Saddleworld Dressage Festival - Day 1

The festival was opened with sunshine and a slight breeze, making it an excellent day for dressage. As per usual there was some excellent riding and close competition.

The 5 year old Young Horse began early in the day and was taken out by Ponderosa Stud Royal Danc from South Australia, followed by CP Dresden and MP Ravenna. Followed by the 5 year old Young Pony class which was won by Sharyn McCombe on the Welsh x Warmblood Yarramee Smarty Pants.

Ferrero Rocher, the magnificent Chestnut Stallion took out the Intermediate I Championship, just ahead of Rendezvous with less than a percent difference in their final scores.

Local rider Kerry Mack had a good start to a busy weekend winning the Intermediate II on her seasoned Stallion Mayfield Pzazz just ahead of South Australian rider Susan Paix on Sheer Etiquette.

The Preliminary Championship was taken out by NSW rider Courtney Larard on MP Ravenna with an impressive score of 75.3%, ahead of Dicavelli Diesel.

Mary Hanna who recently returned from the London Olympics won the Advanced Championships on Holly Cuttler’s beautiful imported Mare Diva Royale narrowly beating the equally beautiful Mare Debstar LP ridden by Maree Tomkinson.

The Rising Star Novice Pony was won by Baringa First Class, ridden by 14 year old Brianna Cartwright. Followed by the FEI Pony Class being won by Brumby Jack, ridden by Georgina Barrey. This year was the first year this classes were included in the festival and are specifically designed to encourage young riders moving up through the ranks of dressage. Jill Cobcraft a strong ambassador for pony dressage generously sponsored cash prizes for place getters.

The evening concluded with the 6yo Young Horse and Pony classes providing entertainment to the riders during their welcome dinner. The eventual winners were Revelwood Destiny with Amanda Shoobridge and Sydney Evans with Dara Park Tequila Sunrise with a respectful 7.1 score.

With such a great start to the festival we are looking forward to day two of the Saddleworld Dressage Festival, which continues until Sunday afternoon incorporating the Victorian State Dressage Championships, the Pacific League World Cup Final, Marcus Oldham Aachen Challenge and the Rising Star and FEI Pony Challenge Final.

General admission tickets are available daily at the entrance gate at a cost of $5 per person with Saturday night tickets $25 per person for general viewing or $120 for the Christmas dinner.

Quick Links

• Day one results and more event information is available on the festival website www.equestrianvictoriaevents.com.au/DF
• View dressage horses for sale on Horsezone