Equestrian Fans Rally Behind Australian Team

By: Michelle Cook/Equestrian Australia

Equestrian fans were out in numbers on Saturday evening at a gala fundraising dinner in support of the Australian Equestrian Team. 

230 guests attended the function which was held in conjunction with the Boneo Park CDI3* at the nearby Rosebud Country Club and the room was filled to capacity.

The evening was the first in a series of initiatives that is raising money for Australian based combinations that are selected to attend the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.

Equestrian Australia Chairman Dr Warwick Vale said the strong show of support was a boost to Australia’s WEG campaign.

“The funds raised from this evening’s gala fundraiser will directly assist those riders from Australia who are selected to the Australian Equestrian Team for WEG.

“It is very pleasing to see so many people here tonight and I thank everyone who has contributed to making tonight a resounding success.” 

In an address to guests, Dr Vale also confirmed that Rozzie Ryan had secured the position on the WEG long list for dressage which has been reserved for an Australian based combination. 

“I congratulate Rozzie on securing the first of eight positions on the WEG long list for dressage.

“Since October last year our Australian based elite level dressage riders have been battling it out for a position on the WEG long list resulting in a fiercely fought competition which came down to the wire.”

In finishing in first place, Ryan has earned the right to start in the two round head to head dressage nomination series in Europe between the eight members of the ‘WEG Long List’. The seven remaining places on the WEG long will be

determined in the coming months. (Click HERE to read EA’s 2014 WEG selection policy for dressage). 

Ryan has been given time to consider her options and will soon confirm if she will accept the position. 

Also on the night, Dr Vale confirmed Liz Owens and Sally Francis as the Australian WEG team’s Chef’s d-Equipe for dressage and Para-Equestrian respectively.