Heath Ryan and the Sydney CDI 3*

Heath Ryan would have to be Australia’s greatest equestrian campaigner. He has not only achieved outstanding results in competition but has also been incredibly effective behind the scenes. For years he has kept Australia’s governing Equestrian bodies on their toes. He has not been shy in expressing his thoughts and has made people accountable for their actions. He has represented Australia in both Dressage and Eventing and is consistently one of the riders to beat.

He and his wife, Rozzie Ryan, who has also represented Australia in dressage, have nurtured many up and coming young horse and riders. Heath has had a substantial effect on breeding in Australia and has been the ‘front man’ for many of Australia’s elite horse auctions. At these auctions, many people have enjoyed his amazing sense of humour and ability to chat to the spectators as he jumps a four foot round of show jumps. At international events overseas he has been known to make time to sit with the fans and point out what the judges will be looking for. He is a mover and shaker and deserves everything he has achieved - Australia is lucky to have him.

As usual, Heath will be competing at the Sydney CDI in a number of competitions. His main contender for the Big Tour competitions will be the stallion Regardez Moi, better known as Fabio around the stables. Regardez Moi is currently the Australian Grand Prix Champion and is also on the Australian dressage elite list for London Olympics 2012. Regardez Moi not only has a great partnership with Heath but also his groom, Breanna Tilitzki. Bree accompanies this beautiful black stallion to all competitions.

Heath’s second ride is on Mystery Whisper. They will be competing in the Small Tour. Mystery Whisper is on the Australian eventing elite list for London Olympics 2012. “Moses was bred by Rozzie and me,” said Heath. “He has a most unusual character; could almost be called whacky but he really enjoys being a competitor, doesn’t really care if it is dressage or jumping!”

Over the past couple of years, Regardez Moi has had mixed results. Heath is always trying new ideas in training to maintain or improve their performance. “All worthwhile advances will come from territory outside your comfort zone in my opinion. Unfortunately, there are untold numbers of precipices which the unwary or too bold almost inevitably blunder over. Poor Regardez Moi.”

Elite riders based in Australia don’t have the choice of trainers as riders in Europe. So who do riders like Heath have to make comment on how they’re going? Heath laughed, “Any comments I don’t want to hear, but need to be said, are usually made by my wife Rozzie.”

Will Heath and Regardez Moi head overseas for the summer season and if so where will he head? “America is always a lot of fun, Europe is always their way or the highway – not lots of fun but nevertheless where the real standards are. Maybe England would be a good spot to base from and just visit Europe for the big shows, I’ll see what happens.” In usual Aussie style, Heath said his bank balance would determine where he stays and with whom who he will be training with. “I can assure you it won’t be the top end of town!”

One thing that Heath knows is, “the Sydney CDI is the crème de la crème of all the dressage events on the Australian calendar.” Make time to watch one of Australia’s best at the Sydney CDI. Get all the details at www.sydneycdi.com