Once Bathurst was over the stables became strangely silent and empty and remained that way until just a few weeks ago.

But that’s all changed in the last few weeks.

Alhambra Veronique came back into work in June with her new rider Nienke Lucas. They spent a few weeks getting to know each other - and Ronnie getting used to being a city dweller at Sydney’s Centennial Park Equestrian Centre - before trying their hand at a ‘baby’ competition in late July.

At French’s Forest Gymkhana they competed in dressage and hacking to come home with 7th and 4th places in their dressage tests and two 2nds and Reserve Champion Hack from the hack ring. Nienke has a few more unofficial dressage outings planned for Ronnie in the coming months and she will be entered for the major Spring Arabian breed shows in NSW. She’ll begin official dressage competition in early 2004.

Alhambra Windchime Melody is being prepared for the Spring breed shows, as is 2yo Arabian Warmblood gelding Alhambra Mareseille (Rangeview Nordstern (imp NZ) x Marielle) and his 4yo half-sister Alhambra Martina (Vivaldi x Marielle).

Alhambra Dark Honey is being started under saddle and we’re looking forward to offering her for sale as a top child’s pleasure and show pony.