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Trials & Tribulations – August 2018

It has again been a pleasure being president of NCHTA – thank you for the opportunity to be involved in the club.

NCHTA held:

• A CIC event from EvA80 up to CIC3* – this was run during a very dry period and with grateful thanks to Alex Townsend and her jiggly machine – we were able to present a course with terrific going which surprised almost everyone (but not us). This event was held on the same weekend as two other CIC events; Werribee and one in QLD.  This seriously affected our entry numbers as well as making it very hard to source officials suitably qualified for the FEI classes.  I feel EA really let us down in this regard. However, the event ran very well, with very positive feedback from competitors.

• A CNC event in March for EvA60 to 1*.  This event received record entries, with over 320 horses competing.  Serious hiccups with the scoring system tested everyone’s patience, but again, NCHTA delivered the goods, with sponsors, riders and supporters all giving us very good feedback.
• A Hunter Trial – this time we ran in a different format, with a new 45cm class being added.  There were a few teething problems, and lessons learnt – but again – a successful event on the calendar, and
• Several clinics with Sam Lyle, and a clinic with Sam Griffiths – if your name isn’t Sam it appears you don’t get a gig!  These clinics were very popular with places being filled very quickly.

It was a great honour to be awarded with the Equestrian NSW administrator of the year (2017) and then the Equestrian Australia award also.  I seriously cannot take all the credit – I work with a terrific committee, and because we are such a cohesive team, I do (mostly) enjoy administering events!

Thank you again to everyone, but especially Ben Smith – without whom NOTHING would have run.  As a club, we have a responsibility to reduce some of the physical burden of course building and preparation that has largely fallen on his shoulders for longer than I’ve been a part of this club (approximately 15 years!).  I am not sure if members are aware just how many hours Ben spends out on course. I would hazard a guess and say that in the month before an event (and probably more like 2 months), he is there every day, usually by himself.  For example, last week while Brett Ryan was here, he and Ben were out on course until dark.  If we wish to continue running events in the future, other members of the community will need to get out there and help, so I look forward to hearing from members who have been able to benefit from his dedication, and take up the challenge so that NCHTA can continue to hold such wonderful events.   

Other key committee members such as Alysum Doak, Lauren McIntosh, Corinne Henderson, Felicity Moran, Derek Pether and Katy Doak have been wonderful, and I am very grateful to them for their support.

Kate MacKenzie, 1.8.18