Plan your Sydney CDI – three days of ‘Horsey Heaven’

Whether you have the time to visit the Sydney CDI for one day or three days there will be plenty to keep you entertained. This event is for all those who love the beauty of the horse. Whether you ride for pleasure or any of the many disciplines, there will be something for you at Australia’s biggest international dressage event. 

The event runs from the 3 May to the 5 May. This competition attracts the best riders from across Australia, all vying for a personal best or a place on the dais. It also includes riders from Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Germany.

The Sydney International Equestrian Centre was built for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and offers all spectators a great environment to enjoy what is on offer. There are numerous options for food and beverages. If you’re looking for fine food, coffee, wine and hospitality, the Top Spot Marquee will be the place for you. This is a great spot to enjoy great coffee and refreshments, lunch with Wild Oats wine while watching the competitions taking place in the indoor arena. Bookings for the marquee are essential. But if the shade of a tree with a program in hand is what you are after then that is also available as the Sydney International Equestrian Centre is intertwined with parklands which means there are numerous spots to lay the picnic blanket down.

Saturday is popular as the evening program includes The Hamilton Island Grand Prix Freestyle. This is when you get to experience horse and riders dancing to music. The evening dinner in the Top Spot Marquee already has a waiting list but there are still tickets available in the Grand Stand. There is also an exciting Aerial display by “Liquid Rizen” along with a farewell ceremony for all our visitors - Morgan cars and the City of Holroyd Band.

Although the energy of Saturday is very exciting, there’s something nice about enjoying the competition on the quieter days. I usually arrive on day one, grab a coffee and program, find a quiet spot and highlight the horse and rider combinations I don’t want to miss. Once I have that done, there’s plenty of time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. The competitions are great to watch but it’s also interesting to watch the horses being warmed up prior to their big moment. I remember a few years ago I was sitting on a grassy slope and in the distance I saw this magnificent horse being warmed up on one of the outer arenas. Boy could this horse move! Within a few minutes I had made way over to this arena and plonked my self down in the sun and watched in amazement - Bliss! After a couple of questions, I discovered the horses name was Waiiri and the rider, Emmanuelle Josz. From that day on I became a fan of this incredible mare and rider. It’s these sorts of experiences that make the quiet days memorable.

There’s also a Trade Village which is known for its bargains. There’s a wide range of products from arena equipment, the best in riding apparel, saddlery, tack, horse feeds, health products, giftware, horse transport and a lot more. It’s in the centre of the trade village where they have presentations for the place getters of all the competitions. It’s a great place to hang. If you haven’t already secured a ticket, there’s still plenty of time. This competition will give you a chance to see Australia’s elite dressage riders and their beautiful four legged friends – the horse!

Quick Link

• For all information visit www.sydneycdi.com