Event planning update
Activity on the course is full steam ahead, with every course now flagged and waiting to be decorated. The TD’s will be arriving on Wednesday to inspect it and then we will be able to publish the maps on the cross-country app.
Planning is underway for the layout of the trade village with the following exhibitors all locked in.
Neigh Hay stockfeed supplies Canberra, Gundaroo, Murrumbateman and Sutton with quality hay, chaff, hard feed, horse supplements, chicken feed, dog food and animal salts. We source hay from farmers that are passionate about producing top quality hay. Our hay is feed tested so you know what your horse is getting. Our hay comes direct from the farm and pick up points are in Murrumbateman, Sutton, or directly to you with wholesale orders. Happy horses, happy owners – happy Neigh Hay! 
Castlefin Equestrian is an online and mobile Equestrian business based in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. We keep up with the latest trends and source top quality products from around the world to improve the performance of the Horse and Rider, with an emphasis on increasing the comfort and safety of both. 
Do you want to feel and look your absolute best while still being environmentally friendly at an affordable price point? Then you need to take a look at the beautiful range by Lady Godiva Equestrian! All of their products are designed by riders, for riders to ensure they are extremely comfortable and practical while also looking amazing! Lady Godiva Equestrian strives to use materials that are both better for the environment and for your horses skin, for example our saddle pads all feature a bamboo blend underside which is moisture wicking, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic while also being one of the most sustainable fabrics in the world. 
This not- for -profit volunteer organisation will provide social marquees at equestrian competitions for Riders, Owners, Officials and supporters to congregate. Placed in front of the Show jumping rings, it will be in prime position for everyone to come, sit, relax and catch all the action. Come to meet up with friends or make new ones and enjoy the opportunity to network and socialise with people linked by a love of horses and equestrian sports! No entry or joining fee, water refill station available and smart device recharge for anyone who might need it. 
Completely Equine is an equestrian apparel and saddlery boutique with the most extensive range of premium brands in Australia. Whether it is matchy matchy or highly functional and technical, Completely Equine has you covered. They will be bringing a large range of Dada Sport, Cavalleria Toscana, Samshield, Kingsland, Premier Equine, Veredus and LeMieux and Flexon Stirrups to the event. Completely Equine will be showcasing the FREEJUMP X’AIR SAFE- a unique combination between a body protector and an airbag vest. 8 times more protective than a body protector alone and 4 times more protective than a body protector with a separate airbag over the top. Pop in to see Lance and have a chat and try out this new technology with safety at the forefront. They will also be measuring for custom boots from DeNiro and Cavallo throughout the weekend #freejump #airsafe 
Equest sport is a saddlery promotion and distribution company. We Represent Freejump, Samshield, Struck Apparel and Jump In for the Australian market. We are at Canberra this weekend representing freejump and promoting our new brands Struck and Jump In 
Draw for Sunday 18/6
Pairs and clear round day information
Now that the entries have all been accepted, we have started planning how the day will run.
The pairs will go on course first – at 9am . Over 35 pairs are competing – and don’t forget that fancy dress is encouraged! More information to come – there will be an email coming to everyone soon!
The course has been numbered with YELLOW discs.
Dr Tash’s Hot Tips for keeping horses cool when eventing
- Ensure adequate water intake in the days before and during competition – a resting 500kg
horse needs to consume ~25 litres over 24 hours, but this can double to 50 Litres with
increased temperatures and exercise. To increase water intake, provide electrolytes and salt, wet down feed and soak hay, and provide fresh, cool water at all times. Keeping your horse hydrated is also useful to avoid colic! - Keep warm-ups to a minimum.
- After each phase, walk the horse for a few minutes to cool down and then commence
active cooling with high volumes of cold water, (including iced water if available), and
ensure to scrape off thoroughly. Also, apply ice boots. Key areas to cool are the jugular veins
(underside of the neck), the femoral arteries (between hind legs) and the lower abdomen.
Aggressive cooling measures should continue until the water is no longer heating up on the
horse or until the horse’s temperature is 38°C or less. - House your horse in the shade between phases. If your yard is in direct sunlight, ensure to
keep the horse in the shade for at least 30 to 60 minutes after active cooling. Use a light
weight and light-coloured cotton rug to reflect heat. If your horse is stabled, ensure
adequate airflow or remove the horse from the box into the shade. - Consider your individual horse’s fitness level and the conditions you have been training
under. If your horse is not quite as fit as they could be and you have been training in cooler
conditions, please take it especially easy.
Please find Tash for a chat or call 0424 959 115 if you have any questions about managing
your horse in the heat over the weekend.
Event timetable
| Class | Dressage | Dressage Test | SJ Day | XC Day |
| Horseland Canberra CCN 2* | PM | CCN2* test | Sun | Sun |
| Bucas Australia CCN 1* | PM | CCN1* A | Sun | Sun |
| Assistance Dogs Australia EvA95 | PM | Ev95 Test A | Sat | Sun |
| Riverview Farm EvA95 | PM | Ev95 Test A | Sat | Sun |
| R&J Equestrian Supplies EvA95 Junior | PM | Ev95 Test A | Sun | Sun |
| Cammy Gray Farrier Services EvA80 | AM | Test A (80) | Sat | Sat |
| Completely Equine EvA80 | AM | Test A (80) | Sat | Sat |
| Parlanti Australia EvA80 | AM | Test A (80) | Sat | Sat |
| Sandford Park Equestrian EvA80 Junior | AM | Test A (80) | Sat | Sat |
| Lady Godiva EvA 65 | PM | Ev40/60 Test A | Sat | Sun |
| Webb Equine Veterinary Services EvA 65 | PM | Ev40/60 Test A | Sat | Sun |
| Funky Brew Ev65 Junior A | AM | Ev40/60 Test A* | Sat | Sun |
| Right Lead Equestrian Ev65 Junior B | AM | Ev40/60 Test A* | Sat | Sun |
A map of the grounds showing where the arenas are will be posted shortly.
Working bee this weekend
We have to flag the XC course, and add greenery to jumps like this one. Ben and I will be at the park from 10am Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Please come along and help. RSVP to Kate so that enough food can be arranged.
How can I help?
Have you been wondering what you can do to help NCHTA run the upcoming CCN event? I bet you have!
Well – we’ve made it easier for you to put your hand up – Kerrie has put together a sign-up online registration page for the various phases. Of course, many of you will need to see the timetable before you commit – but feel free to dob in a parent or family member or friend.
Select a phase using the buttons below.
Life after racing
Winners of the fancy dress part of the competition was a pair of OTTTBs. Their story is what pushed them over the line in front of the Fire-peeps!
Gemma provided me with these details:
“The back story is that Trying (Stevie – my horse) and Le Cavalier (Louie – Dan’s horse) both raced for Norm Gardner racing here in Canberra. Between them they amassed 146 starts and over $400,000 in prize money. Both had long racing careers with Stevie retiring as an 8 year old and Louie as a 9 year old. They are testament to the versatility of the thoroughbred and proof old dogs can be taught new tricks 🙂 Their start in the pairs today was part of a wider reunion with lots of people coming to watch – Rachel (Dan’s wife) used to ride Stevie’s trackwork, Hayley (former stable foreman) and Lynne (who also worked for Gardner racing).Â
The outfits were drawn from the horses’ past – I was wearing the first colours Stevie raced in (a nod to the fact that today was his first competitive start in his new career) and Dan wore the stable colours for Gardner racing.
We had an awesome day today!”
