Briggs Equine

Horse Rugs for Sale in Australia | Horse Rugs Online | Bow Horse Shop Bow Horse for mix-and-match horse rugs designed with adjustability and comfort in mind. Featuring detachable neck rugs, liner systems and neck rugs that help prevent mane loss.

The Melbourne International 3DE once again delivered its signature blend of excitement, exhaustion and existential questioning, and Raff arrived determined to contribute enthusiastically to all three.

From the moment he stepped off the float, he radiated the energy of a horse who had big plans for the week. Whether those plans involved brilliance or buffoonery was unclear, but I tightened my girth, smiled bravely and hoped the universe was in a generous mood.

Trot up was fancy and the flowers were full of goblins apparently, the choir of judges called out ‘accepted’ which was great because running in heeled boots is not my strong point.

On Friday Dressage was our usual duet of optimism versus reality. Raff warmed up like a seasoned professional psychopath on his lunge, then entered the arena and transformed into a creature who had never encountered the concept of bending. Or straightness. Or listening. His interpretation of the test was bold, expressive and entirely self‑directed. I saluted at the end with the dignity of a rider pretending everything had gone exactly as intended, and Raff strutted out feeling very pleased with his artistic choices. The judges were not impressed.

Cross country on Sunday, however, was where he remembered he is actually quite good at this sport. Although the pre-start box tantrum got everyone’s attention (thanks to Aunty Rochelle who saw the impending disaster and took over). He locked onto the big, bold fences with confidence and enthusiasm, powering around like he had something to prove. Unfortunately, one rider directional failure at the challenging bounce out of the water slightly marred an otherwise cracking round. It was a moment best described as “pilot error with commitment”. Raff, naturally, handled the situation with far more composure than I did, and together we still achieved his third 3‑star long completion in just twelve months. Not bad for a horse who answers to Raff, Ranga and Idjet depending on the level of chaos he’s serving.

Showjumping was Raff’s opportunity to demonstrate that he can, when he feels like it, behave like a polished professional. He marched into the arena as though the crowd had gathered specifically to admire him. For the most part, he delivered a tidy, confident round, only occasionally reminding me that he is not a robot by having the first rail down!! I can’t remember the last time that happened!!

None of this would have been possible without my extraordinary team—the people who hold the horse, hold the gear, hold the snacks and occasionally hold my sanity together. Their humour, patience and willingness to support both me and Raff’s theatrics are the reason weekends like this are even remotely achievable. I am endlessly grateful for every hand on the ground, every word of encouragement and every person who pretends not to notice when I mutter threats and pep talks at my horse in equal measure.

In the end, Melbourne International 3DE gave us everything: laughter, chaos, triumph, humility and a renewed appreciation for the village that makes this sport possible. Raff gave me his whole heart, as he always does. And for that, and for the people who help us get to the start box and home again, I am deeply thankful.

Huge thank you goes to Tamara and Adam Claira Whipp who made sure the ponies at home didn’t starve or drown in the rain. Snowball and Jeffery thank you!

Huge thanks to Christine Sievers, for putting up with the dressage impression 🫣 and forming part of the inaugural Melbourne International 3DE Gin Club.

Mum for spending the week glamping in the caravan and being the best dog nanny all week!

Rochelle and helping crew for xc cool down and the assistance at the start box when the Ranga decided that he couldn’t wait 30 sec to go and had a melt down.

Thanks to Chloe Tianah Photography Chloe Jones for the moral support, strapping on SJ day and the best reels! 🧡

Thanks always for my amazing sponsor team who make this very amateur show look more professional!

Energreen Nutrition
Team TuffRock
TuffRock Australia
Bow Horse
Pure Steed
Dynamic Equine Veterinary Services
TAKE OFF showjumps
Horse on the lo o s e
Hampton and Harlow Equestrian
Ladhams Equine
FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips

From nostril to lung, the equine airway is a single, continuous pathway. Air enters through the nostrils and travels through the nasal passages, the narrowest and most resistance-prone part of the system, before moving into the pharynx, larynx, trachea, and down into the lungs. From there, oxygen is transferred into the bloodstream and delivered to the muscles powering movement.

Any restriction, especially in the nasal passages, makes the whole system work harder.

Melbourne memories

Chloe Tianah Photography
Team TuffRock
TuffRock Australia
Energreen Nutrition
TAKE OFF showjumps
Bow Horse
Hampton and Harlow Equestrian
Horse on the lo o s e
C4 Belts Australia
Dynamic Equine Veterinary Services
Pure Steed
FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips

MI3DE 2026… where do I even begin?! 🥹

Blessed with such beautiful weather, it felt like the perfect way to finish off the season. For me, this event has really highlighted how much hard work has paid off over the last 12 months. So much has changed - and in ways I never thought were quite possible, especially so soon. Over the five days, I travelled more than 910km and every kilometre was worth it.

Looking back at the content I created at MI3DE last year compared to this year, I can see just how much I’ve grown, both creatively and personally. I’m incredibly grateful for every opportunity, every rider, every horse and every person who has supported me along the way.

To those who trusted me to capture their special moments, thank you for trusting me. It means the world to me to be able to preserve memories that you’ll look back on for years to come.

Thank you to those who made this event what it was and who continue to support, encourage and believe in me - especially on the days when I doubt myself. You all know who you are and I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know 🤍

Whilst things are now starting to slow down over winter, I’ve got some exciting things in the works that I can’t wait to share.

Here’s to an unforgettable MI3DE 2026 and to continuing to learn, grow and chase big dreams ✨

📸 Picture courtesy of Click Capture - thank you Jac 💛