International Para-Equestrian Event in Werribee

 

An international Para-Equestrian competition is being held at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre as part of this year’s Saddleworld Dressage Festival.  Held over three days, from December 9-11, the Para-Equestrian event has attracted riders from all over Australia and from overseas with riders coming from New Zealand, Japan and the USA. 

The competition is an opportunity for Para Equestrian riders to gain qualification for next year’s Paralympics in London. It’s also the Oceania Team Qualifier for the Paralympics which decides whether Australia or New Zealand secure a team position.  Riders seeking Games selection will need to score highly from the international Ground Jury which includes Kjell Myhre from Norway who will be head of the Ground Jury at the Paralympics.

There are five grades of competition offered with each grade reflecting the rider’s physical ability and hence having different requirements. For the visiting overseas riders - with the exception of some of the New Zealand riders who are bringing their own horses over - the challenge will be even greater as they will be competing on horses borrowed for the occasion.

Australian riders competing includes members of the 2004 and 2008 Paralympics teams and all five current National Champions. Three of the riders from last year’s World Equestrian Games will be competing, including Sharon Jarvis from Western Australia who won two bronze medals.  Veteran competitor, Jan Pike from NSW, is hoping for her third Paralympics selection and the opportunity to add to her medal collection from the 2004 Paralympics (silver & bronze) and the 2003 World Para Equestrian Championships (2 silver medals).

The international teams Competition will be held on Friday December 9 and the Individual competion is held over the weekend with each rider competing in a Championship test (Saturday) and a Freestyle to music (Sunday).

The Para Equestrian CPEDI 3* competition is one of the feature events of this year’s Saddleworld Dressage Festival which incorporates the Victorian Dressage Championships,  the Marcus Oldham Aachen Challenge for riders aged 16 – 25 years and the Pacific League World Cup Final.

General admission tickets available daily at the entrance gate at a cost of $10 per car or $25 for a 4 day pass, with Saturday night tickets $25 per person for general viewing (non-reserved seating).

Enquiries: Event Directors - Caroline Coleby 0432 505 774 dwts@live.com.au and Bryony Giusti  0425 499 477   dwts@equestrianvictoria.com.au

Quick Link

• Find out ticketing and more event information from www.equestrianvictoriaevents.com.au/DF