CDI Countdown On

With less than two weeks to go before the Sydney CDI flags are raised at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, it’s time to fine tune your plans. As the event runs over three days, you have the chance to see all your favourite horses, riders and maybe discover a new talent that you will follow over the years to come.

Each day has a Grand Prix and Young Horse competition which ensures some exciting highlights. The atmosphere starts to build from day one with riders, horses and their trainers carefully preparing for what could be their opportunity to be recognised as one of the elite or up and coming riders of Australia.

The Sydney International Equestrian Centre covers a large area which includes plenty of areas to relax under a tree while planning your schedule. There are a number of competitions happening at the same time which enables you to wander from arena to arena, watching beautifully presented horses and riders compete at the highest level. Every component of dressage has been carefully addressed. As a result, the arenas are full of shining horses, fit riders, and all are decked out with polished boots and attractive attire. Like all sports, the attention to detail can make the difference between winning and loosing.

You also have the chance to see the horses being warmed up prior to their competition – horse and rider working on certain movements as the trainer leans on the rail of the arena, offering advice.

Another treat of being there for the full three days is that you get to explore the trade village - see what’s on special, see what’s new and hopefully find that item you’ve been looking for. It’s hard to leave the Sydney CDI without a shopping bag in tow.

On Saturday night, two gallant knights in shining armour will have the crowds gasping as they clash lances whilst on their galloping steeds. Even today Jousting is real - real armour, real timber lances, real combat, real hits and sometimes real falls. 

A Knights visibility is reduced by his helmets visor to the point that they cannot even see their own horse under them. Plus each rider is wearing an additional 30 kilograms of armour, which changes their balance.

The trust between rider and horse is very strong, the knight needs to know his horse is doing its job, so they can do theirs... hitting their opponent with a nine foot long lance. As with all things that are done well, a lot of training has gone into it.

Sir Justin Holland and Countess Katrina Kruse are looking forward to performing at this year’s CDI at SIEC in April.  This event will be the public debut jousting performance for Katrina’s young stallion Merlin the Magician.  Merlin is a three year old Pinto Friesian Warmblood, bred and trained by Katrina. 

Source: Scott Pollock, Media Officer Sydney CDI