2012 Donges IGA Young Dressage Championships

2011 Donges IGA Young Dressage Championships (photos: www.equiscapephotography.com.au)

 

All roads lead to Bendick Murrell in mid April… 20 to 22 to be exact!

If you haven’t heard before, the Donges IGA Young Dressage Championships are absolutely the place to go. It’s certainly worth the effort of a few hours drive to compete at this amazing, picturesque ground, situated half-way between Young and Cowra. 

The sponsors have again been wonderfully supportive and there is money up for grabs through all levels and already over $12,000+ worth of prizes. With prizes given down to 6th place you are sure to come home with lots of goodies. You will even get your own embroidered cap, just for entering the event! The five sand competition arenas, huge sand warm up, plenty of shady parking all complement the weekend activities. Novelty events such as the Prix Caprilli, Freestyles and some restricted classes ensure that everyone gets a chance to compete on an even level.

With a couple of lead-up events prior to the championships (in February and March) there are even more opportunities to use these purpose built grounds. The very safe rubber lined yards are being increased in number, complimenting the available stabling. Stables this year will be allocated firstly to A/B level judges who are also riding, then to FEI horses. The yards will be all pre-booked and are very safe for all horses. Camping facilities are basic but certainly usable – hot/cold showers are being upgraded and extra toilets are some further improvements to the grounds.

The committee, though few in number, always manage to run a professional yet friendly event. With the support of Wendy Silk, Robert and Julie Donges, from Donges IGA supermarket, Mad Harry’s Michael Delamont (suppliers of the steel for yards) and local saddlery Giddy Up Gags and Bits supplying the championships rugs it all makes for another HUGE weekend. Ian, Jenny and Megan Bryant will be the main planners and builders of the new steel yards, together with supplying straw and hay for the event. The FEI big tour event is sponsored by Kingston Park Warmblood Stud, FEI Small tour sponsors are Equissage and Heather Ip from Cooramin Sporthorses will sponsor the Advanced Championship.

Friday 20 April, competition day will provide a perfect environment to bring out the young upcoming riders and horses/ponies. Starting at lunchtime will provide time for travelling to the grounds, with afternoon classes consisting Junior, Restricted, Associate Preliminary and Official Pony Novice. Saturday will provide a full program of official and associate classes with a class for everyone. The day will end with the special program consisting Freestyle, Pas De Deux and Prix Caprilli. The last day of the championships is aimed to be finished early afternoon to allow for travelling, with Official classes in FEI, Medium and Novice.

Don’t forget to enter for the event on www.nominate.com.au prior to 23 March. No late entries will be accepted.

See attached PDFs for detailed schedule and more information.

Quick Link

• Visit the Young Dressage Association webpage
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