Swan Valley Dressage Association 2009

Well, we’ve just had another SVDA Training & Development Day, and it was another glorious sunny  day (if not a little chilly, first thing) at Swan Valley Equestrian Park.  Isn’t it supposed to be winter with rain and storms?   All the early birds gathered around a roaring fire, and then we sat on the verandah in the sunshine enjoying a day of superb dressage whilst catching up with old friends, and making new ones! 

Our judge for the morning session was Chris Hope and her trusty penciller, Jonathan.   Chris has judged for us at a number of T & D Days, and always has lots of positive feedback for riders.

Our judge for the afternoon session was Joanne Fowler who also gave us a very informative talk over lunch about the selection criteria for the National Squad.  Joanne has been on the selection panel for the last two Olympic Games, and is on the selection panel for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, as well as WEG in Kentucky next year.  It’s a real bonus having a representative from Western Australia on the panel, and we learnt that it doesn’t matter where you’re from, as long as you can meet the criteria, and are prepared to put in the work, and travel – the opportunities are there for everyone to be considered for the squad.  If riders can get sponsors, it makes that goal of a gold medal more achievable, and it was interesting to note that it’s a combination of horse and rider, not just one, or the other, which is considered.  We learnt about grants, training in Europe, age limits for the horses, and what a potential squad member needs to be doing to be in the running for a place in the team. 

We were invited to put forward our own suggestions for the Australian Team, and Joanne was able to tell us whether we were on the right track.  There were many questions from our members showing that this is a subject which our members are interested in.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful one day to have a WA rider not only representing Australia, but flying the SVDA flag at the Olympic Games!  Thanks to both Chris and Joanne for their time – we really appreciate it. 

As usual, our fantastic organizing committee provided yet another enjoyable day of dressage in the valley, and a big thank you goes to Celeste for her delicious home-made soup and extravagant selection of bread – just right for a cold day, Christine Ingram for pencilling and providing her vehicle for the afternoon session, and JJ for his videoing skills.  We also have our ‘behind the scenes’ members who are Heather Martin for all her work with the website & newsletters, and Richard  Spencer for being our treasurer and provider of computer equipment at events.  Unfortunately Aleta was away this time, but should be back on board for the next T & D Day.  Not quite sure who is responsible for organising the weather, but it has been spot on for each event so far this year!