Interpacific Update # 9 – FINAL REPORT Sunday 11th August – Nations Cup Day Not quite a cup more a shield, but here is the Nations Cup This is the day we had all been working towards. Dawn broke with clear blue skies and it was pleasantly warm. We headed onto the coach at 8:45am arriving at Vakarra Park to prepare our allocated horses for competition. The girls were soon reunited with their mounts and began washing, grooming and plaiting. The practice area was in shade and poor Janelle was the second rider of the day to take a tumble due to the slippery surface. It was after her fall that the area was changed. Lucky for Janelle and our team she was not hurt and only required a change of jodhpurs Nations Cup is conducted over two rounds, not against the clock, but with a time allowed; the three best scores in each round to count. Riders eliminated in the first round are permitted to ride competitively in the second round and eliminated riders may ride in any jump‐off. The competition starts with an Official March Past followed by the first round of competition. New Zealand finished the first round with a score of 8 as did Canada and the USA. Hong Kong was on 12 and Australia on 4. We were very pleased with our round and our horses. The second round finished with equality for first place between Australia and New Zealand. This then required us to take part in a jump‐off against the clock, over a reduced course. It was pressure all round, but all our riders took up the challenge in a calm but business like manner. Both the Australian and New Zealand riders were focused and determined. The end result was once again equality of faults. This then required that the aggregate times of the three best rounds in the jump‐off round for each team, was used to determine the winner. The wait for the final announcement seemed to take ages but finally it was announced that Australia was victorious with a time of 123.8 seconds over ours of 125.6 secs. So close. The funny thing was that the entire New Zealand team, although disappointed, was also happy for Australia. The combination of the closeness of the scores, and just the excitement of the competition being down to the wire , combining all that with the true friendships and closeness that every rider felt it didn’t turn out to be a result that left the team feeling flat . A mounted presentation took place before finally bidding farewell to our wonderful and generous horse owners and their mounts. Back at the resort the riders headed for the swimming pools and Liz and I started the repacking of our bags for our journey home the next morning. An official farewell dinner was held at the resort with the judges, property owner and some invited guests from Queensland Pony Club invited to join us. Our New Zealand team had been asked throughout the tour if they were going to do a Haka, so the girls didn’t disappoint. I just wish photos had captured the enthusiasm of the girls, especially Janelle who could stand proud against the All Blacks for the best eye and tongue show in town. It was then down to Trading . Yes trading. This is a tradition at all IP Tours. The riders trade off parts of their uniforms and badges to the other riders. The New Zealand uniform was in hot demand. Everyone wanted something. It has to be seen to be believed. The riders go mad running from unit to unit trading. They finally all ended up in one unit armed with their loot . It was then goodbyes all round as the Canadian and Hong Kong teams were leaving at 4:00am to make their way back to Brisbane for their flights. New Zealand, USA and Australia had a slightly longer sleep in, leaving Noosaville at 6:30am. Our flight back to New Zealand was in the early evening so this allowed us most of the day shopping and sightseeing around Brisbane city. We were joined by several of the Australian team. This was a great way to finish what can only be described as a wonderful experience that will be a major highlight in our Pony Club memories. The full result sheet has been sent through to NZPCA and should be available on the web page. As with all the previous updates all photos have been reduced in size to make the file smaller. You can however click on the individual photos with the document and enlarge them for clearer pictures. The team wishes to pass on our thanks to NZPCA for supporting this tour and allowing us this opportunity to experience the Spirit of Interpacific. The entire group with our wonderful Austrlaian IP Tour organiser – Carol Paterson– 3 rd from the left in the middle row. Carol put her heart and soul into arranging and leading this tour. Not only did she hold this role, but also that of President of Pony Club Australia. One very busy and dedicated Pony Club person whom we all admire and respect. The team working the course The venue for Nations Cup – Vakarra Park Discussing the Horses and Game Plan with Liz A mount having a massage prior to the Nations Cup Alex Clarke with her mount Mr.Cruise Janelle and Torando A down to business type Course walk with Liz Katie Meredith up high ready to plait Our supporters from NZ – Janelle Gibson’s family. Lined up in a good spot to watch The Official March Past Kate Fleming Proud Kiwis – Katie Alex, Janelle and Kate Katie Meredith Poor Janelle, but at least she is smiling and unhurt Alex Clarke Janelle Gibson Geraldine found some friendly Roos Liz and Geraldine with Brandon Beneke from Australia at the Farewell Dinner Walk about to the South Shore in Brisbane Waiting for the train at the airport to take us into the City Best mates – Aussies and the Kiwi’s on a walk about in the city Too much walking – Too hot – time for a cool down Sad to be leaving photo at Brisbane Airport Too much walking for these two. Janelle and Alex get some shut‐eye on the plane No Shut eye for these two. Katie and Kate