|
The Fernvale Endurance Riders Club held the Fernvale Classic on August 21/22, after having to be postponed from March due to flooding. Again the weather made the ride a challenge, with rain on the Thursday night and Friday. The ride base was always going to have some space issues due to the construction of a huge indoor sports centre and roadway through the normal vetting and camping area. The Campdraft arena was in perfect trot out condition prior to the rain but then it became too boggy and a last minute alternative had to be found. This was a bit crowded but the management of the area by the officials kept things running smoothly with minimal incidents. A new track loop through private property had been put together and would have made a very scenic ride but this also had to be changed on the Friday. This was very disappointing but the training ride ended up doing a nice 20km loop twice making it easier and shorter than originally planned. The Open ride for both the AERA and FEI* rides became 82km made up of three loops and was probably a bit harder than planned as a result.
One of the Club’s policies from the start was that thanking all of the many volunteers was paramount. And with 150 nominations in three events including FEI and vet gate into hold vetting, there were many people needed to contribute to making the ride run smoothly. The vetting team included Dr Fiona Thompson (Vic), Dr Madonna Buiter(Qld), Dr Amanda Parry (Qld), Dr Peter Kerkenzov(NSW), Dr Celia Dodd(Qld) and Dr Tori McGuire(Qld) and they did a fantastic job. FEI Officials included Robyn Parnell(NSW), Trisch Annetts(NSW), Barbara Timms(Qld), Mark Grogan(Qld), Denise Kaye(Qld) and Jan Tyrrell(Qld, Ferc club member). Sarah Adams who came up from South Australia as Technical Delegate was such an asset to us, thank you! AERA officials included Mathew Krahnen and Wendy Kieman as chief stewards, and were helped by TPR’s Jenna McGilvre and Joyce McGowan. Numerous time keepers are needed and this is usually a challenge to have enough, but heaps of people were happy to volunteer. They were Jan Rhoweder, Jill Hawks, Chris Ablett, Hannah Linde, Casey Risson, Karen Fields, and Danara Blom. In the office, we had the expertise of Dee Berry, Kathryn Priol, Natassia Pomroy and Caroline Fitzgerald, assisted by Jan Rhoweder and Sabrina Stephens when things got busy. We also had numerous vet Pencillers including Liz Christensen, newcomer Leslie and Niria. We recruited 7 vet students from Gatton who arrived early to man the many gates and then pencilled for vets. Also out on gates were locals Lex and Michelle McCoombes, our regulars, and Sylvia Archer. Tom Kelly, who came to ride, ended up on a gate for hours, many thanks to all of these people who do a much needed job. There were 10 people from Lowood SES who aided with communications and gates. Track staff included Paul Fitzgerald and Toby Crockett, assisted by Sarah Adams and Caroline Fitzgerald. Jeff Trevarthen gave a hand as well. Ron Bancroft was the base and on course farrier and fortunately only needed to assist a few riders. The rest of the time Ron helped in the secretary’s office and with the officials! Back at base Peter Toft did an amazing job supervising the camping and setting up the grounds. Peter was there until late on the Sunday packing up and was back there again early Monday cleaning up when everyone else was long gone! Steve Swan also stepped in and helped when needed. Club members Johann Willemse and Peter Holmes also helped out with the ride base. Sue Crockett organised the great prizes and raffle, and as usual was there to take some lovely photos on course. Even though we had heaps of helpers, it is a long day for everyone so we would like to thank everyone for putting in such a great effort. Endurance rides would not be possible without all of these people who volunteer for our sport.
We would also like to thank the North Ipswich Scouts for catering, and Coffee Trail for coming on the Sunday with much needed coffee! Thank you to the Fernvale Produce for providing some troughs for the track and the discount vouchers and lucky prizes. Knights Laundry also donated all of the secretarial supplies. A big thank you to the private property owners: Damien Spehar, QM Properties, Neil Powell, Stumer family, Ken and Noel Smith, Karen Brown and Greg Beard, Leo Talty, Dave Greve and Marcie Pommerup, Merve Hopner and Peter Morgan. Without their generosity we would be riding up and down a road. Thank you to the Fernvale Hotel Motel who gave us a discount on the rooms. We had every room booked on Saturday night. Thank you to Noel Trewick who delivered water to troughs on course and at the ride base. Thank you’s must also go to Queensland Rail for the two huge marque’s, Lowood Fernvale Pony Club for the use of poles, tables and chairs and Bremervale Arabians for the use of some tables and chairs.
The Fernvale club would like to thank the sponsors. We had a fantastic raffle! A Polar HR Monitor was donated by Carole from Dixon Smith Equestrian, which was won by Dee Berry! A Zilco Air Con Rug was sponsored by Toft Endurance and was won by Johann Willemse(FERC). A set of large Ice boots was donated by Toft Endurance and won by Debbie Torpy from Lake Manchester. A bottle of Kahlua was donated by Sue Crockett Photography and was won by Michael Conboy from the caterers. A good quality stethoscope was donated by Saddleworld Ipswich and was won by rider Kate McFarlane. A large container of Enduromax was donated by Saddleworld Ipswich and was won by rider Lyn Drinkwater. A cotton Hay Bale Bag was donated by D-Lua Park Saddlecloths and was won by Bonny. A Tuff Rock Poultice was donated by Miranda Kraatz from The Arabian Shop and was won by Cathy of Rochedale.
Ay Yup Lighting Systems was a late comer to our sponsor list and was the only trade display at the event due to the Shahzada. Matt Powell had a great range of headlights for us to look at and he donated a $250 headlight which we drew as a lucky draw at the pre ride talk. This was won by 7 yo Louis Ryan of Pullenvale who was riding in the training ride. His mum Sonya will be very pleased...
Thank you to all of these businesses, please support them as they support us!
In the FEI* Open division there were 13 starters, 3 withdrew and 7 completed successfully. First was Leigh Ann Sample riding Brookleigh Mozart. The Bronze Arab horse head was sponsored by Karen Hodges from Ramadan Arabians. Kaylea Grogan riding Larabi Rummanni won the Best Conditioned award which was an embroidered rug sponsored by Caroline and Paul Fitzgerald of Lanamere Arabians. The completion prizes were Bronze Horse plaques from Realities.
In the FEI* Youth division there were also 13 starters, 1 withdrew and 11 completed successfully. First was James Green riding Mt Eerwah Siridion. The Bronze Arab Horse Head was sponsored by Jan Tyrrell of Steel Poppy Arabians. This combination also won the Best Conditioned award which was an embroidered rug sponsored by Lee Edwards and John Walker of Melcot Arabians. Two international riders were successful in the youth division, HRH Tengku m Shafiq Abu Bakar and HRH Tenghu m Sharafuddin Abu Bakar, both from Malaysia.
In the AERA Ride there were 59 entries, with 44 completing, 2 withdrew. First in the HeavyWt division was Peter Birch riding Hillbrae May. Best Conditioned went to Akhmed Pshunov riding Sundust Solomon. First in the Middleweight division was Peter Pike riding Sundust Jack. Best Conditioned horse was won by Dean Chamberlain’s Annordean Sir Zac, which was an embroidered rug sponsored by Liz and James Christensen of Zuhra Arabians. First in the lightweight division was Anne Jones riding Carnarvon Cavalier who also won Best Conditioned horse, sponsored by Sue and Toby Crockett from Alamo Stud. First in the junior division was David Anderson riding Hillbrae Hazsan who also won a Best Conditioned Horse rug. First place prizes were wrought iron letter holders made by Alan Morris, from a photo of the winner of the Tevis Cup going over Cougar Rock a few years ago.
There were 52 riders in the 40km training ride. 3 withdrew and 43 riders completed successfully. Each rider received a USA Salamander sunvisor peak which attaches to the front of your riding helmet. The highlight of this training ride was the successful completion of two people. One was Louis Ryan riding in his first training ride at the age of 7. Louis rode Kholonial Amigo whose last competition was the Manilla Tom Quilty! The other was Ron Mullen riding in his first training ride at the age of 80. He was riding Hinterland Hellfire. This is the great thing about this sport!
This FEI event was a qualifying ride for the Southern Stars Young Horse Challenge, sponsored by Castlebar. We had one nomination from Sasha Laws King and we are pleased to announce that Razorback Lovesong was successful and is now eligible to enter the final at Oberon in November. Congratulations!
Lastly, The Fernvale Club decided to join Oz Endurance in supporting a charity, for each main event held. We are fortunate to be able to participate in our chosen sporting activity and think that it is important to help people less privileged than ourselves. The 40 Hr famine charity drive was held over the weekend of the Fernvale ride. Alexandra Toft participated and asked that people contributed towards this worthy cause. We are pleased to announce that over $400 was raised and that this will be promoted as a donation from the sport of Endurance.
Oz Endurance will be running events in October and November at Fernvale. Please contact Peter and Penny Toft for information about these rides. The Fernvale Endurance Riders Club looks forward to seeing you all there! |
|
Photos courtesy of
|
