EquestrianBLEAK weather did not dampen the spirits of riders when Wagga Dressage Club held its third competition of the year at Equex Centre.Even in the less than ideal conditions, four arenas were able to cater for all classes of competition up to international level, with many riders securing personal best scores.Highly experienced A level judge Sue Cunningham from Sydney and co-judge Sandi Rosenbrock made some positive comments to the FEI riders about their current training at the event on August 16. Local rider Maxine Cummings, riding Pinnamurra Ricardo, was successful in the most difficult level, the grand prix.Fellow Wagga rider Marina Douglas, riding Argentille Sharmada, just gained the upper hand in the intermediate II level.Albury competitors challenged the locals to some stiff competition with Anthea Erdlejac taking the small tour FEI levels.Andrea Williams, riding Arandanth Remembrance, again won the advanced level with Jodie O'Sullivan taking out both the elementary competitions. Wagga's Maree Walker successfully made the transition to the next level of competition, competing at medium level after winning the elementary level at the last Wagga competition.Walker turned in a excellent and consistent performance on Double TT Adonas.Pony competitions, meantime, continue to grow in popularity and were run at official level leading up to an annual championship event in Sydney. Catherine Hughes and Sue Everitt were again successful at their respective levels with long-time competitor Kerrie Wise a new face in the pony field.With the State Pony Club Championships only a few days away Wagga's junior riders made the most of the competition as a lead up event before setting off to contest the state trophy. Ashleigh Neil, Rosie Maskill, Troy Pollard and Carla Giles will represent the region and are sure to do the it proud. The prestigious NSW State Dressage Championship event will be held for the first time in the new purpose built $1 million facility at Tamworth. The Riverina will be well represented with Christine Hill, Kelly O'Keeffe, Toni Pearce and Sharon and John Potter making the journey next month.