2006 World Equestrian Games

Saddles, Saddles and more saddles!

Just one of the many attractive bars on the WEG site. This one is just outside the Media area, with a big mural of Marcus Enning, Rodrigo Pessoa and Marcus Fuchs (all showjumping World Cup winners) on the wall.

The wonderful thing about this venue and indeed the attitude of the organisers, is that the general public can get quite close up to the competitors. Here Swedish rider, Jan Brink warms up his impressive 'Bjorsells Briar 899'.

Spanish hero, Ignacio Rambla trains his Andalusian stallion, 'Distinguido 2'. They really gave a breathtaking display of effortless passage and piaffe.

These would look nice in the front garden. The life size foals are part of a display of Ingo Koblischek sculptures, all of which are for sale of course.

This view of the trade stands and spectators includes the Perth Royal Chief Ring Steward, Merrilyn Gollan, (in pink on the left).

Australian Dressage Chef d' Equipe, Deb MacNicol bides her time before the Trot Up, too nervous to buy anything.

Dutch Team Trainer, Sjef Jansen casts his eye over his team in practice.

Anky and 'Keltec Salinero' . The horse looks much bigger in the flesh and as can be imagined is breathtaking, but so many of these horses are.

As can be imagined their was a lot of interest in Anky van Grunsven.

'Wingy' aka Roger Fitzhardinge who had a shoulder reconstruction two days before he left home.

The one that got away. The Russian Team horse, 'Balagur' did not like the Dressage Trot Up at all and just wanted to get out of there. Fortunatly a German official captured him before he got too far.

Australian Team Trainer, Ulla Salzgeber looks on at the Dressage Trot Up.

Well known German rider and former World Champion, Isabell Werth presents her horse, 'Satchmo' at the Dressage Trot Up.

Australian Team members, Matthew Dowsley and 'Cinderella' looking splendid at the Dressage Trot Up.

Australian Team members, Kelly Layne and 'Amoucheur' at the Dressage Trot Up.

German based Australian Team Member, Kristy Oatley-Nist with her stallion, 'Quando Quando' at the Dressage trot Up.

Rachael Sanna and 'Chatham Park Jac' stand up for the Dressage vet inspection. The Australian team were turned out to perfection and all passed the Trot Up.

The United Arab Emirates crew await the arrival of their team at the fourth vet check.

Australian Endurance Team groom, Von Mitchell prepares for the arrival of the team at the fourth vet check.

Australian Endurance Team groom, Chris Gates.

Australian Endurance Team groom, Asher Batty looks a little anxious as she awaits the arrival of the team off the fourth leg.

The first horse in off the fourth leg was the United Arab Emirates' 'Keroual du Breuil' ridden by Shikh Rashid bin Mohd Al Maktoum. Unfortunatly the entire UAE Team did not make it past the fourth vet inspection.

One of the Australian Endurance Team vets, Adam Driver.

A very supportive Australian Endurance crew member, Shay Corbett.

Italy's Diana Origgi helps to cool off her 'Primula Baia', pouring water over him from a water bottle, as she arrives at the fourth Endurance vet check.

Australian Team member, Brook Sample removes the saddle from 'Archduke' which is keen to have a drink after his arrival at the fourth vet check.

Australia's Meg Wade looks a little forlorne as she waits in the heavy rain with her 'Schuska' at the fourth vet check.

Despite the pouring rain all were keen to drink. Here Peter Toft on left, who experienced some difficulties on course which saw him loose first place, has a drink as the grooms attend to "Electra BBP Murdoch'.

Australian Chef de Mission, Geoff Sinclair remains in a good humour despite the torrential rain.

Australian Endurance Team Member, Penny Toft waits as her horse, Bremervale Justice' is examined by the vets.

As the spectators were awaiting the arrival of the Endurance horses into the main stadium, they were kept amused by entertainment, such as this unusual harness exhibit.

A delighted Spaniard and 2006 Endurance World Champion, Miguel Vila Ubach meets the press. He rode the eight year-old Arab, 'Hungares' to finish the event in nine hours, twelve minutes and twenty-seven seconds. France won the Team Gold Medal with Frenchwomen Virginie Atger and 'Kangoo D'Aurabelle' earning the Silver madal and Elodie Le Labourier riding 'Sangho 'Limousian the Bronze.

Meg Wade and Schuska come home first of the Australians and placed in the thirties overall. At 9pm the French Team were provisionally 1st with the Swiss second and third undecided. Australia looked liked being about 5th.

Peter Toft and Electra BBP Murdoch come home shortly after Meg.

Peter Toff and Electra BBP Murdoch come home shortly after Meg.