(Equestrian Australia) – The Credit Suisse Boneo Park Equestrian Festival and CDI*** is now only three weeks away and anticipation is building after large entries have been received in every class. Horse and rider combinations from across Australia will head to the magnificent grounds of Boneo Park to be judged by leading international judges. With the London 2012 Olympics later this year, the event will give many of Australia’s elite dressage riders the chance to gain an Olympic qualification and place them in contention for selection into the Australian Olympic team.

A large field of over 20 combinations will contest the Peter Horobin Saddlery CDI and CDN Grand Prix event, making this one of the biggest Grand Prix fields ever seen in Victoria.  Amongst the favourites for this class are husband and wife duo Heath and Rozzie Ryan from NSW, fresh from recent success at Equitana and the Pacific League World Cup Final at Werribee. Tor van den Berge is one of several riders making the trip from QLD to compete. He will be riding the magnificent imported stallion Fishermans Friend in the Grand Prix.   Local favourites to compete in the Grand Prix include Gitte Donvig, Kerry Mack and Boneo Park’s Fiona McNaught.

There will also be several exciting new combinations to watch at this level. Victorian Maree Tomkinson will be making her Grand Prix debut on her well performed mare Diamantina.  Diamantina has had incredible success in the small tour classes and all will be eager to see her stepping out at Grand Prix level.  Another to watch is Sheridyn Ashwood from QLD who will be competing her stallion Prestige in the Grand Prix class following success in the small tour at the 2011 Australian Championships.

The small tour will also feature some very exciting new combinations.  From Revelwood Stud in NSW the newly imported world class stallion 007 will be making his Australian competition debut in the Prix St Georges class, something not to be missed. 

The Novice and Advanced classes are fully subscribed with many interstate entries and once again will showcase some of the country’s best up and coming horses.

A highlight of the Festival will be Saturday’s masterclass with renowned German trainer Rudolf Zeilinger. Also featuring in the masterclass will be the dual Olympian from Denmark, Lone Joergensen.  Lone, currently shortlisted for the London Olympics, is a long time student of Rudolf’s and no doubt her riding will be a memorable experience for all masterclass attendees. 

Part of the Saturday Equestrian Festival will be other activities for the whole family including showjumping and natural horsemanship displays, a stallion parade, pony rides and much more!

For an indulgent few days why not book a VIP event pass which gives access to the VIP courtyard, welcome cocktail party, and a gourmet luncheon and wines on the Saturday before watching the masterclass.

The event will run from January 26^th to 29^th 2012. Tickets are now available for the event online from the Boneo Park website www.boneopark.com.au.

For further details about the event or this press release please contact Boneo Park 03 59 863006 or email events@boneopark.com.au