Scone Gears up for Dressage Championships

Grand Prix dressage rider Robyne Smith trains for this weekend’s FHM Logistics UHDA Dressage Championships, under the watchful eye of Blandford-based coach Vickie Robertson.

It’s an equine sport demanding decades of dedicated training to reach the pinnacle of success and White Park in Scone is set to unveil a host of talent at this weekend’s FDM Logistics UHDA Dressage Championships. 

More than 300 tests will be completed over the 2 days with no end of top line names going head to head including past Olympic representative Rozzie Ryan, Amanda Shoobridge, Gina Montgomery, Robyne Smith, Lizzie Wilson-Fellows, Lisa Martin, Christine Crawford and Jeremy Janjic. Denise Rogan – FEI rider and the NSW Riders rep.- will also be competing with 2 horses.

“We are delighted with the quality and number of horses who will line up for this year’s event,” says UHDA Club President Robyne Smith. “Spectators will have the unique opportunity to view up close and personal a heap of great horses at a similar level to what you would find at State and National level competitions; it’s a great coup for the Upper Hunter Valley.”  

This year’s competition forms part of the inaugural Dressage NSW Regional Dressage Festival which is supported and promoted by Dressage NSW,

The 2 days of competition will see first prize for the Grand Prix class of $500 with $100 first prize minimum for the Official Preliminary to Advanced classes. All other FEI classes will offer $150 first prize.    

"The increased prize money attracted a number of top rider and horse combinations from across NSW," said Robyne. "Additional spectator facilities and catering have been arranged so it will be a wonderful experience for competitors and visitors alike."

Recognising and supporting the depth of talent across the Shire the UHDA will present a rug to the UHDA member with the highest Associate Test score who owns, trains and competes the horse they are riding.

"We are proud of the quality of riders who live in the Shire, “says Robyne. “We have exceptional entries for this division and expect fierce competition for the prize.” 

Sponsors for this year's Dressage Championships include FDM Logistics, Scone Toyota, Scone Race Club, Horsezone, Alexander Downs Feed Mill, Lisa Martin, ABC sheds, KP DC Machinery, Brianna Burgess Future Clinics, Scone RSL, Scone Rural, Hunter Equine, Pat Gleeson Real Estate, Brooks Bros, JR Professional Equine Clipping & Trimming Services, the EVENT Storeroom, Katrina Partridge Photography, Marsh Carney Saddlery, Hunter Valley Excavations, International Animal Health & Rose and Partners.

Dressage NSW acknowledges the support of Equestrian NSW who provided financial assistance to support the Regional Dressage Festival Series.

Quick Links

• Visit the Upper Hunter Dressage Association website
• 'Like' the UHDA Facebook page where rider profiles, event news, galleries and other information will be posted throughout the week
• View Dressage Horses for sale on Horsezone