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AUSTRALIAN PONY OWNERS & BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

a word from the organisers....

Further to the results I forwarded last night of the Open Pony Dressage Championships conducted by the Australian Pony Owners & Breeders Association, I feel it is necessary to recognise the many people that put in considerable efforts and finances in order to make this special day the success that it is.

First, our Sponsors Our major sponsor, since the inception of this competition has been Kohnke's Own Equine Nutrition and Horse Care Products.

John and Kaye Kohnke have been incredibly supportive when others were sceptical about the idea of Pony Dressage. Especially with our idea of allowing adults to ride ponies. Their confidence in us and in the concept of Pony Dressage has seen them remain as our major sponsor for the entire five years of the competition. We are most grateful of their support, as are the competitors who each year are fortunate enough to win products from the Kohnke's Own range of Equine Nutrition and Horse Care products.

It is also encouraging to see the increase in interest in Pony Dressage. Since we first conducted these Championships, the idea of adults competing on ponies has now been universally accepted by the 'Equine Establishment' - the EFA. We are proud to have been, in some small way, the instigators of  dressage competition for adults on ponies.

We have two other major sponsors who have been with us since the inception of the competition, and these generous sponsors are MDC and Associates, Insurance Brokers, whose principal, John Smith has not only provided much needed finance, but strong personal support of what we have been trying to achieve. The other, is BVC Accounting. John Costello has also given us strong financial support since day one.

We are also very fortunate to have other generous supporters and sponsors who again supported us this year. Many of whom have also been with us since the very first competition. Their input, both financial, personal and with product and trophies, has been nothing short of sensational. 

It is also necessary that I acknowledge the amazing support provided by Eques On-Line Magazine, and you personally, for the efforts you have contributed over the five years of this competition. Certainly, without the 'Power of Eques', it is unlikely that we could have succeeded in getting this competition 'off the ground'.

Another of our very valuable supporters is Fran Cleland. Fran over the years has given the Pony Dressage Championships much needed coverage and support through her popular Horse News column in the Weekly Times. This coverage is invaluable given that the Weekly Times is a nationally respected and marketed newspaper. 

As you would imagine, many people are involved in conducting such a competition. This year we had very valuable support from our Pencillers:- 

Another very important 'cog in the wheel' has been Wendy James. Wendy has been our Official Gear Checker at each of the Pony Dressage Championships thus far. Thank you Wendy. 

Thank you too, to our caterers, Heather Green and Marion Costello, who did such a great job of feeding our officials throughout the day.

We need also to thank, Vicki Sach, Margie Kuiper and Sandy Morphett who have given us strong photographic coverage of the day. Their photographs will obviously be available shortly. Keep your eyes on the Pony Dressage Section of Eques for their photographs. 

My thanks also to my committee of this year, without whom, we could not conduct the event. Marion Costello, Heather Green and Chris Hartigan. The workload that Chris shoulders for this competition is nothing short of Herculean. My sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of this event again in 2007. 

Finally - my thanks to the competitors, who each year participate in these Championships with such enthusiasm and incredible sportsmanship. The 'camaraderie exhibited by the competitors is incredible at this event. Whilst everyone is competing to win or place, there is an environment of friendship, support for each other, and genuine pleasure in sharing in the successes of those who are placed.

Long may it continue.....   Gary Hartigan - Australian Pony Owners & Breeders Association.