Young Rider Event at PSI DJWTS Showcases Talent

A small, but quality field of six young dressage riders will be taking part in the CDI-Y event being held as part of this year’s PSI Dressage and Jumping with the Stars.   Having international status, this event is a qualifier for the FEI Young Rider World Cup Final in Germany in late 2011 and is open only to young riders aged 16 – 21 years who are competing at Prix St Georges level.  Four of the riders are also competing in the Prix St Georges Cup at DJWTS, which illustrates their talent and competitiveness in open FEI competition.

The opportunity to achieve a qualifying score to be eligible for selection for the World Cup Final has attracted young riders from around Australia to compete. Two riders are travelling all the way from Western Australia (Stephanie Spencer and Gabriella Robson), Elliot Patterson is coming from Queensland, and Megan Bryant and Jessica Clark from NSW.  They will join the sole Victorian rider, Simone Pearce.

Much interest will be on Megan Bryant and her horse Donnabella who have only recently returned to Australia, after competing in the 2010 FEI Young Rider World Cup Final in Germany late last year.  In what could be described as a trip of a lifetime, Megan and Donnabella performed credibly with an 8^th in the Individual test and 4^th in the B Final Freestyle.  However she will face some serious competition at DJWTS, with Elliot Patterson, a recent top 3 finalist in the prestigious March Oldham Aachen Challenge, also being one to watch.

An exciting competition is assured from these young riders. The Individual test will be held on Friday morning and the Freestyle is being held indoors on Saturday morning.  Last year’s Freestyle performances were very impressive and have set a high standard for this year’s competitors.  Definitely an event not to be missed ! 

PSI Dressage & Jumping with the Stars runs from March 24-26 at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre. Silver and bronze tickets are available for advance purchase, at a discounted rate, until March 15 from GPAC, phone 03 52251200, and then at the event itself.  

More event information available from:  www.equestrianvictoriaevents.com.au/DJWTS.

Enquiries to Event Director - Caroline Coleby 0432 505 774     dwts@live.com.au