Horse trials draw international field

RIDERS from across the globe will saddle-up for the Tonimbuk Horse trials this weekend.
The annual event, in its 10th year, will attract some of Australia’s best riders and international competitors.
Tonimbuk Horse Trials secretary Helen Reid said that numbers were up at this year’s event with nearly all of the riding categories having waiting lists.
“This year we have had an overwhelming response from riders as far away as Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia as well as many local riders from Gippsland, West Gippsland, and the Dandenong Ranges,” she said.
The 360 riders accepted into the competition riders will compete in the three Olympic disciplines of dressage, cross-country and show-jumping.
Competition will be tough with former Olympians Amanda Howell, Olivia Bunn and Megan Jones entering into the weekend’s events.
“The trials really cater for all levels of horse riding with the CIC-three-star for the advanced riders and horses and preliminary and introductory sections for the riders or horses just starting out,” Mrs Reid said.
Dressage and some show-jumping will be held during Saturday’s timetable with cross-country and the remaining show-jumping held on Sunday.
Mrs Reid said that the trials were a great opportunity for non-riders to see some of Australia’s best horse riders in action at the picturesque Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre.
Entry is free to the event. For details call Helen Reid on 0431 478 347.