The
2003 Hidden Valley Equestrian Championships were set to be the biggest and best in the
events 6 year history, as most of Victoria's top equestrian combinations in both hacking
and dressage, have the Australia Day weekend pencilled in their diary from one year to the
next, to be sure that they do not miss being part of this well organised, prestigious
event.
I had planned to be part of the Grand Prix
dressage competition on Saturday and part of the 'press' on Sunday. Unfortunately
Melbourne's weather on Saturday made it impossible for myself and many other competitors
with properties in high risk bushfire locations, to be away from home. With
temperatures forecast to reach the low 40's combined with a strong northerly wind it,
would have been impossible to go anywhere without putting property and animals at risk.
The conditions at Hidden Valley on Saturday
was not conducive to pleasant competition, as the temperature was recorded at 44.1 at the
hottest part of the day. Only a hand full of competitors took part and Maree and her
team of helpers were very disappointed, but quite understanding regarding the number of
'no shows'.
The early forecasts promised a slightly
cooler Sunday, but still a little to warm for most riders. Mercifully the
temperature forecast was revised early on Sunday, and we enjoyed a perfect, mid 20's day
with the sun diffused by a light cloud cover which lifted later in the day - it was a
perfect day to enjoy some of the most beautiful horses in the country, shown to perfection
in the most glorious setting.
The condition and presentation of all
entries in the 2003 Hidden Valley Equestrian Championships belie the difficulties of
drought conditions which face all Australian horse owners. The standard of
presentation, training along with the quality of the horses was absolutely outstanding and
reflects that the owners of the 'best' Victorian horses make this competition their
property for their Australia Day weekend.
What a beautiful back drop to the
championship ring ... |
 |
Maree Tomkinson has been the manager of the
Equestrian facility since the property was established 6 years ago. This
magnificently appointed property was formerly Heyetsbury Stud, established by late
Robert Holmes aCourt who designed and built the 2000 acre stud to make a mark as one of
the great stud farms in the world. Maree's father Paul Tomkinson (pictured above)
has been involved in the development of this innovative and successful lifestyle estate
which focuses on the interests of golfers and horse enthusiasts. The Hidden Valley
golf facilities are as impressive to golfers as the equestrian facilities appeal to those
with a passion for riding.
Paul Tomkinson welcomed everyone to Hidden
Valley and gave a history of the development so far and shared some insights for the
future of Hidden Valley.
The Saddle Horse event finals were
conducted outdoors this year - and this made for a better spectacle with people situated
on two sides of the spacious ring and the backdrop of beautiful 'Tuscan' houses and
spectacular hills. Green grass is something that most of us were pleased to see and
the grounds staff at Hidden Valley (with its own lake for irrigation) must be
congratulated on having the property looking so good.
 I hope my highlight of Sunday's
competition will help you to share the special moments - may I take this opportunity to
thank Maree, Kathy & Paul (Maree's parents) Emma, Bruce and all of those who worked
very hard in trying conditions - you made The 2003 Hidden Valley Championships a great
event which no doubt will be even bigger and better next year.
Pictured right - Kathy (left) and Maree
Tomkinson - kept busy ensuring that everythins was perfect for the competitors |
