CZ composite games team with coach Niree
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Leonie Lang, Thursday, 18 October 2018 The Central Zone Flat Teams, Musical Ride and Games Championships was held at Oaklands on 7th October in perfect weather for hard-working ponies and riders.
As well as competing for the honour of winning the zone championship shields and placing sashes, the first 3 placegetters in each section are qualified to compete at the State Championships.
The day started with the only Flat Team of Four from Macedon. They completed an excellent test and will represent Central Zone competitively at the State Champs.
Nine Teams of Two were entered.
Macedon A (1st), Werribee A (2nd) and Macedon B (3rd) will be representing Central Zone at the State Champs, with Riddells Creek (4th) as the first reserve.
By the time it came to present the ribbons, the games gear check was underway so not all of the riders were available.
  
This year, five Musical Ride teams were entered, showing the increasing popularity of this event.
The winners were an Oaklands team riding to the theme of “Aussie Rock”. Lots of upbeat Aussie rock tunes to keep the ride moving. Costumes were typical Aussie outfits – comfortable and relaxed. Here they are shown with their proud coach.
The second placed team from Melton were inspired by a recent visit of the mounted police to their rally. The police sirens at the start had the audience looking around anxiously for a few moments. This is the first time that Melton has done a musical ride and they are thrilled with their result.
 
Two of the Oaklands Jesters team (placed third) were about to go to games so they were not in costume but here they are riding in their colourful outfits.
This Gisborne team chose the Showman music for their theme, complete with a ringmaster.
 
This Gisborne team again had riders away at the games gear check, but here they are dressed as Pink Ladies from “Grease”, mounted on their T-birds.
In the afternoon, the six games events were hotly contested by 7 teams.
Macedon A, CZ Composite and Gisborne A will be representing Central Zone at the State Champs, with Werribee A as the first reserve. The CZ composite team has members from Oaklands, Lancefield and Truganina. Truly a zone team.
 
 
The Werribee B, Kilmore and Gisborne B teams had a ball. Serious contenders in the future.
  
After each games heat, groups of assisted riders who aren't yet ready to compete in a team but still love their games, had a go at each game. They will be back.
At the end of the day, all assisted riders were presented with a participation ribbon, colour of their choice. It was quite a scramble.
Many thanks to the Oaklands team who did the hard work setting up the grounds, to the canreen workers who kept riders,parents and officials sustained with food and drink throughout the day, to the CZ officials who spent hours behind the scene organising the event and finally to the volunteer family members. We couldn'y do it without you. .
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