On the weekend of March 17/18, over 200 State, National and International competitors will converge on the small town of Capel for the possibility of a win at the highest level of National Eventing competition.
Over two days, each competitor and their horse will complete three phases – dressage, show jumping and cross-country jumping.
Originally designed as a way to encourage military horses to be agile and obedient this Olympic discipline has been the most successful competition for Australia, winning many medals since its inclusion in 1912 then known as ‘The Millitaire”.
The first test is the Dressage phase, where each pair completes a prescribed test to demonstrate suppleness, willingness, strength and balance.
The second phase is the Cross Country, where the pair are tested over kilometers of terrain, jumping different obstacles including many types of fences, ditches, combinations and water.
The third phase is the show jumping where the carefulness, fitness and obedience of the horse is tested.
The cross-country phase on Sunday is a great spectator sport and this event attracts many people to watch and marvel at the agility of the horse and the bravery of the rider.
There will be raffles, silent auctions, fresh cooked food, stalls and of course the horses.
The event is also a boon to the local economy and brings around 1000 people into the town over the weekend.
“I would like to congratulate the organisers Capel Horse and Pony Club and all the competitors of the 2018 Capel CNC and Interschools Event…It is more than just a calling, it is a lifestyle, and competing at these events demonstrates the very elite of this sport,” Sponsor and South West MLC Steve Thomas said.
“These events are important to the South West, as the horse industry is such a large component of our economy.”
Event organisers would like to thank major sponsors Steve Thomas MLC, Donnybrook Panel and Paint, Dairy Tech WA, SOS Office Equipment, Advanced Feeds, Horseland Bunbury, South West Equine Vet Practice and Mitavite.
For more information follow the event on facebook ‘Capel CNC and Interschool Eventing’.