lockmeister, by Duellshutz, tied for fourth place in the dressage.  Both rode clear rounds in the showjumping and cross country but after a countback, first prize was awarded to Brad who was closest to the optimum time cross country.  Third to Philip Cafaralla riding Fuselar, fourth to Tori Mitton on Itza Challenge, fifth to David Stephens riding his gelding Dual Star and sixth to Elaine Fox and Run.

The Junior Pre-Novice dressage was won by Kursty Knee and she held the lead at the end riding her bay gelding Chess Player.  Second to Amanda McDonald riding Lee Norris’ The Scoot.  Third to Eleya Mutazabi on After Hours, fourth to Amanda Carroll riding Royal Kingston – a chestnut gelding by Kingston Rule.  Fifth to Siobhan Melican on her own Conor and sixth to Jayne Copeland and He’s a Teddy.

The MecWorma Young Event Horse has become an important competition in the promotion of young event horses in this country since its introduction in 1989.  “The event is designed to recognize and encourage breeders and trainers who produce the type of young horse that is considered to be that which will make a top eventing horse”. A total of thirty-three, four and five year olds were entered for this class.  Although we are gradually seeing an increase in the number of “home bred” thoroughbreds, the backbone of eventing in Australia is still formed by the “ex-racehorse”.  A small number of entries showed warmblood and Irish Sport Horse breeding.

The competition is divided into four sections with a separate judge for each, allocating 25% of the total marks for each section.  First the horses were presented in hand to Ms. Kate Thompson for the assessment of Conformation.  Mrs. Jill Sinclair then judged the dressage section (after a successful weekend herself at the Victorian Dressage Festival at Werribee).   Ms Mary-Jane Crabtree judged the Showing of the Paces, which included a solid cross country type obstacle,  and finally the horses were presented to Mr. Nick Roberts for their showjumping assessment.

The 2002 MecWorma Young Event Horse was awarded to She’s All That (and the judges must have agreed) ridden by Michael Howes and owned by the rider and Kim Howes. The five year old chestnut mare is by Jubilee Bay.  Second place to Mark Griffiths riding Never Mr Beat by Elmoxie, Third to Neva Brunning riding Sealed Bid by Seal the Deal, Fourth to Emily Anker riding Vanessa Hawkins’ ESB Irish County by the stallion ESB Irish Descent, fifth to Warwick McLean riding Buzz Lightyear a stockhorse- thoroughbred cross and sixth place to Bill Chrisianis riding the four year old Rumours by Clear Choice.  Bill must enjoy this competition having won this event last year riding Trivial.

The Wandin committee must be commended for putting on a wonderful show.  Family activities and entertainment take part all day Sunday. This year we had many demonstrations - horse dentistry, equine nutrition, Irish Sport Horse information,sheep shearing, a dressage demonstration by Marie Kurkawski, dog training and Blue Heelers!  Unfortunately I couldn't stay for the 7 Eleven Shetland Grand National Steeplechase, but this is one of the highlights of Wandin. The best fun I had for the day was watching the miniature horse show.  I spoke to Michelle Lando, well known Arabian horse personality about her involvement with this breed.  She was introduced to miniatures when she was asked to give a demonstration on presentation and showing in hand, at the Dandenong Showgrounds.  She was inundated with interest and now trains, prepares and shows miniature horses and ponies for clients. 

 I was introduced to Greg and Vikki Evans gorgeous chestnut colt, Tis-a-liddle Boko (what a mouthful) (left) and he really caught my eye, I think that he would even fit in my inner city courtyard.

Next I had the opportunity to meet Glenn Maher and his tobiano yearling colt, Hallam Toyboy (left) or Sam to his friends. 

Glenn told me that he had first seen the “Minnies” when he went to the Royal Melbourne Show to watch the Clydesdales.  Somehow he became involved at the other end of the scale!  He bought his horse Sam as a pet but the horse is trained and prepared for showing by Michelle.  Glenn lives in a suburban area  and holds the interest of the street when he takes Sam for a walk.  He likes the idea of a “Minnie” as a pet as there are no registration fees and they are cheaper to feed than a dog. One thing that I did find amusing was the full sized horse floats with tiny horses and ponies beside them.  A few owners had scaled down versions and they seemed far more practical.  Pint sized but a lot of fun and enjoyment.

Stefan Weimann brought his gorgeous puppy Abby along to watch his big sister Katja.

A big thank you to the 3^rd and 4^th year Veterinary Science students who helped Dr. Mike Bassett (Lilydale Veterinary Centre) with the vet check this year.  Back (L to R) Tracy Marsden, Jess Grice, Charice Spooner (work experience student), Pia Hayat, Amy Llewellyn. Front (L to R) Leanne Pinfold and Nadine Leeds

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