(Equestrian Australia by Scott Pollock) -  The Sydney CDI was the first internationally recognised dressage competition in Australia. It was first held in 1992 in one of Australia’s most renowned wine-growing areas, the Hunter Valley. Within two years it outgrew the venue and was then moved to Sydney. Over the last twenty years it has grown to be the highlight of Australia’s dressage calendar. The event has won the Event of the Year at the Equestrian Australia Sport Achievements awards three times in 2006, 2009, 2010. Like all equestrian events it takes a team of hard working volunteers to make them successful. What also is needed is an experienced Event Director to ensure all bases are covered. The Sydney CDI has been extremely lucky to have had Toni Venhaus involved since its inception and she took over the helm from her husband Franz a few years before the Sydney Olympic Games. Franz and Toni have been instrumental in shaping the Sydney CDI into the event it is today.

 

This year will be interesting as a number of Australia’s elite riders are in Europe battling it out for a place on the London 2012 Olympic team. Recently, Equestrian Australia endorsed seven combinations to compete at the Olympic nomination shows in Europe – Hayley Beresford on Belissimo, Mary Hanna on Sancette, Lyndal Oatley on Potifar, Brett Parbery on Lord of Loxley, Rozzie Ryan on GV Bullwinkle, Rachael Sanna on Jaybee Alabaster and Chantal Wigan on Ferero.

 

As these riders won’t be competing at the Sydney CDI, it opens the gate for some of the new Big Tour horses to win one of the coveted Sydney CDI trophies. One combination to watch out for is the very experienced Maree Tomkinson on her delightful mare Diamantina. There are also a number of young adults who have been working hard over the years and are now showing the maturity and skill to give some of Australia’s best a run for their money. This bunch of youthful riders I have nick named ‘The Young Guns.’ Over the next few weeks I will be doing a number of articles showcasing some of these riders.

 

Indications are that the competition will be hot in the small tour with a stronger than ever field. There is an expectation that some horses will be scoring in the 70% range on a regular basis.

 

The Sydney CDI has made many champions and by doing so it has enthused lots of riders to chase their dreams. Winning or placing at this event has become a benchmark to gauge wether these horse and riders have the potential to compete abroad. This year will be no different!

 

The Sydney CDI will run from the 3^rd May to the 5^th May. Tickets are still available. For all information visit www.sydneycdi.com

 

 

By Scott Pollock

 

Some of Australia’s leading dressage horses and riders will be travelling to Europe to take part in the Olympic Nomination events and will miss the Sydney CDI this year. This leaves the door wide open for other combinations to step up and win one of the coveted Sydney CDI trophies.

 

The competition in Sydney is always tough and a win in Sydney is as good as it can get in Australia. Over $40,000 in prize money and prizes is on offer – the highest for a Dressage event in Australia.

 

Once again we have a top line up of Judges officiating this year. Seven visiting “foreign” Judges will be part of the Ground Jury this year including three foreign FEI 5* (O-Level) Judges: Stephen Clarke (GBR), Maribel Alonso (MEX) and Peter Holler (GER). Other judges making the trip down under include Kurt Christensen (DEN), Victoire Mandl (AUT), Chalotte Bredahl (USA), Jan Bird (NZL). Joining the panel will be Australia’s two FEI 5* Judges Mary Seefried and Susan Hoevenaars, 4* Judge Ricky MacMillan and 3* Judges Jane Ventura and Gisela Nilsson-Harding.

 

An exciting addition this year is the inclusion of the FEI Young Rider Under 25 Grand Prix and Intermediate II test for riders aged 16-25 years. The response from up and coming young riders has been very positive and the Organising Committee is delighted to be able to provide an opportunity for the next generation of Grand Prix riders.

 

Our younger riders will not be left out as a CDI-Y will take place as well.

 

The Hanoverian Horse Society of Australia Young Horse Championships will once again attract a top line of young horses, and we will announce the Guest Rider for the Finals very soon.

 

The International Race Horse Transport (IRT) EA Advanced Tournament is always hotly contested. This year will be no different going by the numbers of horses that are achieving great results at this level.

 

The Sydney CDI is renowned for its great hospitality, and tickets are now on sale for the “Top Spot” Marquee. Bookings for the “Celebration Saturday Evening Dinner” started rolling in as soon as they went on sale before Christmas.

 

Reserved seating tickets for Saturday’s competition and entertainment are available on-line from the website. For a limited period patrons will be able to ‘select their own seats’ – a new initiative this year.

 

Enquires: Ph 0418 686 781