The journey across the Nullarbor to Nationals with Elissa and Andrew

Read the diary of Andrew Forbes as he and partner Elissa Stewart trek across the Nullarbor to represent our state with pride in the Para Championship at the Australian Dressage Championships in Victoria this weekend:

Elissa and I left for Victoria two days after the WA State Championships.

Started off fantastic weather, first stop Norseman Race Course. The horses were travelling well and glad to stretch their legs that night.

From there it was Mundrabilla Yards for the night. Great place to stop, big secure yards and well off the highway. Fergus was not so sure about the visiting emus at dusk though!

On leaving Mundrabilla at 3.30am the rain had set in with a vengeance, what fun that was, a lot of Perth bound trucks but on the whole the truckies were very considerate, just keep the UHF on channel 40.

Ceduna Race Course for lunch and onto Port Augusta for the night. Here I must mention Sonja Johnson for sharing her contacts and knowledge from her 11,000 trips across the Nullarbor.

Magic and Fergus were still travelling well and apart from being a bit weary we were enjoying the experience.

From there we went to Mildura Race Course for the night. Very welcoming and good safe facilities. We headed to Julia Battam's from there arriving about 4pm.

Unfortunately the rain closed in again and we needed to find drier agistment and were able to get a spot at Redhill Equestrian Centre. Wow, one Powerball is all that we need. Fantastic facilities and the boys settled in wonderfully. We also met up with Astrid Grove and her mum Hayley, so 75% of the WA team is here.

We've been having regular lessons with our coach Dr Victoria Hamilton and have a comp this Sunday at Boneo where we'll stay for the Nationals giving the boys a chance to
settle in.