Sandy Oatley and Katrina Wuest present the trophy to Sheridyn Ashwood and Prestge VDL Photo: Franz Venhaus
As four freestyles featured on the last day of the Sydney CDI, music could be heard filtering from the indoor throughout the surrounding parklands. It was a full program which not only included dressage but also Young Jumping Horse Classes, an impressive A Capella choir, Gold Medallist Joann Formosa riding her winning Freestyle on PB Worldwide and a demonstration from Olympian Lyndal Oatley. With all seats booked for this evening’s Hamilton Island Grand Prix Freestyle it was destined to be a great day!
The Equestrian NSW Intermediate II was a great class as the top three placegetters where horses that were in their first season of competing in Big Tour classes – a very promising sign for the years to come. First went to Heath Ryan on the very free moving gelding, Utopian Cardinal. This big liver chestnut is by Heath’s stallion Regardez Moi and looks as though it has inherited the same talent for the higher movements. Together they scored 65.921. Second went to Jayden Brown on Furst Friedrich. He is such a quality horse. I was sitting in the stands and a group of people next to me were more focused on this combination warming up, than the horse which was in the arena competing. Jayden and Furst Friedrich scored 65.421 – pretty impressive for a 9 year old. Third went to Victorian rider, Sara McDonald on Adlanta Rose, scoring 64.211. It will be interesting to watch the progress of these horses over the next few years.
The first freestyle of the day was the International Racehorse Transport Advanced Tournament competition. I always am interested in watching the choreography. Fourth placegetter, Denise Rogan on Virtuel I, had a wonderful floor plan - It was like watching a story unravel, very impressive. Third was Rozzie Ryan on Jarrah R, second was Judith Dierks on one of Australia's top quality horses, Diamond Star. First went to Queensland rider, Victoria Welch on her beautiful grey, Glogau. This Australian bred warmblood is a pleasure to watch. He seems to do all movements with such ease - a pleasure to watch!
Having the Young Jump Horse classes (sponsored by New Holland) added atmosphere to the event. I spoke with a lady with her child who was watching the jumping. “Although I’m here mainly for the dressage, I think it’s a great idea to have the jumping as well. It gives the kid’s a chance to see another discipline which helps them decide what they want to do. I don’t ride myself but I’m having a great time.” It was great turn out with over 60 horses competing.
One of the biggest questions of the day was who was going to win the Zilco Intermediate Freestyle CDN. Brett Parbery and Tor Van Den Berge dominated the top four positions in the small tour classes over the last couple of days and received the same places in both classes. A lot of spectators filled the indoor to see if the freestyle would have a different ending. Unfortunately for Tor, Brett once again claimed the first position on DP Weltmieser (72.525), Tor came second on Lauries As (69.775) and third went to Brett on Aber Hallo 29 with a score of 69.125.
The highlight of not only the day but also the event was the Hamilton Island Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*. As Sheridyn Ashwood and her stallion Prestige VDL had won both of the GP classes so far, she was the hot favourite. It was mentioned that Sheridyn was going to increase the difficulty of the test. The pressure must have been on!
Rozzie Ryan and GV Bullwinkle were the 6th combination to hit the arena. Their test was a pleasure to experience. Rozzie floated from movement to movement with music that complimented both the choreography and rhythm. This was enough to put them in the lead but only until Sheridyn and Prestige VDL had their turn. This duo who had won both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special give it all they had. It was a power packed test, pushing the limits right under the judges noses. After the final halt, both Sheridyn and the audience new they had a new leader – the crowd erupted as Sheridyn fell forward hugging her horse. The very next combination was Heath Ryan and Regardez Moi. As usual Heath put on a great performance which was good enough to shoulder his way in-between his wife and Sheridyn, giving him second place. Congratulations to all who competed – it was a pleasure to watch.
Once again, the Sydney CDI was a great experience for all who attended. There were a number components added this year to enhance the experience. All these were received with open arms and as a result positive responses have already started to roll in.
Last but not least, a big thankyou to whoever organised the weather – it was perfect! (I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Toni Venhaus, the event director – nothing seems impossible when it comes to Toni).
For all the results and photos visit www.sydneycdi.com
Article by Scott Pollock
CLICK HERE for Sydney CDI Young Horse Finals report
