Tour of Victoria wrap-up; on 15^th March we loaded up Wallmeyer & Doncartier & began the trip to Victoria for both the Boneo Park CDI*** & Dressage with the Stars CDI shows.  But, just 2 hours later, we found ourselves at a standstill at the Pheasants Nest service centre thanks to a wheel bearing on the float.  Fortunately we were rescued by Geoff from Total Trailer Care in Bargo & he had us safely back on the road 4 hours on.  An hours break for the horses at Tarcutta & then safely through to Geelong for some well needed sleep for all.  The next day we took the scenic route down to Queenscliff, then the ferry across the bay to Sorrento & a quick 20min run through to the luxurious Boneo Park. 

As expected, the Boneo Park CDI was a truly delightful experience – the focus was on a competitor friendly show & this it certainly was with the riders being treated as “stars” (catering inc. wine/beer provided as part of entry fees, access to the best seats around the arena & nothing was a hassle).  Boneo Park is a magnificent property, thoughtfully designed with every convenience (the new camping area & riders retreat is fantastic) & without question the best arena surfaces, Capricorn’s Soiltex, in the country.  I encourage everyone to think about entering next years comp – you won’t be disappointed believe me.  As far as the comp went we were very pleased with Wallmeyer in the PSG & Inter1 placing 3^rd behind the two beautiful mare’s, Diamontina & Adlanta Rose.  In the Freestyle we got it wrong in the warm-up & this made for a very untidy effort in the ring but it was a lesson well learned for the next one!  Doncartier & Bella didn’t start at this comp due to an untimely foot abscess but they enjoyed training in luxury in preparation for their CDI-Y at Werribee.

Whilst at Boneo for the week we had rented a holiday house in Rosebud sharing with Roger Fitz (never a dull moment!) & we had some delicious meals around the peninsula.  On the Sunday after the comp we were in holiday mode & headed off to Mornington for lunch on the water with Caro & Pete Wagner, Rozzie Ryan & Wendy Ward.  It was with some reluctance that we packed the float again on Tuesday & headed to windy Werribee!

Dressage With The Stars has always been on our social calendar & it seems like just yesterday that Wallmeyer did the young horse Master Class with Dr Ulf but here we were this year competing in the Prix St. George Cup!  Although out early in the draw, his PSG was great – we felt his trot work was the best we have produced in the ring - & we were extremely pleased that 2 of the judges agreed having us 2^nd to Diamontina.  He finished 3^rd again behind the mares & received very encouraging comments.  Friday morning it was Don & Bella’s turn & they rode a cracker CDI-Y individual to placed 3^rd with 64+%.  Onto the Inter1 Freestyle & with reverse order we were 3^rd last in at 8.20pm.  A few hairy moments before the bell as Koschel reacted to Gina’s supportive showjumping fans in the bar, but in the gate they went & although we definately have elements to fine tune it was a well executed program & we were thrilled to score 68.9% & finish overall 2^nd in the Prix St Georges Cup!!!  The presentation was a real buzz for us to be lining up beside Maree & “The Mare” as we acquired Wallmeyer having found him when Gina was training alongside Maree at Koschel’s barn J

The next morning it was up early for Bella & Don’s Freestyle.  The warm-up looked fantastic but then in the ring Donald developed the sneezes – guess we will never know why but perhaps because the gear check was done before the test & gloved hands were stuck in his mouth so another lesson learned the hard way!  We were very proud of Bella who held her nerve even though on one diagonal line he sneezed 9 times!  The sneezing definitely hampered their performance, as noted by the Judges, but they still managed all their changes, pirouettes etc. & finished with 64+% to hold 3^rd place in their final comp here in Australia.  We wish Bella & Don all the best as they are now off to Germany to live & train with Hayley Beresford & compete in the Euro Young Rider circuit – good luck kids!

The rest of the day was spent soaking in Ingrid Klimke’s superb training style & philosophy.  Her love of horses is at the core of everything she does & she was delightful to observe throughout the 4 days – we’ve come home inspired & keen to set up the cavaletti’s!

26.2.2011
"Coast" has continued his winning ways taking out both the Novice & Open Hack (15.2-16hh) classes at Canberra Royal.  New owner Sue Pederson was thrilled with Casey's efforts & he also gave her a great ride in her riding class for 6th place.  So, on the Saturday Gina donned the tails & out they went to claim Reserve Champion Hack - a truly fantastic result for Coast who is still very new to showing.  Casey has returned home to Victoria for a few local shows with Sue & will be back at AmberWood Park end of March to prepare for Grand National & Sydney Royal.

Gina's students also had a good show - Courtney Smith's mare, CS Primadonna was also in the Champion line-up having won the class for Mare showing TB qualities with Gina in the saddle.  Courtney then rode a great work-out in her first Royal Championship at just 16 years of age.  Lyn Lambeth's beautiful Tommy, aka Regalbrook Show-Off, whom Gina trains at home was piloted by Joanne Prestwidge in the ring to be 2nd in his Novice Pony, 6th in his Open & took good ribbons in the Riding Pony Classes.  This is Tommy's first Royal & he is still in a snaffle bridle so great results for him with plenty more to come in the future.

Angela Rodham had success winning best Novice Show Hunter, Champion Led & Ridden Sporthorse & of course, won the Side-Saddle Hack & Lady Rider & ultimately Best Side-Saddle exhibit.  Ribbons in both the Novice & Open Pony for Tamara Parish & "Ralphie".  Eliza & Brandon Douglas had some intense tune-up lessons in the famous sandpit resulting in wins & placings in all their classes (still coughing up red dirt though!).

So great results in the ring, some terrific meals at Bellucci's along with Jackie Smith's hospitality (ie; well stocked esky) made for a fantastic Canberra Royal this year.  Here's hoping for more of the same next year...


20.2.2011
ThinLine Dressage With Altitude is a fantastic CDI** event run by the Central Western Dressage Group at the beautiful property of John & Bev Healey, Bradgate Park in Orange.  The indoor arena hosted all classes from Prelim through to Grand Prix & the surface was delightful & a real treat to ride on.  We arrived in rain on Wednesday & initially settled Wallmeyer & Doncartier into portable stables where the boys were happy enough but getting Koschel safely up & down the slippery hill was near impossible so we were very grateful when the wonderful Cathy Drury-Klein found us a stable in the main barn the next day (thanks Cathy!). 
 
Arena familiarisation went well on thursday & so we saddled up for the Inter 1 friday morning.  Koschel was very unsettled in the box & continued to over react to every noise & movement during the warm-up so with our hearts thumping into the indoor he went.  Some of the work was really good & a few things were a bit ugly (!) but in the end we came away with 4th place.  Next it was Bella & Don's turn & they rode a cracker CDI-Y test for 2nd place.  So, onto Saturday night & our first Inter 1 Freestyle again using an INXS medley.  Based on the previous day we had given Koschel a little more work & wouldn't you know it he was flat & conked out of canter a couple of times!  We finished 2nd to a brilliant Waca W & Alexis Hellyer & received very positive comments from all the Judges.

Sunday saw us last to go in the Prix St Georges & we had made up our minds to ask a little more of Koschel in the test & this certainly paid off for the trot work with solid 7's & 8's across the sheets.  We finished 3rd in this test & were thrilled to be announced Runner-Up Small Tour Champion taking home a nice cheque thanks to the Goldin Family's generous sponsorship.  Later that morning Bella & Donald rode their Freestyle with just a couple of minor glitches to finish 3rd.  So all in all a successful weekend & a valued hit out before our Melbourne tour.

Big thanks to all involved - Cathy, Trevor, Sue, Toni, Bev & John & all the Bradgate Staff & volunteers, & all of the generous sponsor's .  It was a most enjoyble show & we shall see you next year for sure!


15.1.2011
What a horrible start to the new year for many people throughout Qld & Vic.  We have watched in bewilderment at the pictures coming through & our thoughts go out to all those affected.  Please donate what you can:  Qld Pemiers Flood Relief Appeal


18.10.10
What a weekend....beginning Thursday morning when Gina got bitten on the finger by a nasty little centipede that had taken up residence in her riding glove overnight!  Yes, yes we all chuckled too initially but basically that hairy little critter took her out of action for the whole day & she didn't get any sleep that night, so painful was the effect.  Not the best lead-up to NSW HOTY show but luckily Casey (Coast) is seriously quiet so he got a lunge & a wash, was double team plaited by Bella & Sam on Friday morning (Gina still in agony) & off we went to Clarendon.  We cut Gina's glove so her bandaged finger could poke through & she lasted long enough in the saddle to steer Case through a faultless workout & take out the NSW Newcomer Hack of the Year title!  Immediately after the presentation "Bob" the St. Johns Ambo man attended to her & the pain gradually started to ease.

Back to Clarendon the next day (naturally a fire engine had tipped over on the Freeway & we were sure we would miss the class but thankfully made it in time) & Coast, at only his 5th show & 3rd time in a double bridle, was as near to foot perfect as we could ask & was sashed Runner-Up NSW Hack of the Year.

Congrats also to Lyn Lambeth who's Regalbrook Showoff (Tommy) was Champion Newcomer Large Pony & to Linda Makejev who was Runner-Up Newcomer Hack on Flamboyance.

Then at around 4am on Sunday morning we received the newest addition to the AmberWood Family with "Revel" being born.  A gorgeous chesnut colt with plenty of chrome (even Gina's dressage horses are redheads!) he is by Riverside out of Perfect Harmony. So it was an all round successful weekend.  Next show is Dressage Nationals & Lost Lady is due to foal that week so fingers crossed for more good results.


12.9.10
In rather dubious conditons, the NSW State Dressage Championships were held over the weekend.  Hallo Special came away with the Novice Championships, scoring 70%+ in both tests, & I couldn't be happier with the way the mare handled the conditions (mud & then some).  Although the rain wasn't overly heavy the arena's just didn't seem to drain at all & the going was extremely treacherous in places.  I had to warm the stallion up in a 15m rodeo pen which really was not satisfactory but I was proud of him for trying his best in the ring to place 4th & 10th.

We had the advantage of being last in the draw for the Prix St. Georges but after watching the bigger moving horses seriously struggle in the slippery mess we decided not to start Koschel.  Later discussions with the rider's including Maree & Kate proved we probably made the right call.  So there was little else to do but pour a vodka & settle into our seats to watch the freestyles.  There were some very entertaining programs & we were cheering when Kate won the Inter 1 & Maree the GP.

Big cheers also to the Committee who could do little but shake their heads in disappointment.  Back home now & filling out entries for Nationals - fingers crossed for decent surfaces!


9.8.10
Things have been a little quiet lately although the stables are still full with plenty of horses in training for the coming months shows & dressage comps.  I thought I would update you all on what's happening over the very busy next few months... Ekka is under way now but we made the decision not to trek up there this year.  Good luck to everyone in BrisVegas, I've been hearing good goss from there already!

I hope to get to a couple of local shows this month with "Coast" who has just been sold but will stay with us for a while yet.  Off to Byron Bay at the end of the month to celebrate a friends 40th birthday, should be a great mini-break.  Then we load up & drive to Tamworth for the NSW State Dressage Championships (8-12 Sept.) which will be a very busy program as Gina is competing 2 Novices horses, Smash Hit & Halo Special, & we have both Doncartier & Wallmeyer entered in the small tour classes.  The following weekend is the Grand National qualifier at Canberra with all the hacks.  Then we fly to Kentucky for the World Equestrian Games!!!  Can't wait to see all the Aussies in action & to do some serious shopping!!  Once home we have a few short weeks to prepare for 
NSW HOY & then Dressage Nationals at SIEC.  Then it's Equitana, Dressage Festival & so on & so on....!

Whoa, reading all that back it's occurred to me just how full on life is these days, LOL.  I know the horses will be fine - thanks to Nature Vet they not only look fantastic but they are fit & ready for the season...it's the humans I'm concerned about!!!


19.7.10

Bella Robson & Doncartier have competed at the NSW Young Rider Championships at SIEC over the past few days & were declared Runner-Up FEI Champions!!  This caps off a fantastic 3 month training stint for Bella & The Don during which time they have consolidated their training & achieved some great results over here on the east coast.


The Don will stay on at AmberWood for the next few months & Gina will compete him at NSW State Champs & Nationals whilst Bella travels to Switzerland to spend time training with Aussie Olympian Hayley Beresford in the run-up to Kentucky WEG.  It's been great having Bella around & we wish her all the best at Hayley's before we catch up again as spectators in Kentucky.

Speaking of Kentucky - did you all know that Horsezone are offering a fantastic prize of a trip for two, all expenses paid to 2010 World Equestrian Games???  All you have to do to enter is place a listing on the website.  So, not only do you have a great chance of selling your horse but you could also find yourself in Kentucky cheering on the Aussies - we'll be there so come on, check out www.horsezone.com.au now.

23.5.10
The Central Coast Dressage Championships were held over the weekend at Il Cadore, Somersby.  Wallmeyer won the Prix St. Georges & placed 2nd, to Weltsohn & Roger Fitzhardinge, in Gina's & Koschel's first ever Intermediare 1 test.  Therefore they became Small Tour Champions!!

On Sunday it was the Novice classes & Gina took out the Novice Championship with Hallo Special, Petria Briggs lovely chesnut mare (by Quando Quando).

Bella Robson & Doncartier continue to refine their tests & some good marks & comments in the Prix St. Georges/Inter 1 (placing 7th/5th) show they are on their way to top form.

Thank you to all the Committee & Volunteers who soldiered on despite the weather for an enjoyable Championship weekend.


1.5.10
The Team has had an awesome show at our first ever Sydney CDI...NV Wallmeyer started the ball rolling with a win in the Prix St Georges (CDN) on Thursday, only his 3rd start at this level.  On the Friday he followed up with a 3rd in the 5C due to a rather naughty moment during the canter pirouette but all was forgiven when he came out later in the day for a foot perfect win in the 5B.  On the Saturday he again produced some of his best work taking out the Advanced Freestyle & was declared overall Advanced Tournament Champion!!!  We were so excited & it was great to share this moment with family & friends who came along to support us on the day & we were all very proud of Koschel.


                Photo (A. Shoobridge) during the lap of honour


Smash Hit also achieved a phenomenal result placing 2nd to Matthew Dowsley's highly regarded stallion San Jose (also by Sandro Hit) in the very tough 6 year old young horse class.  Sandy performed great in the individual round with Gina in the saddle but was a little overawed when ridden by the Guest Rider during the final round in the indoor on Saturday.  Still, he did us proud & will learn from the experience.

Bella Robson & her horse Doncartier again made the huge trek over from WA to compete in the CDI YR (young rider) classes.  They didn't have their best test in the Prix St Georges but were in form on Friday to finish 5th in the Freestyle.  Bella & The Don will now stay with us at AmberWood & train hard before competing in the National Young Rider Champs in June & the NSW Champs mid July.

Check out Julie & Anna's fantastic report on Horse Deals for some photos of our boys...


14.4.10
Just a reminder to everyone that the fantastic range of Nature Vet products are available at Nature Vet Direct, Australia's centre for interactive information, advice, support and science-based solutions for your horse's health and performance.  Nature Vet Direct offers a 15% Rebate by way of cash contribution to your chosen club with every purchase you make.  There is a Free Gift Offer on your first order plus there is Free Delivery on your first 6 orders!  So go ahead & click - earn $ for your Club & conveniently order the best products on the market for your horse's health & wellbeing.

Also check out the Blog page to keep up to date on what myself & the rest of the Team Nature Vet riders are up too.


29.3.10
A big thank you to Bruce Flood, Jenni Swaine & the SHC Committee for letting us take over the SIEC Indoor for the Masterclass during the SHC's Claron Property Group Grand National.

In front of a good sized crowd Gina demonstrated the style of training that has seen her become one of the most successful show horse trainers of recent times.  We were thrilled that Roger Fitzhardinge was able to join us on the microphone as he truely excels at explaining the complexities of training in a clear, simple way.  Roger has been instrumental in the development of Koschel & Gina's dressage training & is a constant support in all our equestrian endeavours - thank you Rog & Happy Birthday!!!


Thank you to all who attended on Friday night to see our two gorgeous boys in action.  We received fantastic feedback on the night so we hope everyone enjoyed themselves & perhaps Gina & Roger gave you all an insight into how you could maybe improve on your training, have your horses happier in their work & hopefully achieve better ribbons/results.

Congrats to all winners over the weekend & good luck to everyone at Sydney.

If anyone is interested in a DVD of the Masterclass please email us for details; gina@amberwoodpark.com.au

For a preview of the DVD go to www.horsezone.com.au  - our thanks to the gang at Horsezone for providing this.

Picture above - Sandy warms up for the Masterclass, photo by Lorelle Mercer

12.3.10
Gina & Koschel have joined the FEI ranks.  They competed in their first ever Prix St George test at Central Coast Dressage on 7/3/10 finishing in 2nd place & this weekend have again placed 2nd, this time to Rozzie Ryan in a tough class at Clarendon.  We are very proud of Koschel who put in a mistake free test & showed that he & Gina's training, with help from Roger Fitz, is really paying off - even scoring a 7 for a canter pirouette!These results have qualified him for CDI now so we look forward to trying our luck there.

On Sunday at Clarendon Gina rode Tria Briggs mare, Hallo Special, to a win in both Novice tests with good scores showing that her training is also on a good path.  Unfortunately, we had to scratch Sandy from his tests as he has been battling a mild virus.  We dosed him up with Nature Vet's VAM & Hi-Vite C & left him in bed with a good book for the weekend!

5.3.10
Recently, Nature Vet have conducted an Austalia wide search for talented Junior Riders to become part of the NV Team.  There were 16 positions available across all disciplines.  I have enjoyed a long association with this premier company & I am thrilled to be able to act as mentor to new Nature Vet Young Rider Team members Billie McEvoy, Courtney Smith & Gabriella Robson.  Well done girls and best of luck in your respective endeavours this year.

If anyone would like any advice regarding the fantastic range of Nature Vet products please don't hesitate to approach the girls or myself.

1.3.10
Canberra Royal Wrap-Up - Smash Hit continues his winning ways taking out the Supreme Champion Led Sporthorse.  Earlier in the day we competed in the dressage.  In our first attempt at Elementary we came away with a win & all of us associated with Sandy are very pleased with his efforts.  I also rode Lyn Lambeth's pony Satine, whom she breed herself, to Res. Champ Riding Pony.  A well deserved win for Lyn who just loves her ponies.

Chloe & Amanda Jakins were very pleased with their boys also.  Chloe & big Dude picked up a few ribbons but despite Amanda & Skippy's best efforts (they looked sensational) there were to be no prizes for them this show.  Chin up Amanda - plenty more shows coming up!

I was thrilled to be able to catch up with beautiful Amber (Geisha Girl) again & although I was unable to pilot her at this show I was very proud of the way she showed herself with both Christy & Timmy in the saddle.  Her win in the Open has been a long time coming so well done to all!  The Wells also had a win with Tink (Wellan Park Just Magic) who went on to be Champion Small Pony.  We have always had a high opinion of this pony so again, we were thrilled she finally received credit.  Of course there were good ribbons also for Mirinda Royal Emblem - Felix you are a true legend! - & Annie & Tiger (LJS Prediction) who was 2nd in her Open.  No doubt about it the Wells Family have arguably one of the strongest team of beautiful show horses around!

Congrats also to Courtney Smith & her hacks.  Court picked up good ribbons in everything she entered, including the dressage, with both her horses.  Super effort especially with her new mare who at her first Royal was a little over awed but stuck with Courtney for great ribbons including Res. Champ Led ANSA!

Last but not least - Angela Rodham (nee Latter) was back in the saddle at her first Royal since giving birth to my God Daughter, Amarni.  Ange has not lost too much form & piloted new mount Skyview Trilogy.  "Oscar" is still a baby but showed he can easily follow in big sister Brydie's footsteps by carrying Ange to a win in Lady Rider Side Saddle class.

Well done to all my pupils/friends & good luck for the next one!

Check out Horse Deals Canberra report for great photos of all above, courtesy of Julie Wilson & Anna Sharpley.


 6.2.10

 Pictured at left is Gina & Smash Hit participating in
 the Master Class with German Olympic Medallist
 Heike Kemmer.  The Master Class was held at the
 magnificent Boneo Park, on Victoria's
 Mornington Peninsula, & was the culmination of a 
 week's hard training with Heike.

         Photo Roger Fitzhardinge



24.1.10

Gina flew back from Melbourne last night to take the Woodland family's new hack, Northwood Extravagance (Jasper) to his first show.  This flashy chesnut gelding has been at AmberWood a few months now & will likely do another show before going home for a spell & to fatten-up again!


23.1.10


Smash Hit has had a super successful show at Melbourne Summer Royal winning Supreme Led & Champion Ridden Warmblood.  Dave & Sandy also stole the show in the Best Presented Warmblood!  Gina was thrilled with him under saddle as he showed off not only his super paces but also his fantastic temperament in a flawless workout.


Check out more pics - Sandy Led  Sandy Ridden 

N.B; the beautiful brow band made by Elle of Divine Bands

6.1.2010
Shortly before Xmas we installed an Infrared Equine Solarium courtesy of Lou Verwey & Capricorn Australia Equine Products.  Used extensively in Europe & here in Oz with race trainers, the therapeutic benefits of radiant heat are well documented in equine injury and therapy.  The main interest for us was from a preventative point of view as regular use of an Equine Solarium can have the following key benefits:
   • Improves blood circulation and cellular metabolism
   • Improves muscle elasticity in advance of intensive work, thereby reducing the risk of  
     sustaining injury
   • Helps reduce stiffness after work, promotes relaxation and recovery
   • Assists in the relief of pain after injury, particularly back pain
   • Improves general health, condition and well being of the horse/pony
   • Helps dry-off a horse/pony after exercise wash-down

We routinely use the Solarium on all the horses in training (yes, now, even tho it's summer).  They spend approx 15mins under the lights prior to being saddled for work.  They seem to really enjoy the session & relax & bask in the radiant heat & quite often we stand under there & groom them at the same time.

I realise the response from most people is "but this is Australia, it's hot here" but the Solarium is not a heater & it's certainly not a sunbed!  Think of it as a therapeutic means of providing a reduction in pain & muscle spasm, an increase in circulation, more mobile connective tissue & a general feeling of relaxation & well being & I'm sure that you too will realize the benefits of owning a Capricorn Equine Solarium.

Click here to visit Capricorn's website for more detailed info.

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