Report from the World Single Horse Championships in Rome
Today is the first day of competition at Pratoni, Dressage day One. Following the draw yesterday our team are not competing until Friday and both Elizabeth and Michelle are happy with their respective times. Elizabeth drew 11.05 while Michelle is the very last competitor with her time at 18.05. Doug Willcoxson reports... The team arrived on Saturday night and camped at private stables approximately 10 minute walk from the event stables. The horses were vetted on arrival and cleared to come into the event stables. The the camp was set up and the team is camped with the British team. This arrangement has worked well to date. Monday was a free day with no official events, so the team set about getting the horses walked washed etc. Tuesday was the first official chance at using the practice training arenas. We were first up at 0900 so it was all go early in the camp. Boyd Exell was on hand and provided some sound advice to both Michelle and Elizabeth. Again there were no further activities for the team so they worked around the camp and made sure the horses were washed so they were ready for the First inspection on Wednesday. Jessica also conducted some training of the horses and grooms in the procedures involved in the trot up. The horses were more relaxed at this stage having got over the excitement of arriving and all the usual distractions of their new environment.
Wednesday morning was also am early start as the First Inspection was set for 1000 and Australia was the first team to present their horses. There was large contingent from all camps watching the process. Tim Dwyer trotted both horses out and they were accepted by the officials. At this stage the team was on a high. Next activity for them was to get ready for the opening ceremony and the official course walk later in the afternoon. It was then time to get ready for Nation's evening which turned out to be a cracker evening. There was a lot of interest in the team from downunder. Ilma Cunnew with her helpers did a good job of preparing our three tables. We had 26 supporters at the night.One of the largest contingents.
Thursday saw the start of the dressage. As we were not on today the team went again to walk obstacles with Jessica providing input on how to tackle them.
Dot and I arrived on Thursday night and on Friday took the opportunity to come out to Pratoni to check the facility. We met up with the team and had dinner on Saturday night our first chance to see them since Dot and I went to England to see them at Catton Hall.
Sunday morning saw a very early start for Dot as she wanted to be on hand when the horses arrived and ensure the stabling and vetting was taken care of. The show office did not open until 1000 on the Tuesday and Dot was on hand to collect any pertinent information required for the next few days. Late Tuesday afternoon saw Dot attend the first official meeting of Chefs D''Equipe along with the Organising Committee. She had dinner with the team following this and conducted a team meeting passing on all information given at the Chefs meeting.
On Wednesday following the First Inspection Dot attended the Course Walk for Chefs. Directly after lunch she attended a meeting of Chefs and the Draw. She found there was no opportunity to negotiate a better draw time, however the outcomes of the draw were suitable to both our competitors.
After this it was time to get ready for the Opening Ceremony. Only the Chef, the drivers and the trainer were able to participate in the opening ceremony. Australia was the first country presented and received a very warm and loud welcome from the spectators. Next was the Nation's Night and Ilma Cunnew and her small band of helpers set the Australian table up. The nigh was a howling success for us as we received a great deal of attention for the memorabilia we had taken over for the night.
Again today Dot has bee active ensuring all aspects are taken care of so we are on top of the game. I think Dot will collapse on Monday following the departure of the team.
Jessica Meredith has been good for the team given her knowledge and vitality and has certainly paid off in bringing her over as team trainer.
That is all for now.
02 July 2010 Michelle Jones and Elizabeth Lawrence have been chosen to represent Australia at the World Single Horse Championships to be held in Rome 28 July - 1 August 2010. Our Australian drivers had opportunity to qualify at a CAN (FEI-endorsed National Driving Event) held 16th & 17th January 2010 at Braidwood NSW (near Bungendore ACT). Congratulations to all involved in the planning and organisation of the CAN, the first qualifying event in Australia for many years. Elizabeth and Michelle are in the UK preparing their leased horses for the Championships. Most recently they competed at The Wallace Cameron Driving Trials Event held in Sandringham (Norfolk) 25-27 June. Results are available at http://www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk/events/results_2010/sandringham.pdf SUPPORT Michelle and Elizabeth compete at the 2010 World Championships As you might imagine its a BIG JOURNEY for Australian drivers to compete internationally. All and any support is very much appreciated no matter how great or small.
There are many ways that you can help support Michelle and Elizabeth compete at the 2010 World Championships in Italy. Find out more by going to the sponsorship page on teh Australian Single Horse Carriage Driving Team 2010 web page here .
You can send messages to the girls and read up on their progress at the blog: http://roadtorome.edublogs.org/
Profiles: Michelle Jones Elizabeth Lawrence
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