THE Equestrian Victoria Masters Games is a joyous event.

Sorted into three age groups, 25-44, 45-54 and over 55, 300 competitors from all across Victoria competed last weekend at Werribee Park in show horse, combined training, dressage, showjumping and working horse classes.

The range of horses and ponies on show was as varied as the riders. Every horse - from Clydesdales to Welsh Mountain ponies - gives its best.

A bulk entry fee means riders can take part in as many disciplines and classes as they choose.

EV chief executive Jackie Woodhead said the committee decided to spread the events over three days this year so classes would not clash, but next year would revert to two.

"We had a suggestion to run the working horse classes indoors Saturday evening, which would mean the spectators could enjoy them, and would also mean we could go back to just Saturday and Sunday," she said.

Glenda Hinchcliffe won gold in showing and dressage.

Fiona Burnell's champion show hunter Romeo's Gift was just as much at home winning the all round mount class as he was in the ridden class.

Other successful show horse riders were Suzanne Everitt, Wendy Sutherland, Elizabeth Kennedy, Anthea Wood and Dorothy Harris.

Brian Scholes was another multi-talented competitor.

He won gold and silver in the showing and then turning his four-year-old Thoroughbred, Baldwin Spencer, into a working horse, opening gates, climbing bridges and working smoothly under saddle for well known judge Gordon Nash.

"It's really only showing off their basic dressage training," Brian said.

"They need to be able to halt, rein back and move sideways anyway, so any horse should be able to do working classes."

The working class section was full of constant barracking and laughter as many tried their hand at new tasks.

The most popular rider was Anne Larkin, 68 years young, who rode her gorgeous Clydesdale cross, Percheron mare Mivoran.

The big mare did everything her rider asked. She won the station hack and had several other placings in her age group for her smiling rider, who insists she will be back next year.

Gill Frost's little Appaloosa mare, Sling Shot Sally, had a try at almost every section on the program, from showing through working horse to combined training and was up in the placings in most.

The event needed six dressage rings, running from eight in the morning until seven in the evening to cope with the numbers and again, all ages and shapes and sizes competed together, with judges being especially encouraging to "newbies" having their first go at some of the easier tests.

Winners in preliminary classes included Elizabeth Pallett, Di Price, Wendy Sutherland, Caroline Taylor, Ian Reynolds, Karen Sandow, Vicki Ruschin, Glenda Hinchliffe, Raenor Priest, Anneliese Shortt, Denise Wood and Jodie Barton.

Winners in the novice classes were Rebecca Eaton, Sally Watkins, Tamara Chippindall and Kate Mcmahon. Medium classes were won by Lorraine Pope and Amanda White, who both won two tests and Susan Nevett.

Linda Testa won the Prix St George and elementary level class gold medals went to Ingrid Crichton, Lyn Coates and Lynette Evans.

Katy Walsh, Kylie Pedder and Susan Nevett won advanced golds.

Masterclass invite

EXPRESSIONS of interest are invited from riders who would like to be considered for the Saddleworld Masterclass with Ton De Ridder at this year's Dressage and Jumping with the Stars.

Riders will train with De Ridder on Wednesday and Thursday. He will select two riders to prepare for the dressage test session on Thursday night, as well as other combinations who will be involved with the Saddleworld Masterclass on Saturday.

This is a unique opportunity to train with a top level international coach. Preference will be given to Victorian squad members, however, applications are welcome from other riders.

Inquiries to Caroline Coleby on 0432 505 774 or email dwts@live.com.au

Diva domination

IN THE report on the Royal Melbourne Horse Show (January 27), M. Paine's Pen-Nant Gallant Bess was listed as champion Welsh Cob Mare or filly. The champion was C. Pattinson's the Maeva Diva and Pen-Nant Gallent Bess was reserve.