Sharmayne Spencer, Mrs Link (sponsor) and Catherine Davies

The Thai Polo Club is a spectacular venue set amongst pineapple plantations with expansive polo fields maintained to the highest standards, and very adequate stables for competitor’s horses. There were thirteen competitors, representing Thailand, Australia and India. The Australian team consisted of Sharmayne Spencer and Catherine Davies. In addition Emma Armstrong was invited to compete by the Thai Equestrian Federation as she has been nominated to act as the Official Groom for the Thai team at the SEA Games to be held at the same venue in December 2007. The Australian and Indian riders were supplied horses by the organizers to ride at the competition.

The Australian riders were offered two horses to choose between on the day they arrived at the competition.  “Maximus”, owned by Col. Fuangvich Anirtuth-Deva (member of the Ground Jury) and “Taradorn” owned by Sgt Maj. Tanin Pichaikarn. Both horses were ridden and considered by the Australian riders, and ultimately it was a difficult decision to decide which was more suitable for the riders…Maximus was determined to be the easier ride for dressage and Taradorn was the more talented jumper.  Once the decision was made the riders had 48 hours to familiarize themselves with their chosen horses, Sharmayne having chosen Maximus and Catherine Taradorn.  Emma was loaned ‘Joint Venture’ by one of the Thai competitors.

Dressage results were fairly indicative of the rider’s impressions of the horses, with Maximus leading after the dressage phase. 

Cross country proved somewhat taxing for some of the Thai riders and two members of the Indian Team-the course had been newly upgraded to CCI* standard and was considerably longer than previous competitions held at this venue, which appeared to take its toll. The three Australian girls paced their ride appropriately for the conditions and each completed clear and under time, with Catherine closest to the optimum time.

Show Jumping was held on the polo field in front of the beautiful hospitality complex.  The only clear round of the day was that of Emma and ‘Joint Venture’; Catherine had one rail which relegated her to fourth place and Sharmayne had 3 rails which placed her in second behind Emma.  This phase was held in front of a modest ‘crowd’—but the comments were consistent about the tactful and talented riding of the Australian team who made the most of their horses throughout the competition.

The stated aim of the Thai Equestrian Federation regarding this competition was that it was to be run as a ‘test event’ for the venue as a lead-up to the SEA Games to be held in December 2007.  The organizers were anxious to have the Australian riders there as an example for all of the aspiring Thai riders, and I believe this goal was clearly achieved with Sharmayne, Catherine and Emma each completing the event on happy and sound horses with credible results.

The event itself was interesting and fun for all who attended.  Australia was certainly to the forefront, with course designers and technical delegates, scorers, riders and ex-officio coaches (Heath Ryan).  The relaxed attitude of the Thai’s made light work of some rules—timetables and regulations were often very adjustable to suit the organizers.  But overall every effort was made to show the structure that should be achieved when running an official FEI CCI competition. The venue owned by the Link Family is indeed spectacular, and should provide an opportunity for further development of the sport in Thailand.

Personally I hope that there will be ongoing support by Australia for this event.  Riders from the three countries that competed were able to share experience and expertise, which was the ultimate goal of the organizers.  I thank the selectors for giving me the opportunity to enjoy such a marvelous event!