Murrumbidgee Carriage Driving Club

Last updated January 2012:
Robyn and Ian Schmetzer and Luke and Chris Burns travelled to Marrar to compete in the NSW CDE Championships at the start of November. Luke and Chris left home at 6 am on the Friday to secure a good camping spot, and were there by 8am. Robyn arrived about 10.30am, whilst Ian, who had to work, arrived on the Saturday morning. Friday was spent catching up with everyone and walking the challenging cones course. Rob Robertson had done a great job, putting a lot of thought into the design. They ate out at the local pub that night before heading off to bed for an early night. This was the first Championship CDE that Chris and her horse Jack had competed in so it was a big challenge.
Both Robyn and Chris were not scheduled for their dressage tests until late so the morning was spent putting final touches to horses, vehicles and harness. Shelley Little, who does ridden dressage, came from Wagga Wagga to be Chris’ groom. It was the first time she had groomed at a CDE. Finally it came time to do the dressage. Chris was pleased with Jack, particularly when he did a straight reinback, instead of jackknifing the vehicle as usually happens. She was especially pleased when they did a clear round in the cones, with not a ball down. It was the only clear round in the whole event, although a few time penalties were incurred. It gave them first place in their class in the cones.
The marathon was the next big test for Chris, Shelley and Jack. After getting a bit lost in Section A, they received time penalties at the end of the section, but thankfully Jack passed the vet check, despite being pushed to make up time. All the training beforehand obviously paid off. The Aussie Flags obstacle was a challenge. In Chris’ words” I went into the obstacle not giving it a second glance, but Jack thought differently. I was ready to call it quits on that obstacle, but Shelley insisted we give it one more go. Jack must have heard and said’What the heck !’ and we got through finally. We were the longest in that obstacle by far, but we finished the whole course, nonetheless”.
Robyn and Rosie finished second overall in the Novice Horse class. It was Rosie’s first Championship and first event after a couple of years’ break. Chris and Jack finished sixth in the same class and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.