There is no doubt about it – heading to Adelaide for the Australian International 3 Day Event had a definite ‘holiday’ air about it. The weather is usually great, the jacarandas are in bloom and Adelaide is one those cities where you can just kick back and relax. You can even spot the riders in the nearby bars and restaurants – let’s face it, when some of the best places to eat in town are just a stone’s throw away from the stables, why not?
However there will be plenty going on within Adelaide’s Parklands to keep spectators and riders entertained from Wednesday 12th to Sunday 16th November, starting with the First Horse Inspection on Wednesday afternoon, locally known as the ‘trot up’. The girls and guys dress to impress as they present their horses to the Grand Jury – no tickets are required and it’s a great way to kick off the proceedings
On Thursday and Friday the action is centred on the ATCO Main Arena overlooked by the renovated Adelaide City Council Heritage Grandstand. The CCI2* dressage takes place on Thursday (entry is free on this day) while on Friday the big guns in the CCI4* take to the stage, including the newly crowned World Champion, Sandra Auffarth who will be conducting a Masterclass.
Once the dressage action is over, it’s time for some polo. Between 6pm and 10pm enjoy the Grant Burge Polo in the Park, be it in the VIP marquee or on the sidelines whilst enjoying a picnic or sampling the food available in the Market Place. During all four days this is where you’ll find trade stands to browse, food stalls, the latest scores on the HorseQuest Scoreboard and the Big Screen showing all the action.
Saturday will be a big day with not only the cross country action taking place but also a Masterclass conducted by WEG Gold medallist Dirk Schrade and Australia’s own Chris Burton starting at 5:30pm in the main arena (although it may be a bit late for tips for the riders taking part). During the day these riders will have galloped through the Adelaide parklands but the spectator focus will be on the area around the Splash Adelaide and Events South Australia water complexes in Rymill Park where the VIP Marquee will be located. We’re delighted to hear that the funky CombiBars will also be back this year and dotted around the course on Saturday; in the evening those who have the stamina can Party with the Stars and dance the night away to the sounds of the band Acoustic Juice
It all comes down to the final phase on Sunday when the 2014 Australian International 3DE champion will be crowned. Last year saw a surprise when visiting rider Chris Burton scooped the win on the catch ride TS Jamaimo but who will win this year and put their name in the history books? We’re only a few weeks away from knowing .......... have you booked your tickets yet?
If you fancy heading further afield than the event itself check out our article What else to do in Adelaide
