National Dressage Championships to Showcase Australia’s Finest in Dressage

The National Dressage Championships commence today and riders from all over Australia have gathered at the equestrian venue of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games to compete in this prestigious annual event. With the temperature set to soar above 33 degrees on Thursday, competitors will also have more than the competition to battle. 

This year’s event has attracted entries from each mainland state and territory and will see riders battle it out over four days for the coveted individual and state titles on offer. 

With classes ranging from Novice through to Grand Prix, the event will showcase some of Australia’s most established combinations as well as the future stars of the sport. 

New South Wales rider David Shoobridge and his 16 yo KWPN stallion OO Seven are likely to garner the most attention with spectators eager to see if the newly formed combination can take home their first national title. Getting in-between them and the top prize will be the 20 strong Grand Prix field consisting of combinations such as Heath Ryan and Regardez Moi, Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina IV and Tor Van Den Berge and Fisherman’s Friend.

David says he’s been working hard to improve his and OO Seven’s weaker areas.

“I see the Nationals as a chance to benchmark our performance against most of the leading Australian based combinations.  It will be good to roll up the sleeves on the battleground as there are loads of exciting combinations expected to start.  Who knows how the class will unfold, but we will be trying our absolute best,” he said.   

The 33 year old from Somersby, NSW admits he never thought it would be possible to achieve a Grand Prix victory at the Nationals and is excited by the prospect of winning such an esteemed title.

“Every win is special, whether it's on a young horse doing its first comp or on OO Seven in the freestyle.  Just to be considered good enough to be in contention for a win is a fantastic feeling, but until such time, its’ head down and focus,” he said.

Tickets are available at the venue and children under the age of 12 can attend for free.

Story: Equestrian Australia  Photo: Julie Wilson/Equestrian Australia

Quick Link

• For further event information and results, please visit, http://www.dressagensw.com.au