Here is a wrap up of a great event that was full of ups and downs, injuries, sunshine and rain – lots and lots of rain.

Our Team Vic riders were coming off the back of a Mounted Games National event in Ballarat and were all pumped for an exciting PCA National event.

Due to the amount of rain Benalla had experienced, it was decided after the trot up on Tuesday to postpone the first day of competition and do some bonding activities instead. Vic, NSW & Tassie headed to the local Ten Pin bowling centre to put their competitive natures into a competition of a different kind. It was a great afternoon, and many interstate friendships were formed.

Thursday was competition day – Seniors in the morning and Juniors in the afternoon. What a magnificent display of mounted games. These riders, the best in their respective states were just outstanding, not only in their skills but their horsemanship and sportsmanship. Vic although coming 4^th from 4 teams did not disappoint, the competition was that good! We had some injuries but that did not stop the fierce nature of the team to keep going, what determination these riders show.

Then our very young junior team hit the sand in the afternoon. All our team were first time national representatives and at the minimum age did not disappoint. It was a very close afternoon of racing, to come down to the final race to decipher the winner was nail biting. It was not meant to be for Team Vic coming 3^rd behind NSW & WA but boy what a fantastic display.

Finishing up the event was a great gala dinner overlooking a very flooded Benalla football ground, but the organisers did a great job, and all states had a great time.

Thank you to PCWA for organizing what would have been a tricky event outside of your normal environment.

Thank you to all the Victorian Mounted Games committee and families for the ongoing support so the riders can have the best opportunities available to them.

Until next year!

Junior team: Taylor Perkins, Emily Oliver, Giselle Smith, Deacon Parker, Ember Vanderyt and Seren McKeever (reserve) coached by Warwick Slade, Managed by Niree Weybury.

Senior team: Brodie Haliday-Tough, Tara Murphy, Zack Stakemire, Jack Bissicks, Charlotte Stewart and Paige Witney (reserve) coached by Alister Ling and Managed by Georgie Cridge.