On the 21st December, I received a letter from the PC Headquarters informing me of my selection for the British Team of 1999. I was ecstatic, even more so when I realised I was travelling to Australia! I couldn't have hoped for a better Birthday present - although it sort of spoiled the surprise!
We left Manchester Airport on 24th March and after 13 hours flying, the UK team landed in Hong Kong. We spent 3 days here during which we stayed at the famous Jockey Club, riding several of their "ex-racehorses", experienced public transport Hong Kong style, watched the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, and managed to get extremely lost!
Another 8 hours on a plane and we were in Sydney, Australia being welcomed with open arms by the Australian team and their chaperones. I couldn't believe it - I was on the other side of the world!
For the best part of our visit the 4 teams stayed at Valentimes Sports Park. Here we were provided with vast quantities of Nutella and early morning training - swimming in an outdoor, non-heated pool!
For the two weeks we spent in Australia, all we did was tour! There was so much to see and do. We visited all the Olympic sites, Wonderland Theme Park, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, the Parliament House, the Jenoland Caves and of course our competition site the Royal Easter Show. We spent two nights at a ranch, one of which we spent riding and camping out! That has to be one of the Highlights of my trip, however swimming in the Olympic pool was a great experience too.
We had two competitions in Australia. The first was a fun competition held by Londonderry PC and all the teams were mixed up. This was not taken very seriously, and there was a great amount of cheating taking place! However, the actual competition was a different story. It was extremely exciting and the standard of ponies was much better! We rode in a full main arena which was an ex-baseball stadium imagine the size! It was very close throughout all 16 races, with Australia and the UK alternating between first and second. In the end Australia won by 1 point with the UK 2nd, USA 3rd and Canada 4th. Eight races were won by Australia and eight by the UK!
I really enjoyed my trip and am sincerely grateful for being given the opportunity. It has given me many happy memories which will remain with me all my life. Although there are many people and ponies who are due thanks, I feel there is one man who deserves a special mention. Mr. Noble, thank you!
Vicki Stevenson.