Dressage NSW has been the organisers of the Sydney CDI for many years. Due to their constant drive to improve the sport of dressage in Australia, they have continuously made changes to the event to ensure the experience for all those who attend is enhanced on a yearly basis. This is not an easy job when there are so many stakeholders - the horses, riders, audience, judges, sponsors, trade exhibitors and the list goes on. This event has created a benchmark for many equestrian sports in Australia. It has also won the Equestrian Australia Event of the Year Award on three occasions.
One of the most popular additions for the 2013 Sydney CDI will be a Guest Appearance by London Olympian, Lyndal Oatley and Gold Medal Paralympian Joann Formosa. You will be able to see both of these riders on Saturday evening.
Lyndal Oatley, who will need no introduction to most of those attending will not only be giving a riding demonstration but will also share her thoughts on Dressage today, what it took to achieve her Olympic goal, what she has learnt from the experience and what the future holds for her. It's great to see European based riders freely offering their time to support dressage in Australia. Thanks Lyndal.
Joann Formosa's appearance is also a 'must see'. Joann will be riding her winning Freestyle test on the same horse, Worldwide PB, who helped her win the Gold Medal at the London 2013 Paralympics. So if you weren't in London to see this amazing combination, the Sydney CDI offers you a second chance.
Another fun addition to the Sydney CDI will be held in the Trade Village on Saturday afternoon. Joann, Lyndal and other Olympians and Australian Dressage stars will be available for signing autographs. This is a great opportunity to keep the dream alive for many of the young dressage riders coming up through the ranks (there may also be a few 'oldies' (like myself) who will line up - looking forward to it!)
Each year the Sydney CD offers live entertainment for all to enjoy. This year they have managed to secure one of Australia's most popular A Cappella choirs, Cafe of the Gate of Salvation. This choir is inspired by the African-American vocal tradition. I have been lucky enough to see them a couple of times and wouldn't be surprised if they become the inspiration for a new Freestyle. They're fantastic.
One of the biggest changes for this year's CDI is, for the first time, the Organisers will not be inviting riders from various countries to compete on borrowed horses. "This has been a very hard decision," said Toni Venhaus, the Event Director, "but finding horses has been more difficult in recent years and that was the key factor in making our decision."
As usual, New Zealand, will be sending a team of riders to compete. A new competition has been introduced - 'The Down Under Dressage Duel'. This will include Big Tour, Small Tour and hopefully CDI-Y competitions. This is a huge effort from New Zealand considering the distance and that vast piece of ocean between the two countries.
The NSW Young Horse Championships which is sponsored by The Hanoverian Horse Society of Australia is always a highlight, giving all spectators the chance to see what Australia has up its sleeve. This year the Guest Rider will be Anna-Sophie Fiebelkorn who will be making a return visit. Anna was also the Guest Rider in 2011. Anna-Sophie is well known in Germany for producing championship Dressage horses with great success. Her achievements include wins and placings in the prestigious Bundeschampionate in Germany and the FEI World Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden. Some of Anna-Sophie’s top horses include Callaho's Benicio, For Compliment and Kanganyas Benetton Dream FRH. The final round will be held on Saturday when you will get the chance to see Anna ride the finalists and then comment on each horse.
Last but certainly not least is the opportunity to test drive a beautiful Lexus. Lexus of Parramatta is the Official Vehicle Sponsor of the 2013 Sydney CDI 3-Star. Lexus of Parramatta will be offering test-drives at the CDI in a select range of Lexus models.
You can also register your interest by 30th April 2013 to go into the draw to win the use of a Lexus RX or IS model for a weekend and enjoy lunch or dinner at Nick's Seafood Restaurant Cockle Bay.
Tickets are on sale on-line from the Sydney CDI website for reserved seating on Saturday. Spoil yourself, become a VIP for the day –enjoy the atmosphere and the hospitality in the Top Spot Marquee. Tickets available now for the popular Saturday Evening Dinner. There's lot to enjoy at the Sydney CDI.
Where the Stars Gather - Be Part Of It!
Article by Scott Pollock
