The jumpers, the dressage riders and the show riders have been back in business in Victoria for some time and now finally the eventers are also back in the saddle and out competing as the therat of EI lessens daily!

Tooradin Estate has been playing host to the top events and riders for many years now thanks to the generosity of Judy and Derry Francis and as always the place was a picture even though the weather may ot have been totally user friendly with over cast skies which threatened rain, causing a touch of humidity which Victorians are not used to.

Nobody cared though, what the weather did - the riders, support teams and spectators were just delighted to be out competing again. The event ran over two days with the dressage over and done with on Saturday and the jumping and cross country on Sunday.

Organisers were delighted with the turn up as over 200 entries were made for the weekend.

It was great to see all but one of the Victoria Elite Squad competing over the weekend and also sensational to see National Selector there competing on young horses as well. The fields in all levels were scattered with Olympic representatives and World Championships representatives and again it is a reminder of what a unique sport equestrian is - if you have a top level horse you ride at very elite level but then you will also ride at the very beginning level on young horses!

Before we can begin any report on the horses and riders mention has to be made of the most fabulous newcomer on the horse scene at events - pictured left - the fresh quality brewed coffee from the back of a van!

It seems there are a few of these around - and they pull up at the shows, flip that back up and bingo an exclusive Italian coffee shop - what a genius of an idea this one is! And the constant queue is proof that there is a need ...............

Eventing is definitely the equestrian discipline which grabs the attention of the non-horse public anad perhaps the colours of the cross country silks has something to do with it! People love to be able to tell the difference between the riders and know who the rider is that they are following regardless of the horse they are on.

And the silks all looked fresh and bright - so maybe people used the enforced break due to EI to spruce up their gear - and our photographers couldn't help themselves snapping at the wonderful feast of colours.

Katie Classon (156) and Sami Wood (154) - pictured left - made a bright combination as they waited for their time in the warm up arena before heading cross country.

And the spectators looked super too - pictured below - getting into the spirit of cross country day.

The highest level this weekend us traditionally the CNC** which began in 1989 with the first one being won by Lyn King in the saddle of Hoffman.

This years winner set a new record when Janelle Pitts again won the event riding Mister Showoff with a final score of 45.4 from a field of 16 starters. This combination previously won the event in 2003/04/05.

Final Placings - CNC**
1st - Janelle Pitts - Mister Showoff - 45.4
2nd - Amanda Howell - Barney Rubble - 54.7
3rd - Amanda Howell - Koyuna Tora Bora - 53.2
4th - Natalie Davies - Chatsworth Sharp Move
5th - Bianca Craddock - JJ Fortitude
6th - Edith Kane - Irish Justice

The CNC* was divided in to two sections due to the number of entries - Sections A and B both had 20 starters listed with placings given in each division.

Section A saw the win go to a very well know event horse, Mousetrap with Lucy Young in the saddle. This combination took the win by a massive 17.3 points from second placed Campbell Baxter and Irish Nonsense with 50.9 points.

Final Placings - CNC* - Section A
1st - Lucy Young - Mousetrap - 33.6
2nd - Campbell Baxter - Irish Nonsense - 50.9
3rd - Narelle McFee - Ferndale Mistral - 57.9
4th - Olivia Townsend - Spenser Street
5th - Nadine Rotherham - TS Swamp Fox
6th - Danielle Vidler - Octane

Final Placings - CNC* - Section B
1st - Adam Benson - Enthusiast - 53.7
2nd - Cassie Lowe - Bentleigh Gambler - 57.2
3rd - Jo Murphy - Koolaroo Lily Marlene - 59.7
4th - Bianca Craddock - Saddle Up Valentine
5th - Ailie Jenkins - Kendalee Hitch Hiker
6th - Stephanie Pearce - TS Jamaimo

The Pre-Novice was also well attended again requiring two section with 30 in each section.

Section A saw eventing's Mr Nice Guy, Will Enzinger take first placing with BWS Eagle and his win was 13.2 points ahead of second placed Sharon Ridgeway riding the former International horse of Olivia Bunn, GV Top of the Line who finished with 57 points.

Third placed Adam Benson and Irish Innocence - pictured left - looked super smart in the their black and white striped colours.

Pictured below centre - sixth placed Tiffany Higgins and If Only loked good all the way.

Pictured above left and right - Jenni Hodgins and Lambourne Park Teachers Pet who placed 4th today looked a picture in their very striking colours.