Trans Tasman Adventure The phone call took me a little by surprise, although it definitely was a good surprise! Legal Star (Trumby) had made the long list for the Senior Australian Trans Tasman team to compete against New Zealand at the Sydney International Horse Trials in April. Placement on the long list was an honour, with Trumby and I standing alongside the likes of Craig Barrett, Natalie Blundell, Tim Boland, Soigne Jackson, Megan Jones, Seamus Marwood, Shane Rose, Emma Scott and Stuart Tinney. Albury International Horse Trials was a compulsory lead up event for members of the Trans Tasman long list, after which a squad of six would be chosen to go into camp at SIEC (Sydney International Equestrian Centre). From the squad, a team of four riders and two reserves would be selected. Trumby’s summer holiday came to an abrupt end and planning for a five week trip east swung into action. Capel 2* in April, was Trumby’s only WA competition before heading East to base with Sam Lyle in Sutton Forest, NSW. Dad and I pulled out of the Swan Valley on the Thursday following Capel. Legal Contender (Leroy) was a last minute inclusion in the plans, as we thought the experience would do him good and Trumby was pleased with the company (if not just a little annoyed at Leroy’s immaturity and general over-exuberance). Four days later we arrived at Sutton Forest after an incident free trip across the Nullabour, and the boys were pleased to be turned out into a paddock. Dad hopped on a plane straight back home to work. Sutton Forest was an ideally located base and I was fortunate enough to be able to train with Brett Parbery and George Sanna, who both lived nearby, in the lead up to Albury. I made Top: The Trans Tasman team L-R: Seamus Marwood, Emma’ Scotts’s groom, Emma Scott, Jess Manson, Lauren Dunning, Stuart Tinney, Cara (Stuart’s groom), Nat Blundell, Britannia Peete, Craig’s Barrett, Craig’s groom, Prue Barrett, Veterinarian Nathan Anthony. Above: Groom Lauren Dunning with Legal Star.