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Team Australia (made up of sixteen of the best pony club dressage riders from Geelong, Ballarat and districts) has defeated the United Schools of South Africa Equestrian Invitation Team, in the inaugural Australia v South Africa Challenge Cup. The Challenge Cup was held at Elcho Park, Lara on Saturday 11 September 2004.
In the individual section, Team Australia scooped the pool, claiming the top seven of the eight individual placings. Ballarat Pony Club’s Ben Terry was the individual winner, followed closely by Nicole Lyons from Bacchus Marsh Pony Club and Sarah Halson from Drysdale Leopold Pony Club in third place.
Mr James Fitzpatrick, Executive Officer of the Pony Club Association of Victoria, presented the trophy to Team Australia. He said he “hoped that in the near future an Australian team could tour South Africa to retain the cup.”
Mrs Caroline Shirra, event organiser, continued that “it was pleasing to see the inter-team comradery”, particularly she noted “it was great to see Australian Team members congratulating their new South African friends after each dressage test and exchanged contact details at the end of the day.”
Caroline went on to expressly thank “our sponsors Horseland Geelong and Yindarra Equestrian Supplies and a few people who have been my backbone over the past five weeks - Coral Byrne, Vicki Ladhams, Duncan and Sue Terry. James Fitzpatrick has also been invaluable, dispensing advice on rules and insurance. I would also like to thank the horse owners who have given so much, in particular Wendy Whiting (three horses) and Libby Mack (two horses).” |
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