Equestrian Victoria Offers CDI-W Olympic Qualification Opportunity

Entries Open for the CDI-W Dressage at the 2011 Melbourne International Three-Day-Event.

Equestrian Victoria (EV) is calling for entries into its new CDI-W Dressage competition, conducted alongside the prestigious Melbourne International Three-Day-Event (MI3DE), held over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June (Friday, 10 – Monday, 13 June 2011) at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.

The CDI-W competition, an Olympic and Equestrian Grand Final Dressage qualifier, will see the CDI-W Grand Prix and CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle held on Saturday, 11 June and Sunday, 12 June respectively. Activity begins on Thursday, 9 June as initial horse arrival inspections and competition grounds familiarisation are allocated for horse and rider combinations.

The new program will assist Australian dressage riders aiming to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games, offering another local qualification opportunity and the chance to ride in front of a new panel of internationally accredited judges.

“Equestrian Victoria is thrilled to add another Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) accredited event to its competition calendar, giving further opportunity for Australian-based riders,” said Mrs Jackie Woodhead, Equestrian Victoria CEO.

“We are committed to encouraging the development of Australian dressage riders and realise exposure to high-level competition is a pivotal part of this. Introducing this FEI competition alongside the 2011 Melbourne International Three-Day-Event is a cue for Australian riders and Equestrian Victoria,” Mrs Woodhead said.

Five star judge Elizabeth McMullen, from Canada, will lead the judging panel, made up of Germany’s Christoph Hess, Alison King from Hong Kong, and three Australian four star judges, Jill Cobcroft, Virginia Creed and former Olympian Ricky McMillan.

The two competitions offer an attractive prize pool totalling more than $7,000 with cash prizes for ninth place in each class. The first test will be held outside on the afternoon of Saturday, 11 June on the Kelly Arena, and the second test in the indoor arena on the Sunday evening, during a special VIP dinner.

Beyond the FEI event, German dressage sensation and current Director of Training for the German Olympic Committee for Equestrian Sports, Mr Christoph Hess will host a Masterclass, held on the evening of Friday, 10 June. Mr Hess, a former member of the FEI Eventing Committee and international acclaimed trainer of judges, instructors and riders, is sure to delight the audience as he shares some of his knowledge that has been imparted on equestrian fans throughout the world. Admission to the Christoph Hess Masterclass will be FREE for those with a day pass for the Friday (Dressage phase) of the MI3DE.

Riders should access the MI3DE website, http://equestrianvictoriaevents.com.au/Melbourne3DE/ for further competition information, including the CDI-W entry form.

All other enquiries should be directed to the Dressage Coordinator, Jade Woodhead on +61 438 381 854 or jadewwoodhead@yahoo.com.au