Tight Competition at Fig Tree Pocket

Fig Tree Pocket (FTP) always presents a great setting for a 3DE and last weekend’s CCI2* & CCI3* once again drew many QLD and NSW riders, aiming for qualifiers for the upcoming majors.

Yes, it was a tad damp and cool – not quite a QLD perfect one day, but the new committee, headed by Jessica Jenkins, was on the ball throughout, giving confidence in the future development of the FTP CCIs.

Mathew Gaske's team of bay horses seemed to be everywhere. A super Westvets CCI3* dressage test on 'Thymes Too' saw Mathew carry the lead through the show jumping, until he flashed past the finish on the final day.

Usman Khan came through on 'Azad Kashmir' to take second place, with Junior rider Amilia Schooley on 'Grande Exito' coming in third.

Ewan Kellett - course designer - Oz Shotz Photography

In the Horseland Ipswich CCI2*, Madeline Simpson on the aptly named 'Flying Star', pipped Justine Streeter on 'Quintana' by a total of 30.80 over 30.90 – less than a nose on the finish line. Megan Cooper, another junior, on 'Kelecyn Bam Bam' came 3^rd on 35.00.

Even given the conditions throughout the first day, and then the thankful improvement on Sunday for the Cross Country, the first six horses all came home under a total of 40.00, making it a close competition.

Congratulations all-round from the Ground Jury team, Bev Shandley (President), Carolyn James, Prue Spurrett, Katya Sykes (TD) and Ewan Kellett (CD).