Once again the ASPR put on a super event, problem is now we have to wait another 12months for the next one. Personally I adore the whole feel of this venture into dressage with our Australian ponies, attitudes are dropped off at the gate ...with this in its early years it is just as much about socializing and having some fun, while each and every one puts in a huge effort to get pony dressage into reality of something quite spectacular.... but while the atmosphere is more about supporting one another don't be fooled that when it comes down to actually riding a test - its all serious business, over the short span of the last few years the quality and ability of the ponies has come along way, given that many who are supporting this venture are from the show world where 'okay we had it so darn easy' our way of thinking has been pulled into line, dressage is quite hard but so rewarding at the end of the day when it all comes together.

The children mix easy with adults, and for those that think the kids may be at a disadvantage riding against adults - think again, *darn youth :) they make it look so easy and 7 out of them don't even need a caller! what some of us would give to turn back the clock and be looking at riding into this exciting development here in Australia with youth on our side, just think in several more years pony dressage is going to be huge! Unlike overseas especially Germany were their dressage ponies are actually called Riding Ponies, they were developed for children - so the child could perform right up to the higher level and then as a young adult step on to the warmblood - Australia's growth in pony dressage will be coming from the adult keenness to ride dressage as much as the children. Many people disillusioned  by the show world have seen this as a even playing field where by your pony is rewarded on the work preformed, names, reputations, don't come into it ...you have that arena and it is ...yourself, ability of performing your pony for that 6minutes that matters, so for those that really enjoy educating a pony this is the direction for you to be focusing, you will see ASPR logo throughout this report, click on that, join up and come along you will not be disappointed.

This year again we should all say an enormous 'thank you' to Margie Kuiper ....superwoman! and her small but ever so dedicated committee workers, and to co-worker Tina Fielding as well - in charge of sponsorships and wow she did a fantastic job, the rewards for winners and placegetters were incredible, and in return as competitors we thank each and every one of those sponsors that are named within this report and I would hope all would show their appreciation over the next 12months supporting them when we can and remember to say 'we are buying off you because your supported this event'. No less than the grand total of $3,500 was raised by Tina, we have were possible linked sponsors banners back to their own sites if you want to have a look at what they stock or services they provide. also each and every judge, penciller, all the workers behind the scene quite simply without you special people the event would not be.

So on with the event.... a special evening of Pony Entertainment was held on Saturday night, under the lights and out of the cold, the pony warriors were out in force.....

 

Hygain Preliminary Freestyle was won by Sophie Whitworth on her delightful and so cute Zachariah Silver Royal, 2nd was Bobby Rankin riding Willowood Park Whisper, 3rd Rose Prosenik riding Gobbie Ozzborn and 4th was Sophie Scott riding Springbank Ringmaster.

 Hygain' Novice Freestyle 1st Emma Copley riding Imperial Corona, 2nd Sophie Whitworth riding Zachariah Silver Royal, 3rd Ellen Sherwood riding Kapeta Kip, 4th Erica Muhlebach riding Elmvale Top Cat, 5th Julia Soldatos riding King Lodge Poetic Prince and 6th Sam Cavanagh riding Froben Park Olympic Edition.

Hygain' Elementary Freestyle 1st Emma Gittoes riding LJS Minks Delight and Hygain' Medium/Advanced Freestyle 1st Nirelle Somerville riding View Bank Boyd and 2nd Norm Clark riding Barnon Imperial Jack.