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2006 The 50th Melbourne 3 Day Event!

So how was it winning the 50th Melbourne 3 day I have been asked?

Pretty jolly good really, but for me it was particularly special as it gained me and Ringwould Jaguar a spot on the Australian team for the World Equestrian Games and the right to wear the Australian flag on my jacket. (Now that is one of the most special feelings).

Werribee is often called Windy Werribee but not the 50th Melbourne. Other than the win the thing I remember so well was the fog. I had pulled off the coup of the event before I arrived as Harry Boldt agreed to come over and help me prepare for my dressage.

Anyone that was curious as to what Harry and I were up to had great trouble finding out as we would head of to work Jag and like everyone else disappear into the fog. There were a number of amusing moments for many as horses appeared and disappeared in the fog and more than one frustrated groom when they couldn’t locate their riders.

Dressage was indoors which Jaguar was quite happy with, however it is always a challenge timing your move from the warm-up to the arena but as per normal if you are prepared to work with the Stewards they are fabulous at helping you get there when you want to. Jag did a good test and it was a great thrill to take the lead from the beginning. Great job Harry.

The XC course built by Ewan Kellett with Wayne Roycroft as advisor suited Jag and I well. It was technical and designed to cause those innocent run offs where riders walk away kicking themselves and course designers walk away with a grin!

Show jumping was indoors as we have come to expect. Jag was his normal wonderful self over the normal Melbourne show jump course where time penalties are there awaiting the over cautious and the rails begging to fall. All clear for Jag and a very happy Sonja. The overriding feeling was one of relief. I had achieved what I wanted to do so then I just had to sit and wait hoping it was enough to put us on the Plane to Germany.

It is a long trip to Werribee from Albany Western Australia but it is amazing just how much shorter it is going home when the victors spoils are sitting on the back seat.

So once again it was a great Werribee as far as I was concerned. I always find it a friendly event where everyone will give you a hand if you ask.

Thanks to the hard working Werribee committee this second longest running 3 day event in the world continues. Long may it continue and I hope I have the pleasure of coming to watch the 100th anniversary of the event in 2056. However before then I hope to do many more Werribees’ including this year for the World Cup Qualifier and the final Olympic selection event!

Cheers
Sonja Johnson

Photo Courtesy of Franz Venhaus