Excellent Entries for Saddleworld Dressage Festival

Chantal Wigan and Ferero

 

Excellent entries have been received for next month’s Saddleworld Dressage Festival, with competitors coming from all states of Australia to compete. Held from December 8 – 11 at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, the Festival comprises the Victorian State Dressage Championships as well as several feature events: the Marcus Oldham Aachen Challenge for young riders aged 16 – 25 years, the Pacific League World Cup Final for Grand Prix horses and a Para Equestrian CPEDI 3* competition. 

A full field of 35 competitors will compete in each of the Championships from Preliminary through to Prix St Georges, with reserve lists for all levels.   Entries in the pony classes are up significantly compared to previous years, and it is pleasing to see the increased numbers in the Elementary and Medium Championships in particular.

Sixteen young riders will be contesting the prestigious Marcus Oldham Aachen Challenge, with three of them riding two horses, a great accomplishment given the competition is ridden at Prix St Georges level. For at least half of the competitors in this event, this will be their first attempt at the “Aachen” and an experience not to forget.

The Grand Prix classes have attracted over 20 horses, including one New Zealand competitor, Louisa Hill riding Bates Antonello who has really impressed with their performances at the Nationals and Equitana.   With next year’s Olympics looming, this is an important event for Grand Prix riders wanting to impress selectors and gain another qualifying score from the international Ground Jury. Fourteen combinations have been selected for the Pacific League World Cup Final which concludes on Saturday night with the thrilling Freestyle in the indoor arena.   Spectators can look forward to an exciting re-match between the current Australian Champion Rachel Sanna (Jaybee Alabaster), Reserve Champion Louisa Hill (Bates Antonello), Equitana GP Freestyle winner Heath Ryan (Regardez Moi) and last year’s PLWCF winner Chantal Wigan (Ferero).

Returning to the Festival this year is an international Para Equestrian competition (CPEDI 3*) offering riders a qualifying opportunity for the Para Equestrian at the London Olympics. Thirty five Para Equestrians have entered, including eight from New Zealand and four from Japan making it a true international competition.

The Trade Village has been extremely popular with retailers so competitors and spectators can look forward to over 35 trade stands covering everything from saddlery, equine giftware, competition & leisure clothing, floats and even arena surfaces !  The perfect destination for Christmas shopping !

 

With lots of competition activity, plenty of shopping available in the fabulous Trade Village, and educational seminars throughout the Sunday, there’s something for every dressage enthusiast at this year’s Festival.  Don’t miss it!

Enquiries: Event Directors - Bryony Giusti  0425 499 477, Caroline Coleby 0432 505 774,

or email:  dwts@live.com.au

 

Quick Link

• Visit the Equestrian Victoria website for more details