General News
13 June, 2023
Success in the saddle
PERFECT weather conditions, coupled with an idyllic backdrop, proved a recipe for success for riders at last weekend’s Melbourne International Three-Day Event.
PERFECT weather conditions, coupled with an idyllic backdrop, proved a recipe for success for riders at last weekend’s Melbourne International Three-Day Event.
The event, held at the stunning Werribee Park over the long weekend, attracted some of the best riders from across Australia and New Zealand – including two locals.
Simpson’s Fiona Hawkes and Cobrico’s Kayla Lenehan, were among a large field of highly-talented riders to qualify for the prestigious event.
“The Melbourne International really is the pinnacle for eventers,” Hawkes said.
“It’s held over three days and incorporates dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Riders aspire to compete at the Melbourne International and as there’s a MER (minimum eligibility requirement) it’s a feat in itself just to be invited to attend.”
While last weekend’s event wasn’t the first for Hawkes and her horse ‘Harley Quinn’ (an OTT thoroughbred), it was the first time competing at the International for Lenehan and her Connemara pony-cross, ‘Highland DJ.’
“I have been mentoring Kayla for some time now and I was very proud of her performance on the weekend,” Hawkes said.
“The weather was amazing and the conditions were just perfect for competitors.”
While Lenehan had a few penalties from the cross-country event, Hawkes said her overall performance was a credit to herself and her horse.
“I’ve been doing this event for many years but only just getting back into it after a break while having my family,” Hawkes said.
“We (Kayla and I) were both happy with our performances on the weekend; to complete all three phases was a huge achievement in itself; it’s a wonderful experience and the opportunity to compete against some of the best riders in the country.”
