Australia Showcases its Talent

Many riders from around the world have had dreams of riding at an elite level. Some dream of doing it at home, some want to compete at regional, state or even national level. Then there are those that want to compete at International level. The Sydney CDI 3* is Australia’s premier International dressage competition and is one of the events in Australia that give riders, with big dreams, the opportunity to bring them to fruition.

Australia has thousands of riders competing on a regular basis but there is only a small percentage that has done the hard work to be competitive at this level. In the dressage world it is common knowledge that to be competitive it usually isn’t just the rider, the horse or the training, it is the combination of all that makes the
magic.

Watching these horse and rider combinations can’t be compared to any other sport. The Sydney CDI shows special partnerships between man and horse. For centuries, the horse has served mankind – they were our main means of transport, ploughed our fields, carried our soldiers at war. Although this all changed during the Industrial revolution, the partnership between horse and man will never totally disappear. Dressage is a sport that still showcases the horse and its beauty.

At the 2011 Sydney CDI 3*, you will get the chance to watch those who have done the ‘hard yards’. You will get to watch riders that have represented Australia at numerous International events including the Olympics. You will get to see horses that have competed in some of the most competitive dressage countries of the world. You will also get the chance to see those who are climbing the ladder and are hot on the heals of Australia’s best.

It was only at the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) that Brett Parbery finished ninth overall. This was the best result an Australian rider has achieved to date. In a letter to the editor in the last edition of ‘The Horse Magazine’ it mentions that George Morris’s (one of the worlds best show jumping trainers) favourite dressage
rider in the world is Brett Parbery. I contacted the writer of the letter and it seems that George thought Australia was lucky to have such a rider and that we could learn a lot from his quiet hands and seat. The letter also mentions that America’s Courtney King-Dye made particular mention of Brett in her WEG report in Dressage
Today. The Sydney CDI will be the perfect place to start learning as Brett will be competing on his WEG mount, Victory Salute.

Although the entries have not yet closed, it has been confirmed that most of Australia’s best will be competing - Rachael Sanna, Mary Hanna (3 Grand Prix horses), Matthew Dowsley, Heath and Rozzie Ryan. All these riders have represented Australia at a number of international events. It is in the next couple of weeks that the
organisers will also know which other countries will be competing.

The Sydney CDI – 3 * runs from the 28 – 30 April 2011 at the Sydney International Equestrian centre. All information can be found at www.sydneycdi.com