Megan Jones Photo: Furdography
The Sydney International Three Day Event is set to be an exciting showdown between some of Australia's best equestrian athletes. Australia’s Eventing Team has secured its place at the London Olympic Games and there are just five spots up for grabs.
The fast approaching Sydney International Three Day Event is being held 27-29 April at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, the venue where Australia won gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The Sydney Competition will host the Equestrian NSW CCI3* which is one of the final selection events for the ten Australian based riders on the short lists aiming to ride for their country at the London Olympics in just 115 days.
Already entered for the prestigious Sydney 3DE are two members of the Silver medal winning team from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Megan Jones and Sonja Johnson. Megan, from Stirling in South Australia is bringing Kirby Park Irish Jester, the horse she rode to an individual 4th in Beijing as well as Kirby Park Allofasudden, originally a Magic Millions Yearling who is now on track for the London Games. Sonja will make the 45 hour journey from Palmdale in Western Australia to unite with her Olympic teammate. She brings two rides for the 3*, ex-racehorse Parkiarrup Illicit Liasion who is short listed on the A squad and the Australian Stock Horse Belfast Mojito.
Sonja Johnson Photo: Furdography
Joining the Olympic heroines is another talented female rider, Natalie Blundell from Harden in NSW. Natalie is listed on the current National Elite Squad with her ex-racehorse, Algebra who had thirteen career starts before beginning his new career as successful Eventer.
Natalie Blundell Photo: Furdography
These talented sportswomen expect to compete against the 8 other Australian based Olympic hopefuls including another 2008 team member Shane Rose and Sydney 2000 Gold Medallist Stuart Tinney. The girls are determined to secure a place on the team and competition at the Sydney Three Day Event will be fierce!
For a full list of nominations in all classes to 10th April click HERE
What's On When at Sydney International 3 Day Event (times to be confirmed)
THURSDAY 26 April
- Eventing - Trot Up CCI3*
FRIDAY 27 April
- Eventing - Dressage all classes
- Jumping - 1.20m, 1.30m & 1.40m - Indoor
- Young Jumping Horse classes - Outoor
- NSW Equitation Championships - Classic Jumper
SATURDAY 28 April
- Morning - Cross Country Walk with Mike Etherington-Smith and Wayne Roycroft
- Eventing - Cross Country all classes
- Jumping - 1.30m, 1.40m, Junior Rider - Indoor
- Jumping - 1.10m, Amateur Rider, 1.20m - Outdoor
- NSW Equitation Championships - Senior Amateur, Professional and Young Rider
- Evening Indoor Program - Young Rider Jumping, Dressage & Dog Agility Demonstrations & Best of British Bash Bar, Dinner & Live Music
SUNDAY 29 April
- Eventing - Final trot up all classes
- Eventing - Show Jumping all classes
- Jumping - Junior Rider, 1.30m, Young Rider, World Cup Show Jumping - Indoor
- Jumping - 1.20m, 1.20m - Outdoor
- NSW Equitation Championships - Child and Junior
