Attention premiere Dressage and Jumping events - apply now to host a '2011 Grand Final qualifier'. Applications have been extended until 20 January.

Equestrian Australia is pleased to announce a partnership with Definitive Events to host a Grand Final of Equestrian Sport to be held in conjunction with Equitana commencing in 2011.

Equestrian Australia joined forces with Definitive Events, the organisers of Equitana, to develop a national Grand Final for Dressage, Jumping and modified Eventing. 

To date Equitana, the largest Equestrian trade show in the Southern Hemisphere, has been held in Melbourne biennially. However, it will now run annually alternating between Sydney and Melbourne; with Sydney Showgrounds hosting the event in November 2011.  

This provides the ideal opportunity to hold a premiere annual Equestrian Grand Final packaged with an event that already draws crowds in excess of 60,000 people.

Definitive Events is an Australian event company that produces a broad range of sporting and lifestyle events and festivals all across Australia and overseas. Definitive Events specialises in managing and developing multi-dimensional events that produce outstanding results for its event partners.

Equestrian Australia is excited to be able to offer Equestrian competitors and fans the opportunity to attend a pinnacle event that is highly professional, entertaining and offers unprecedented prize money and promotion for the athletes.

“The Equestrian Australia Grand Final is a really exciting venture and we are pleased Definitive Events has come on board to help create a spectacular multi-discipline event. The Grand Final is consistent with Equestrian Australia’s strategic priorities, and promises to help Equestrian Sport grow and develop,” commented Grant Baldock, CEO Equestrian Australia.

“The Grand Final will assist in the commercialisation of the sport. It is imperative to develop heroes in any sport and by design the Grand Final will profile riders in a way not seen before in this country,” he said.

A series of qualifying classes held at existing events will determine the horses and riders to compete at the Grand Final. This will add profile to existing events.

Equestrian Australia will be seeking commercial partners for the Grand Final and qualifying series in the near future.

Expressions of interest to host a Grand Final qualifier are out now and close on 20 January so apply now!

EOI Dressage qualifier

EOI Jumping Qualifier

Eventing classes will be held at Royal Ag shows around Australia. The first of which is Sydney Royal -  see details on their website.  Details on the other qualifying events coming soon.