Chantal Wigan hits top form for the Sydney CDI

Dressage riders from Great Britian, Canada, Korea, New Zealand and from across Australia will be heading to the Sydney International Equestrian Centre for a battle of riding skills and intense competition at the Sydney CDI 3*. The horse and rider combination that wins the Grand Prix will be a serious contender for selection the London 2012 Olympic Games. Although Australia is yet to secure a place for a team for the 2012 Olympics, the quest of top performances in front of FEI 5* (O-Level) judges has well and truly  commenced.

One rider who will be carefully watched is Chantal Wigan from Cleveland in Queensland, Australia. In 1997 she started competing in Dressage in Australia after years of showjumping and eventing. Chantal then headed to Europe. Chantal and her new horse Ferero based themselves at Academy Bartels in Holland for training with one of the world’s most respected riders and trainers, Imke Schellekens-Bartels. It was in 2007 that she had her first entry onto the International circuit.

Chantal’s time in Europe has not been wasted and after a short season produced outstanding results for the Grand Prix test on her horse, Ferero. Ferero is a dark bay KWPN bred gelding. He arrived back on Australian soil in October 2010 and since then has blitzed most of Australia’s top riders. Chantal and Ferero are yet to compete against two of Australia’s top combinations, Brett Parbery on Victory Salute and Rachael Sanna on Jaybee Alabaster. The Sydney CDI will give Chantal the opportunity to truly shine.

In March 2011, Chantal and Ferero won all the Grand Prix competitions at the CDI in Boneo Park and a week later the CDI-W at Dressage with the Stars.

This competition is destined to be the one that will give Chantal the chance to prove she is currently the one to beat. The pressure is on. Can she do it? Be sure of a seat on Saturday evening – tickets still available but selling fast. Book your tickets online now.

For more information visit www.sydneycdi.com