MEDIA RELEASES

17th and 18th October 2009

The Echo, 31 May 2008

Click here to download the latest Swan River Horse Trials Newsletter. July 2008 Issue

2008 Brooker Swan River Horse Trials biggest ever

 

A record 260+ riders competed in this year’s Brooker Swan River Horse Trials (18^th, 19^th October) at Brookleigh Estate, Swan Valley, WA this year, making this year’s event the biggest ever.

 

The event was extremely well received overall, with comments ranging from, “One of the best run events” to “Parking was brilliantly organised - easy to get in and out”.

 

The Cross Country Course was considered both challenging and testing throughout with only minimal riders making the time and no individual fence causing any major problems.

 

After three years at CIC level, this well designed and built course was enhanced by FEI International Course designer Ewan Kellett to offer fresh challenges and to introduce some new fences to WA. This made for a beautifully presented and exciting course which the riders appreciated and rode well. Kellett assisted with the building of the Olympic course at Hong Kong and brought an international flavour to the event.

 

“The level of the course a step up, so challenging but very fair, fantastic,” said one rider.

 

FEI Technical Delegate, Neil Clinton from Victoria, said “The standard of the build, design and presentation of the course was up to international standard of anywhere in the world.”

 

Final placings in all classes were decided by the influential show jumping course designed by Western Australia’s own FEI Show jumping course designer Fred Freeman in the find indoor arena.

 

The quality of the event saw quality sponsors such as Brooker Gallery (naming rights), Lexus of Perth, Snap Printing Midland, Europa Saddlery, Brookleigh Estate, Stewart’s Restaurant and The Echo Newspaper continuing from previous years as Event Partners, alongside a host of sponsors at other levels including ten new organisations for 2008.

 

“Considering the abnormal heat the horses and riders handled the conditions extremely well and the position of the VIP Marquee for the Sunday lunch was excellent, it gave all invited guests the opportunity to view equestrian at its best. The Echo Newspaper is proud to be a sponsor of this outstanding Olympic accredited equestrian event.” Said Wayne Morgan, Echo Newspaper

 

A new trade stand area worked extremely well this year with exhibitors expressing interest for 2009. This area is likely to be expanded next year.

 

“Seventy people attended the Lexus Ladies’ Lunch which was a roaring success on the Saturday”. Sam Seymour-Eyles, Sponsorship and Marketing Manager enthused. “Guests enjoyed a dressage display by Tyana Lawless on Donner Armani, a fabulous lunch by Stewart’s with Watershed Premium Wines. A fashion show by Stash Boutique Midland was well received with clothes to suit a range of tastes and ages. The Stewart’s VIP Marquee lunch on the Sunday was attended by more than 150 guests who were thrilled by the sumptuous buffet by Stewart’s and the cross country action right by the water jump.”

 

Riders, committee members and volunteers worked together to create a highly professional and enjoyable event, at a wonderful venue.

 

END

Media Release 31/10/2008 by Sam Seymour-Eyles