Due to Australia’s strict quarantine regulations, invited foreign riders participate on borrowed horses. Riders have 3 days to acquaint themselves with their pre-selected horse for the CDI Prix St.George and Intermediare 1 Classes. We are riding amongst Australia’s top riders (on their fancy horses!). I was fortunate to have been given a great horse named “Jaybee Archer” owned by Rachel Hunter. Amongst the group of foreign riders I managed to do well placing 2nd out of the 8 in both tests.
Rochelle & Jaybee Archer Prix St.George
Rochelle & Jaybee Archer ~ Trot up
On the last day the most exciting class called “The Derby” (or DARBY as the Aussie pronounce it) happens. Two Riders from Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and host country Australia participates. Riders names and selected horses names are pulled from a hat. All riders are now on an even playing field….or for me a little challenging! Little meaning ~ I was one of the tallest riders and with my luck pulled the smallest horse…a palomino named Pinnamura Ricardo (aka Tricky Ricky). Riders had only 30 minutes to get to know their new horse before they ride down centerline. As it turns out my luck was great ~ Ricky did a perfect little test! Amongst all the big horses we came an honorable 5th.
” If my suitcase wasn’t so full I might of packed him home for my daughter…”
~ Rochelle
Rochelle Kilberg & Simone Williams “Team Canada”
Rochelle & Pinnamura Ricardo with owner Maxine Cummings The Derby
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