INTERNATIONAL PRINCE PHILIP MOUNTED GAMES TOUR,
Held in
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY, U.S.A., 2011.
On the 5th July, 2011, the Australian Mounted Games Team selected,
Matthew North , ( N.S.W.)
Kimberley Baraoilo, ( S.A. )
Elizabeth Craine, ( W.A. )
Grace Simmons,
( N.T.)
Joe Pearson, ( VIC. )
Arrived in Melbourne for a training camp under the instruction of the Australian coach, Sean
Corbin. ( W.A.)
After we settled in, Sean discussed the training regime for the next few days
The team persevered training under very cold and wet conditions and it took its toll on the N.T
and W.A., riders still climatising to the changes in temperature. A mock competition was held at
the Kangaroo Ground Pony Club, along with other riders preparing for the National Selection in
a weeks time. This was also a test for the Australian Team to see how they would perform as a
team, under pressure ending up with a good result. The team managed to even get a photo in
the local newspaper. Thank you to the members of Kangaroo Ground for their support .
We had the opportunity to attend the Victorian , National Selection Day, supporting the
Australian Team Member , Joe Pearson., for the Junior Team and his sister Billie, for the Senior
Team. Congratulations to both.
Many thanks to the Pearson Family for accommodating us all in their home and for supplying
extra horses to ride, transporting them wherever we needed to be, not forgetting to mention
the welcomed, hot, delicious meals during and at the end of the day.
To complete our preparation, it was a team decision to add an important member/ mascot to
the team. SKIP, a toy kangaroo, suitably dressed for all occasions with his own following on
facebook.
With the team bonding complete and ready to go, we departed for Sydney on 10th July, then on
to LA.
Greeted with 30 + C degrees we spent 1 ½ days climatising. Endured a visit to the 6 Flags
Theme Park, known for its death defying rollercoasters and fast rides.
12th July:
Departed for Washington DC to join the U.S.A. Tour to Kentucky. Australian Team being the
first to arrive, followed by Canada, UK. There was plenty of time to introduce ourselves and
have a great chat about the tour that lay ahead. Jackie Horn, the U.S. Tour Organiser greeted us
and we were all transported by bus to the meet and greet BBQ dinner, at the home of Leigh
Ann Hazel- Groux. A short meeting was held and host families we introduced to the riders.
Once formalities were over the riders/ coaches/ team managers departed with their allocated
families.
13th July:
All the riders met at the Marriott Ranch the next morning to enjoy a leisurely ride on horse
back throughout the beautiful countryside and met up with an unexpected rainstorm. The day
was completed with a fabulous BBQ lunch, hayride, fun and games at the Marriott Ranch
Pavillion.
14th July:
A Games Day was arranged at the Great Meadow Polo Arena, where the Pony Club families
bought horses to ride and share with the International guests. Riders/ Coaches assisted in an
informative clinic on individual issues, followed by the International Riders, organised in
mixed teams to demonstrate their skills in games. The day ended early due to the extreme heat
and to consider the well being of the ponies supplied. Some of us were fortunate to cool off
before we departed to have dinner, then on to the Charles Town Races. The Australian Team
drew many interests from bystanders, just wanting to hear us talk. Among the International
Group we managed to guess a few placings and be entertained by the antics of two skunks, that
found crossing the Race track at intervals, fun.
15th July:
On to Washington DC, early morning. Toured around by bus, then stopped at the Washington
Monument where we viewed the whole of Washington skyline and places of interest. There
were so many museums to see and other prominent landmarks to visit with the short time we
had. A shopping opportunity at the Potomac Mills was enjoyed by all.
16th July:
A Fun Games Day at Chesapeake. Due to the heat it was decided to have the day shortened.
Local riders had the opportunity to be coached by the International Coaches, followed by the
riders assisting and riding to demonstrate their skills. The Riders met up with their next host
family and departed to cool off. A Cook Out was arranged by the Crescent Bay Pony Club
members , on a beautiful property,so all the billets could relax and enjoy the American
hospitality , followed by a bonfire and barn party next door before leaving with their host
families. An American tradition is to indulge in “ some mores “ (s”mores ) which is toasting an
Extra large marshmallow and add a piece of chocolate and a wafer biscuit, press together and
devour it . Chocoholics delight!
17th July:
A relaxed morning and perhaps a small sleep in for some.
Next on the agenda was the Naval Base Tour in Norfolk., organised by Jackie Horn. We were
very priviledged to enter as security had become a higher risk due to the concerns in the
Middle East. We were surprised to see a complete Naval Community, from houses to
supermarkets, schools, Law and Insurance Companies, Gyms etc. The grounds were neat and
well manicured and each home proudly displayed the American Flag . The ships anchored were
manned with a skeleton crew for security and always had a hub of activity. Surrounding the
base was a museum of war planes and helicopters.
After our tour of the Naval Base it was on to the Virginia Beach to negotiate the sun and surf.
The host families provided shade, snacks and cold drinks that was very much appreciated, as
the temperature soared to 95 degrees F . The Board Walk provided lunch for most, while
others kept swimming or played football on the beach.
18th July:
Departed for Williamsburg , a heritage settlement set back in the time of the Civil Wars. What
an amazing place to visit. We witnessed the art of wig making, silver smithing, barrel making
etc. We walked miles looking for our destination for lunch at the Kings Arms Inn, which
provided many photo opportunities. After being greeted by the Lady of the House, everyone sat
down in the cool, to homemade lemonade, salad, Chicken Pot Pie and for dessert homemade
icecream,
A tour of the Palace was very interesting, displaying the swords, guns and finery of the upper
class. Here we took lessons in bowing and curtsy and learnt about their way of life during
those times.
19th July:
As it was 9 hours to Lexington, it was arranged that we travel to Penmeryl Farm, Staunton ,
Virginia, only 5 hrs away stay the night to break up the trip and continue on the next day. At
Penmeryl, we canoed in the lake, had the opportunity to play tennis, play eightball, swim. A
perfect place to relax or have fun after our long trip. The accommodation was excellent and it
gave the opportunity for all Countries to mingle.
Dinner was inviting and delicious to say the least. A bonfire was again lit and S”MORES were
again offered. Not many takers this time. Many were retiring early after an energetic week of
touring.
20th July:
Virginia Horse Centre, Lexington. On arrival we greeted by the Events Committee and had an
informative meeting. After lunch we were able to look around the many stalls set up with horse
gear, Pony Club Expo’s to mention a few. This was a huge complex for all disciplines to use. A
great X- country coarse, Museum, Indoor and Outdoor Arenas, Showjumping arena’s that were
amazing in size. After the short visit we departed for Georgetown College where we were
staying. This was the home of the Cats , College Football Team .
Dinner was provided and once settled in , it was an early night for some, once again.
21st July
After breakfast we departed for the Life Adventure Centre. It was here that the International
Riders learnt to perform as a group in problem solving and participate in the activities and
programs for the youth.
Crossing a river ( full of evil creatures ) is a daunting task with only 2 planks of wood. With
Coaches and Team Managers not being involved these riders learnt co-operation, leadership
and trust in their fellow team member to tackle the task successfully. Next was the climbing
wall and the tree-tops. Facing your fears and trusting your team mate, was an achieveable
task, even for the not so young. Harnessed up, walking across the tree-tops on wire, slippery
boards while holding ropes guiding you along the way, was challenging and character building
but the furthest thought from your mind when you have to try and control the involuntary
shaking in your knees, hands and body . A GREAT FEELING ! Once the coarse was completed
the reward was to fly over a small lake on the Flying Fox at a good speed towards the ground
on the other side, cheering about the accomplishments all the way down. The Australian Team
did this coarse with zest and vigor. Well Done !!
A well deserved , healthy lunch and drinks were provided by the local Pony Clubs ( Long Run
and Covered Bridge ) and enjoyed by all. The Games equipment was viewed after dinner at the
Kentucky Horse Park , in the cool of the evening.
22nd July:
A hearty breakfast at the Georgetown College before we depart for the Kentucky Horse Centre.
The atmosphere is quiet and low key. All the International Riders are now focusing on the
Competition . We were at the horse park only for a short time due to the increasing
temperature. It gave the teams time to view the ponies selected from the draw and do some
last minute shopping before we leave. After lunch the teams were taken back to Georgetown to
cool off, relax and have a briefing with their coaches for any changes. At 5pm we departed,
ready for the exciting competition we have been waiting for all week.
After the formalities and presentation of all the countries participating, the moment arrived.
Nerves were evident and with the guidance of Sean the riders took each game as it came. The
usual rotation of ponies from lane to lane was not allowed this year, instead, the rotation was
only allowed within the team . We had a good set of ponies and the team didn’t take long too
work them out. Every rider focused and encouraged each other throughout the competition
and still able to glance and chat to the next team along side them. Even though we had many
equipment failures within the first 2 sessions, our team didn’t question their abilities, their
common sense prevailed. Due to the heat, consideration was given to the well fare of the
ponies. Every 4th game, they were taken out to be cooled off and returned. Riders were given
fluids constantly. Buckets of icewater with towels supplied were a welcomed relief.
It was a tight competition to the end. Our Australian Team rode well into second place. An
experience they will never forget. The games were friendly and comradery was strong amongst
the participating countries. A Pizza Party was given to celebrate , with the parents of the riders
being invited to join in.
The only real concern they had, was leaving their new friends. A party continued at
Georgetown, trying to stay awake to say farewell to the Canadian Team, who were leaving at 4
am.
The Australian Team said their goodbye’s to all remaining teams and enjoyed another day to
relax before the journey home.
24th July
On arriving at the Lexington Airport, we learnt that our flight had been cancelled along with
many others that morning. With the help of parents that were travelling back on the same
flights we managed to drive to Cincinnatti to board a flight to LA, connecting up with our flight
to Australia.
We all arrived safely in Sydney on the 26th July. It was here we all parted company to leave for
our final destination home, and with the thought, that we would meet again at the Nationals, in
Werribee.
The journey with the Australian Games Team to Kentucky was an amazing experience and a
great opportunity to meet and make lifetime friends. The tour was interesting and
adventurous. Thank you to the riders for being great Ambassadors for Australia and the Pony
Club Association.
Thank you Pony Club Australia, for the opportunity.
Sue Young,
Australian Team Manager, 2011.