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Perfect weather for the showing of the AOPB Dressage
Championships, was just the topping for a super day. This event
has grown and this year was just the reward for those that had
held true to the belief we could make pony dressage work here in
Victoria. Number one on the list that all competitors and myself
are thankful to is Chris and Gary Hartigan, the work, the time
these two put into this event is nothing short of incredible and
basically if it was not for their dedication I doubt if this
event would be what it is today.
Record numbers entered and with just a few scratching on the
day, those that ventured out I am sure would all agree it was a
great social event. Myself I would like to thank Bridey Lee for
covering the event for Eques, and would like to remind those
that competed you can visit her site for ordering/viewing
proofs, just click on the banner for Bridey.
From the
organiser’s
“We thank our
major long term sponsor – John Kohnke Products, manufacturers of
the Kohnke’s Own range of Equine Supplements and allied
products. John and Kaye Kohnke have been our major sponsors
since the very inception of the event. Their support and
encouragement has been wonderful.
Others who have supported this event since its inception
include, Comonella Stud, Graephil Pony Stud, MDC & Associates –
Insurance Brokers, BCV Accounting, Eques Forum & On Line
Magazine, Welsh Pony & Cob Society, Matitojo Browbands &
Accessories, Horsewyse & Filly Magazines, Scott Family Law,
Bookra Welsh Cobs, Moorooduc Park Australian Pony Stud, Norm
Clark & Julie Tozer and Waveleigh Australian Pony Stud.
These sponsors never faltered in their support for this event,
even when it was struggling in the very early days. They really
did ‘maintain the faith’ in what we were trying to achieve –
Pony Dressage open to ALL ponies 14:2hh & under, and to ALL
riders, regardless of their age.
Without their support and encouragement it would not have been
possible to continue with the event, and bring it to the huge
success it has become. No less important are new sponsors and
supporters who, this year, have once again made it possible for
us to provide quality prizes down to sixth placing.
These supporters and sponsors include Ridley’s Agriproducts –
Barastoc, who this year in co-operation with Koo Wee Rup
Stockfeeds also became a major sponsor of the Open Pony Dressage
Championships.
We also acknowledge and express our appreciation for the
sponsorship and support provided by Wendy & Alan MacDonald, APSB
New Forest Pony Owners & Breeders Group, Mithril Pony Stud,
Kunat Pony Stud, D.A. & J.A. Holmes Nominees, Thermopatch
Australia, Emont Pony Stud, Mitavite Equine Nutrition, Koo Wee
Rup Stock Feeds, Elizabeth Alexander, Australian Sports Pony
Registry, Triple P Office Supplies – Pakenham, Garfield Licensed
Post Office, Fiona Fowler, Noel & Martine Huttley, Deborah
Wilson, Fran Cleland & The Weekly Times and Fiona Fowler.
We would ask that these companies and organisations be given
priority consideration when purchasing goods or services that
might be provided by these supporters of your sport.
I need also to thank Marion Costello, Heather Green and
Elizabeth Montgomerie for the excellent job they did with the
catering. Wendy James, Wendy has been our Gear Checker since
'Day 1'.
Another big vote of thanks goes to Sally Stelling, Sally also
worked very hard to obtain Judges and Pencillers for the event.
Needless to say, we are most grateful to the Judges who
officiated, Chris Sievers, Carolyn McIver, Sally Francis, Wendy
McAuliffe, Jean Rotheram, Denise Ceddia, Fiona Normand and
Kirsty Porter, and the Pencillers – Deb Wilson, Mary Hutchison,
Karen Barson, Jacqui Lewis, Vicki Cook, Jeanette Cheney, Josh
Bourke, Tess Deliopoulos, Lorraine Billson and Martine Huttley,
who worked tirelessly throughout the day. My thanks to Deb
Wilson and Jeanette Cheney for again being available to assist
us as they have done in the past.
We were most fortunate in that we had a youngster volunteer to
act as the Scorer’s Runner throughout the day, and both Chris
and I would like to say a ‘very big’ thank you to Madelaine
Deliopoulos for her untiring efforts” |
