The winning Aussies Brad Hearn, Tim Bowman, Hayden Kneebone in Bangalore (IND) Christmas 2006 Photograph:Brett Mace

After an ‘extended’ trip of 30 hours to India, which included delays due to heavy fog in New Delhi, team members Brad Hearn and Hayden Kneebone and Chef Brett Mace spent a different but relaxing ‘Indian’ Christmas Day in Bangalore. Following the arrival of the remaining team member Tim Bowman on Boxing Day, it was down to business on 27 December with the draw for horses, starting order and a 20-minute practice and familiarization session with the horses in preparation for the Team competition the following day. Australia drew well with both the starting position and horses. Word around the stables was that we drew some of the best horses on offer, which pleasantly turned out to be the case.

On completion of the first round of competition, Australia was in second position with seven penalties, just 2 points behind Russia on five, thanks to two clear rounds by Brad Hearn and Tim Bowman. Hayden Kneebone had one rail plus 3 time faults to give Australia their total first round tally of 7 penalties.   The first of the Indian teams and Singapore were one penalty further back in equal third on eight while Hong Kong and the second Indian team were well out of contention.

In the second round, a combination of clear rounds by both Hayden Kneebone and Brad Hearn along with a disastrous round by a Russian Rider who had seven rails down, effectively ending the Russians' chances, saw Australia in the box seat with a rider from each of the teams to go.   Australia’s final rider Tim Bowman had the luxury of a three-rail advantage to secure a win for the Australian Team. Both Indian and Singapore riders had rails down in the second round. Tim delivered the victory to Australia with 2 rails down to win from Singapore in second place and India finishing third.

The following day was the Individual competition. Australia were not so fortunate this time with the draw for horses and this was further complicated with no opportunity available for the riders to ride their horses before the competition.  Despite this, Tim Bowman managed to finish both rounds of the competition with only one rail, but because of his time, he only managed a sixth position finish. Both Brad and Hayden had 2 rails in the first round, but both managed much better second rounds though this was not enough and both finished well down the rankings.

The organisation of the Event and the facilities and hospitality provided by the Embassy International Riding School in Bangalore along with the Indian Equestrian Federation were very much appreciated by the Australian Team.   The Organisers, Staff and Officials were very hospitable and efficient. We take this opportunity to publicly thank all those involved for their efforts. The teams were very well looked-after from the moment they arrived to the time they departed and this made the trip a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Brett Mace
Chef d'Equipe