The atmosphere for the last day of the Sydney CDI 3* had started to build by early in the morning. The indoor arena was alive with music for the IRT Advanced Tournament Freestyle to Music. Twelve horse and riders rode carefully choreographed movements to their chosen piece of music. Classic, Jazz and Rock tunes filled the indoor arena as the competitors flowed from movement to movement, tempo-to-tempo. The riders who rode accurately in regards to timing, managed to ride to the music beat for beat. As the music changed so did the movement or gait. One combination, which showed how graceful it could be, was Tor Van Den Berge on the black stallion, Lauries As. Although there were a few mistakes, which put him out of the placings, it was beautiful to watch. What is more amazing is that Tor fractured his leg one week prior to the Sydney CDI. “I was riding a young horse, he was mucking up and he came down on the arena wall.” Laurie As came back from breeding just five weeks ago. “We have only had one outing since he came back and the power behind wasn’t strong enough for the changes and he stopped in the pirouette which can happen to anyone. He’s a great horse, one of my favourites; he went really well yesterday in the Advanced”. He won the IRT Advanced 5C with a score of 68.947.

 

Rodney Martin’s test on Weekend Feeling was exhilarating. After the test Rodney looked exhilarated himself. “This was her first freestyle, there were a few mistakes but I’m pleased”. This was enough to put them into third place with a score of 67.250. Second went to Deon Stokes and the classy stallion Royal Oak II. They floated around the arena with ease. This great test gave them a score of 69.250. First places went to Brett Parbery and DP Weltmieser with a score of 69.583. This test showed how wonderful it can be when the music suits the horse’s movements. Every beat was in time with the horse, the transitions seemed seamless.

 

The only event which was held outside was the Equestrian NSW Intermediate II – CDN. This was a blessing as the sun played second fiddle to frequent showers. The third place getter was Ostra from Victoria with Fiona McNaught on board. This horse has amazing action, extremely flamboyant. This combination scored 61.895. Second went to Claire Seidle on her horse Rolex with a score of 62.632 and first place went to Sally Evans on her shining stallion A’Seduction. This polished combination scored 62.737.

 

It’s fantastic when you watch a Young Rider competition and see the potential coming up through the ranks. In the Riders Shoppe FEI Young Rider Freestyle (CDI-Y), nineteen year old Australian Elliot Patterson showed riders of all ages how it can be done. Elliot and his horse Leandro had a mistake free test and his final halt finished dead on the last beat of the music. With a smile from ear to ear, Elliot couldn’t contain his excitement. “A couple of times we’ve made a few changes to the freestyle and it worked. That was perfect! I couldn’t be happier”. Elliot won with a big score of 69.875. Second went to another Aussie rider, Megan Bryant who recently returned from the World Young Rider Final in Germany came second with her horse Donnabella (66.958) and third went to New Zealand rider, Kate Welten on her horse Amajah with a score of 61.042. 

 

One of the highlights of the day was the Gow Gates Prix St Georges Derby (CDN). This competition is designed to test the skills of the riders. The riders compete for an individual and team placings. Two riders from each participating nation draw horses that they have not been riding during the event. They only have 30 minutes to familiarise themselves wit their mount. As there was only one rider from Great Britain, she was put with a New Zealand rider to make a Commonwealth team. The team competition went to New Zealand with a cumulative score of 123.316. The winning team consisted of Vanessa Way and Christine Wheal. Vanessa was very pleased with her mount, Colonial Hot & Handsome. “I did a course error.” Vanessa laughed, “I was thinking about my Grand Prix test tonight, luckily Hot and Handsome knew what he was doing and took over. We were right after that!”. Christine only found out she was going to ride minutes before. “There was a last minute dash for boots and gear. Argyle (the horse) was a lovely ride”. This win says a lot for the standard of riding in New Zealand. All riders were in the same situation. “The standard of horse was pretty level,” said Christine. Second in the teams event went to the Commonwealth Team which consisted of Great Britain rider, Sally Goodwin Davies on Shining Messiah and New Zealand rider Ottilie Upshall on Zest for Life. They scored 119.421. Third went to Australia with a score of 116.158 – Maree Tomkinson on Savoire and Alexis Hellyer on Richmeed Wintergold.

 

In the individual Gow Gates Prix St Georges Derby which was based on the same tests, New Zealand’s Christine Weal won on Argyle with a score of 63.842. Second went to the beautiful rider, Sally Goodwin Davies from Great Britain on Shining Messiah (63.579). Sally has had a great time at the Sydney CDI and caught the eye of many dressage enthusiasts. “It’s been a great event and I’ve been really happy with the borrowed horses”. Sally hasn’t competed in a derby since she was ten. Third place went to Australia’s Maree Tomkinson on Savoire with a score of 62.842.

 

The indoor was starting to fill just in time for the finals of the Hanoverian Horse Society of Australia’s NSW Young Dressage Horse Championship Finals. Many of the spectators were keen to watch guest rider, Anna-Sophie Fiebelkorn ride the three finalists of each class. Dr Dieter Schule gave a clear overview what the judges were looking for. The four year old class was won by Lady Sinatra, ridden by Tor Van Den Berge. The judges felt he was a great example of a modern Warmblood and had very balance for such a young horse. The five year old class was won by Diamond Star ridden by Judy Dierks. The judges were impressed by all paces as they were all uphill and engaged. The six year old winner was won by the impressive stallion Bellario ridden by Deon Stokes. The guest rider gave him a 10 for rideability. It was very informative and a lot could be learnt from the judges and Anna-Sophie Fiebelkorn.

 

After a short break the Zilco Intermediate Freestyle Competition (CDN) started. The winner of this competition was Maree Tomkinson on her stunning Diamond Hit mare, Diamantina. When they were circling the arena before the test, the horse took fright to the media camera at ‘M’. The mare was not going to pass it. I caught up withy Maree after. “I know the mare so well, usually I would have turned right at C but I had to reverse that part of the test. I knew she would be fine once she settled”. The spectators would not have picked it. A true sign of a professional competitor – always on the ball and ready to adjust accordingly. The test was electric ending with a deserving score of 70.800. Second went to Rozzie Ryan and GV Bullwinkle (67.750). The horse flowed and the music suited. “It’s a Mike Oldfield piece”, said Rozzie. “I’m pleased with the test. It’s only the second time we have done that freestyle.” Third place went to Rebecca Walshe and XI Overtime with a score of 66.400.

 

Just before the Hamilton Island Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3* was about to start the indoor arena was at full capacity. The atmosphere was infectious – people laughing, chatting, all waiting to see the best dressage riders of Australia and New Zealand. As soon as the first horse entered the arena, the audience topped up their refreshments and settled in for two hours of horses dancing to music. Just before the break, things started to heat up. Rozzie Ryan and her stallion Jive Magic did an exciting test scoring 68.450 which took her into the lead. Soon after, New Zealand Rider, Penny Castle, on Gymstar One took control of the competition with a score of 69.000 – the new leader. The audience was attentive when Australian Olympian Rachael Sanna headed into the arena on her Kentucky WEG horse, Jaybee Alabaster. It was only two weeks ago that Rachael had injured her back. By the end of the test she had the audience in her hands. The combination of horse, rider and music was one. We were lucky to have experienced it. Rachael was now the leader with 74.250. Brett Parbery and Victory Salute did a strong test with great Passage and Piaffe but unfortunately the one time changes had errors. This test scored him a 73.700 which put him into second place. Last but definitely not last, Mary Hanna and Umbro burst forward with a great performance. The test was strong, powerful and extremely accurate, giving her a score of 69.475. Final results were Rachael Sanna first, Brett Parbery second and Mary Hanna third. Wow, what a competition.

 

After three days of competition, the Sydney CDI 3* finally came to an end. Everyone who attended had a great time seeing such a high standard of horse and rider. The weather wasn’t perfect like some of the tests but a little bit of rain has never worried those who love to watch the beauty of the horse. Toni Venhaus (Event Director) has to be congratulated for another job well done. Everyone left the Sydney International Equestrian Centre with a smile on their face and a shopping bag under their arm – what more could you want?

 

For all the results visit www.sydneycdi.com

 

Source: Scott Pollack, Media Officer Sydney CDI