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The almost endless list of jobs…

With 31 days to go it’s probably a good time to look at the do to list for the event.

If you were wondering how an event gets up and running, and you see something that you can help out with – please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me! (by email or whatever takes your fancy!)

Some of the tasks in the lead up to the event include:

  • a team of people to help put the dressage arenas up (luckily we only need to build two – but we like to divide up the warm up arena as it can get a little chaotic in there! and the letters need to be put around the 3 permanent arenas.
  • flag and number the XC course
  • whipper snip around the XC jumps
  • decorate the XC course
  • lane the XC course where the tracks go past the water jump and into the Cotter Plots so riders don’t go the wrong way!
  • moving the sprinklers on the sand arenas (does anyone have a spare sprinkler or two? – big ones, not pathetic little ones!)
  • collecting the winners rugs from Horseland and taking them to the embroidery shop in Fyshwick, then collecting them once they’ve finished and bringing to the event.

Friday 15th March:

  • shopping at Costco for all the food for our volunteers – you will need a big car and several people – Lauren and I filled the ute with the two trolley loads and we didn’t get everything!
  • putting all the signs around the venue
  • putting all the rubbish bins out
  • collecting the programmes from KwikKopy in Phillip
  • cleaning the toilets (someone has to draw the short straw – and thank you to those who have done it in the past!)
  • getting all the folders for the dressage judges, show jumping officials and XC jump judges ready
  • set up the secretary/officials marquee – all the tables and chairs need to be moved from the shed down into the marquee.
  • put the boundary chain around the show jumping rings
  • help the SJ course builders with the two show jumping rings

THEN there’s the painful task of packing it all up again!  Sadly we don’t have a public holiday on the Monday – so we will try and do as much as we can on the Sunday afternoon – assuming we have any puff left!

So please don’t be shy – we are a slightly crazy but nonetheless awesome group of people, but don’t let that put you off!

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The ins and outs of the sport…

Rusty on the rules, or new to the sport?

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your weekend eventing in Canberra runs smoothly….

ENTRIES:
DO make yourself aware of the registration requirements for Riders..

If you are a junior – make sure you tick the junior box and include your date of birth.

95 riders and above need to be competitive member of Equestrian NSW
80 and below can be either competitive or participant members of Equestrian NSW

Click here to go to the Equestrian NSW membership page

And for Horses:
60/80 doesn’t require any horse registration.
95 and above needs to be registered.  Click here to go to the Horse Rego page
PLEASE at the time of entering, make sure you have all registration requirements completed.

ALL PHASES:
DO make sure you have an number on your horse.

DRESSAGE:
DO download your dressage test off the nominate website.
DO – wear gloves​​​​​

DON’T – bring your whip to the arena

DO learn your test – callers are not permitted.
SHOW JUMPING:
DO jump the practice jump with red flag on right.
If you do get eliminated in the Show Jumping …..
DO ask the Technical Delegate if you can ride in the XC

 

CROSS COUNTRY:

DO check if you are buying a back protector that it will meet the new standards.
Cross country phase you need a back number holder, and a medical armband.

DON’T forget to tie up your long hair. Your back number needs to be visible!!

GENERAL:
Make sure you have ID for your horse on its halter – include your name & phone number.

DON’T get so tense that you can’t enjoy yourself !!!

DO ask questions – we want everyone to have fun!

 

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President’s Report

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

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Additional information

There have been a few changes made to the draw – those who are affected have been contacted regarding them.  Click here for the latest draw.

We will be building the showjumping course at 2pm on Saturday, feel free to join us!

A reminder regarding attire: this is a competition, with prize money.  Please make sure you wear competition clothing/Pony club uniform.

Please remember that back protectors are recommended and are mandatory for riders who are EA or NCHTA members.

Pony Club members will need to provide their grading cards upon arrival so they can receive their back numbers.

As usual – the weather forecast for this weekend is fresh – so remember to bring your warm clothes!

 

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Made it to page 6

Local paper, the “Chronicle” came out an did a article on Kate’s recent award.  Not quite sure of the title though!

Chronicle article

 

 

Pictured is in fact Debbie Lawrence who judges for our events, rather than Alysum Doak, who is on our committee

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XC clinic times

  • The times for the clinic are as follows.
  • Riders will also be getting an email with their times.
  • Meet Sam out on course near the pine trees near the water jump.
  • Please have a bit of a warm up first so that the lessons run to time as much as possible – or the last group will be in the dark!

60CM 8am – 10am

  • Janet Lennox
  • Sally Townsend
  • Kelaya Bogan
  • Pip Nicoll
  • Martina Speechley
  • Isobel Pluis

80CM 10am – 12pm

  • Abby Waldman
  • Kate Robertson
  • Rachel Stephen-smith
  • Olivia Emmert
  • Ella Cullen
  • Annabelle Stott Despoja

95cm 12:30 – 2:30

  • Annabel Cuscak
  • Kim King
  • Bec Lindwall
  • Molly Tetley
  • Gemma Burke
  • Sunnie Baker

105cm and above 2:30-4:30

  • Tori Doak
  • Katy Doak
  • Sally Roberts-Jones
  • Kate MacKenzie
  • Vicky Brownlee
  • Saskia Shepherd
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Hunter Trial date

Great news! We are running our annual Hunter Trial on the 22 July.

Those who have been before will notice a few differences in the competition from previous years.  We will run the SJ and the XC phases separately, and will not be running the timed section.  The ever popular pairs XC competition will still be held, and we are adding a 45cm XC course for Pony Club members.

Don’t forget to renew your NCHTA membership in time!