Bungendore ODE 2010 Photograph:Susan Lees

Bungendore Pony Club 2010 ODE

 

After the drenching rain of the previous Sunday (60mls over the weekend) , pre-dawn on the 6th June heralded perfect conditions for the postponed ODE. There were a large number of scratchings from the 119 previously entered with many competing activities, but 79 riders ended up out at the showgrounds to test out their training. A prior booking of the pavilion for a 21st birthday party provided a challenge, as we were unable to set up the registration desk and kitchen prior to the start of the event, and both had to relocate after 9.30am. We were also worried that over-exuberant party goers might get the urge to relocate the dressage markers, so these had to be positioned first thing in the morning as well.

 

The lower numbers allowed us to get through the dressage and D & E grade showjumping fairly quickly, and the cross country started at about 12.30. As many of you are aware, Mark Thorek had built a number of new jumps for the event, which had not been schooled by any of our riders prior to the event, so it looked set to be a good test of obedience. However, the new "easier" (Mark's intention) trakhener proved once again to be the toughest jump on the course, with a fair few riders eliminated, although many had no trouble. I think judging by the grins on the faces of many riders the cross country proved to be a buzz, although a few were not so happy. The results show that the placings changed quite significantly with every phase, which makes for a much more interesting competition. In addition to winning sashes for placings or highest dressage percentage our first place getters won a framed photograph taken at one of the jumps by Susan Lees. Second place getters won a $20 voucher from "Jopdhpurs Direct", and the third place getters won a 1995 State Mounted Games cap in Bungendore colours. 

 

Winners of the Highest Dressage Percentage Award were:

 

B Grade - Samantha Ring

C Grade Associates - Emma Cudmore

C Grade Juniors - Loren Slater

D Grade Associates - Ashleigh Bennett

D Grade Division 1 - Miriam Bell

D Grade Division 2 - Tilly Cave

E Grade - Hannah Coffee

 

Winners of the Optimum Time Medallions (closest to optimum time with clear cross country):

 

B Grade - Lauren Slater

C Grade Associates - Katie Slater

C Grade - Ceira Becker-Young and Loren Slater

D Grade Divison 1 - Thea Horsley (exact time)

D Grade Division 2 - Emma Reid

E Grade - Tessa Coddington

 

Running a One Day Event requires a huge commitment from all of our parents, and I'd like to thank everyone who helped us before and on the day. Special thanks go to our dressage and showjump judges, and to Sandra and Iain Noble (former members, who flagged and unflagged the course as well as jump judging). Our Technical Delegate for the day was our own Lizzie McRoberts, and of course Tricia and Barry McRoberts were also working all day. A special mention must also be made of the wonderful canteen run by Anne Judd and her team, who worked frantically all day, and must have been exhausted by the end. The Judds put in a big effort for the day, as Megan worked in the kitchen and Neil Judd was our announcer for the day. It was also lovely to see some of our former members who turned up to see the action.  Many of you will have noticed that Stacey McIntosh was present as a dressage judge and our Protest Committee (which fortunately did not have anything to deal with), and her Mum Chris called in for a visit (ed note - with a tray of Butterfly cakes).  Di Cullen also came to the rescue helping with A,B and C Associate Dressage Tests, xcountry Jump judging  and gear check.. all while her grandchildren from Dubbo were up and riding. 

On a very positive note Rachel is fine and was out of hospital same day, good news indeed..

 

Club members must have bought a good percentage of the raffle tickets, as they featured heavily in the prize winners. Josie Geal's Mum was delighted to win the $350 voucher for security door or fly screens, which was kindly donated by Wayne Coffee from Canberra Metal Flyscreens. I was a little bit surprised to find that the Pearce's Nan is a keen showjumper, but Karen Pearce was adamant that Janice Knight would have chosen the showjump wings herself had she been there..... Fortunately for Mrs Knight another of her tickets was pulled out later, and so she won the dressing gown gift pack that she really wanted.

 

One final note about the results - due to a miscommunication, the Optimum Time entered in the spreadsheet for E graders was incorrect. Fortunately, the placings and awards all remain unchanged. However, the good news is that Lilly Naninga, who took her beautiful newly broken pony Snoopy round the course at a very sensible and steady pace, was not eliminated for exceeding the allowed time, as was reported on the results sheet. Many apologies to Lilly for this oversight, and congratulations on completing your first ODE.

Note from James --> While the field of entries was down from the prior week, I do want to call out the outstanding help and assistance  every one put in.  To Anne Field who was the passion and driving force,  Mark for focus on the tasks.  The Judds for canteen and announcing, and everyone who gave so selflessly on Saturday for set-up.  Importantly all the "retired" BPC members - "You may not attend rally days, but you NEVER leave BPC".  One thing that was called out at the committee meeting I would like everyone to feel proud of, the BPC ODE had the same set-up and delivery of a Zone or even State event.  While it was a lot of work I know the opportunity to ride an ODE was very much appreciated by the riding community.   Comments from people who came from other Zones  were unanimously that it was well run, challenging, and very much worth the drive, Berrima said they would come back just for the canteen.

Good riding to all.

 

James Wenn

President

Bungendore Pony Club
Zone16