Mitsubishi Adelaide International Horse Trials hit the Adelaide East Park Lands, turning the generally picturesque city landscape into a cross-country circuit complete with the thunder of hooves and the spectacle and athleticism of horse and rider.

The only Olympic standard horse equestrian of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the Adelaide event also boasts the only inner city venue.

“It is unique for a three-day equestrian event to be held in the middle of a city. But it is great because it allows a lot of people to see this spectacular sport who might not otherwise attend,” explains Event Manager Marcia Probert.

“It is also really popular with the riders because the atmosphere and energy of the crowd really bring out the best in them.”

This year the event is in line for record attendances, with the Saturday cross country day coinciding with the Credit Union Christmas Pageant – an annual Adelaide tradition.

“It shaped up as an excellent day for families who can enjoy the pageant and then come down to Rymill Park and the East Park Lands for the cross country day. The great thing for families is that both of the events are free,” Marcia said.

Sammi McLeod takes the early lead at the Horse Trials….

New South Wales rider Sammi McLeod will go into tomorrow’s action packed Adelaide City Council Cross Country Day with a slender lead over the talented field, after an accurate and controlled performance in the dressage on Black Odyssey.

As the wind picked up and the clouds became increasingly dark, it was Sammi and Black Odyssey who best handled the conditions on the first day of the Mitsubishi Adelaide International Horse Trials.

Also impressing the judges in the CCI**** Olympic standard was Jessica Irvine-Brown on Belcam Aaberdeen who came in second and Craig Barret on Staccato who placed third. South Australian Wendy Schaeffer is currently placed tenth moving into tomorrow’s cross country.

Taking the lead in the CCI** class is South Australian Megan Jones on Winergy Fedwell who is just ahead of last year’s winner Boyd Martin on Ying Yang Yo and in joint third place are Chris Burton on Newsprint and Athens Olympian Stuart Tinney on Oroton.

In the CIC** class Queensland rider Jessica Rosen on Bouncing Betty is the highest placed rider, followed by Craig Barret on Mystic Magic and Emma Dougall on Dotcom. Athens Olympian Rebel Morrow is in shared fourth position with Sam Lyle on Royal Marine.

Spectators enjoyed the mostly fine weather conditions, with CBC Oval providing amusement for horse enthusiasts, families and workers looking to escape the office during their lunch break.

“Today has been a great start to the competition. In all of the classes the top few riders are really close so we can expect a tight competition tomorrow,” said Event Manager, Marcia Probert.

“We also had great support for the riders with more than 5,000 people enjoying the dressage during the day. Tomorrow we are expecting a big crowd to come and enjoy the cross country part of the event.”

Cross country a real show stopper….

The beautiful Adelaide East Park Lands and fine, mild conditions brought out the very best in the strong field for the cross country leg of the Mitsubishi Adelaide International Horse Trials.