After a disappointing Sydney World Cup Tim Boland was looking a much happier man after winning the CIC3* at Eventing Equestriad. Riding GV Billy Elliot Tim led the class from start to finish with an impressive performance over Wayne Copping’s cross country course and John Vallance’s show jumping track.

Tim was the only rider to hit the 70% mark on dressage day and like 30 other riders in the forty strong field Tim jumped clear cross country. Only two riders, Soinge Jackson and Emma Mason managed to make time over the testing course which was beautifully presented with several new fences, including a new water complex.  This complex caused a few problems with one of Stuart Tinney’s four 3* horses, Kinnordy Rubino, needing a little persuasion to jump the first element into the water. Meanwhile Sandhills Brillaire, ridden by Craig Barrett decided not to take the plunge at all which resulted in Craig ‘popping off’ and walking back to the truck. At least he landed on his feet on the dry side of the water!

The way the cross country track was designed spectators could certainly feel up close to the action with horses jumping a water fence towards them and then galloping through the main arena where there was a tricky two corner combination which most of the riders made look very easy. Riders could then be seen galloping on to the next water complex before heading up the hill on the furthest section of the course.

After the compulsory second horse inspection the three star riders were soon back on their horses for the show jumping phase which took place in the fading light of the afternoon. With the show jumping in reverse order the excitement grew as the class went on. Half way through the field Stuart Tinney once again had to show all his skills as Orchard Hills misread the second last fence crashing through it. Whether it was a shadow or a last ray of sunshine on the fence no one will ever know but after sitting tight Stuart went on to jump the last fence beautifully as if nothing had ever happened.

Just over a rail separated the top six riders and it soon became obvious that not only a clear round was needed but a clear and under time round if riders wanted to hold onto their positions. After Emma Mason, riding F1 Pharinelli, produced a copybook round which kept her in third place the pressure was on Shane Rose and APH Moritz to do the same.  All was going well until the pair came to fence seven, a triple bar. Several horses earlier in the class appeared to misread the fence and Moritz did the same, demolishing it in the process. The pair went on to take another fence down later on the course which dropped them down to finish eighth. There is no doubt that GV Billy Elliot has an impressive jump and he showed every inch of his class,  producing a beautiful clear round. Despite collecting one time penalty Tim was just far enough in front of Emma to win the class and will now head off to Melbourne CCI3* in a couple of weeks time.

Shane Rose and his enthusiastic team of helpers should feel hugely proud of the job they did in presenting Eventing Equestriad Australia. The event had a wonderful atmosphere and feel, something that many other events struggle to achieve. The free activities for children, the live music, the big screens showing cross country action in the hospitality marque and even the classical guitarist playing as wine was served all added together to make this a wonderful event. From Shane’s point of view he may not have taken out the CIC3* title but he did manage to finish first and third in the CIC2* class as well as collect a second in one of the CIC1* classes.