Australian International 3DE

John Thompson from Queensland puts 'Liberty Mac' through his paces in the CIC** dressage phase.

Stephen Bow from South Australia with his 'KP Avenue' during the dressage phase of the Bates CCI**.

Melissa van den Berge from Queensland rode Des Hughes' 'Phantom Stealth' , a gelding by Salute to earn 63.40 penalties and equal 18th place after the Bates CCI** dressage phase.

Edith Kane and 'ESB Irish Justice' by ESB Irish Descent are in 14th place after the dressage phase of the Bates CCI**.

Sam Lyle rode Sue Weeks and Sue Hemsworth's 'Interwin' for 53 penalties and fifth place after the CCI**** dressage phase. 'He's The One'

Christopher Burton has been having a lot of fun showjumping recently. However, he is now down to the serious business of Four Star Eventing. Christopher rode his own and Lou Verwey's Rubiton gelding, 'Newsprint' to earn 52 dressage penalties and head to the cross country tomorrow in equal second place.

Hong Kong heroine, Megan Jones has nursed Lauren Poulson's Rustic Amber gelding, 'Kirby Park Allofasudden' quietly over the last few years. In his first CCI**** the talented gelding leads the field after the dressage phase with 49.10 penalties. They were the only combination in the Four Star to break 50 penalties.

Natalie Davies and her eleven year old, 'Chatswood Sharp Move' put their best foot forward to be equal second with 52 penalties after the dressage phase of the Adelaide Equity CCI****. The confident jumpers head into the cross country phase well placed.

The cool Spring day saw plenty of spectators enjoy the first day of the Australian International Three Day Event.

'Grace under pressure'. No one else but Heath Ryan would be able to sign and sign autographs and pose smiling for photographs with his many admirers so graciously when they had just been eliminated in the dressage phase of the CCI***, an event he won in 2006. That is why Heath is so popular and so good for the sport.

Emma Armstrong from NSW with her successful'Voortrekker' during the Adelaide Equity CCI**** dressage phase. They head off on the tough cross country tomorrow in 10th place with 55.20.

Previous Two Star winners, Ali Foye and 'Bondir' are placed midfield with 63.90 after the dressage phase of the CCI****.

The dressage phase of a Three Day Event is rarely so dramatic. During a test that was scoring very well, Heath Ryan's 'Mystery Whisper jumped out of the arena. The horse got one leg on the outside of the arena fence and in the confusion thought it better to go out than back in. This picture shows a rather spectacular leap back in. However, it was all to no avail as leaving the arena resulted in their elimination. An amazingly self composed Heath commented, "it will be a long drive home".

Marcia Williamson and 'Kalason' from NSW produced a pleasing test for 52.40 penalties and fourth place in the Adelaide Equity CCI**** after the dressage phase.

Robert Palm from NSW rode his Dutchman gelding, 'He's The One' for 59.8 penalties and provisional 12th place in the Adelaide Equity CCI**** after the dressage phase.

Lucy Yeomans and 'I'm A Skyte' during the Bates CIC dressage phase conducted in the Atco Power Main Arena.

2008 World Cup Eventing representative, Kevin McNab from Queensland with his 'Kelecyn Stiff Drinks' during the Bates CIC** dressage phase. They head into the cross country tomorrow in fourth place with 55.60 penalties.

Beijing Team Member, Shane Rose and 'Stratford Novalis' by Ard Black Cat took the lead in the CIC** after the dressage phase with 46.60 penalties.

Karen Perry and her 'BV Red Devil' are 12th after the dressage phase of the CIC** with 65.90 penalties.

Tracey Savage and her Tim's Gambler gelding, 'Gambler Boy' are in 13th place after the CIC** dressage phase with 66.20 penalties.

Jennifer Kinsella with her 'Seamus O'Rielly' during the Dressage phase of the Bates CCI**.

Crystal Conning from Gembrook in Victoria with her typey Thoroughbred by Tong Po, 'Marcus Aurelius' during the CIC** dressage. They are in 15th place at the end of the first phase with 67.20 Penalties.

Dale Flynn and 'ESB Irish Eclipse' a ten year old by ESB Irish are in 18th place in the CCI** after the dressage phase.

Family support. Four Star rider, Peter Gillis with sons, L-R Thomas and David and international eventing correspondent wife, Allison Duthie. Peter will ride his 'Mister JJ' in the dressage phase this afternoon.

Eleanor Osborne and 'Mighty High' earned 65.00 penalties for 21st place after the dressage phase of the Bates CCI**.

"Out in the cold"! L-R Darwin visitors, Tammy Shepherd. Sandy Enniss and Veronica Love, enjoy the chilly morning on the first day of the Australian International Three Day Event.

Australian International Three Day Event Director, Gil Rolton looks delighted that the event is up and running.

A well traveled, Emily Anker rode her own and Mary Jane Crabtree's Kenmare gelding, 'Keniski' in the dressage phase of the Adelaide Equity CCI****. Although in 15th place, they are looking forward to the jumping making some leader board changes.

A much traveled Wendy Schaeffer has two horses in the Adelaide Equity CI**** competition. She is pictured riding 'Koyuna Sun Shine' by Brilliant Invader that is in eighth place after the dressage on 54.60 penalties.

Hamish Cargill did not have the easiest dressage ride on his 'Wynella Remus'. Although down the list on 76.50 penalties, tomorrow is another day.