The Olympic Arena at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre will take centre stage once more
The Sydney International 3 Day Event, held at the iconic venue of the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC), home of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, will echo its historic past as a fresh approach is taken by new organisers in 2019
The event has a new committee and is now under the administration of Eventing NSW, headed by Eventing NSW President and Olympic rider Shane Rose.
“We really want to draw more riders to the event and make it the best three day event in Australia,” says Shane who is focussed on building the numbers, prestige and appeal of the event to riders of all levels.
The event which will be held from 25th – 28th April will expand its program to run classes from the new CCI-L 4* (previously CCI3*) format down to EvA60. World renowned course designer Mike Etherington-Smith will design the two, three and four star long and short format tracks whilst the national level classes will enjoy re-designed courses by Sandy Lucas that venture further onto the 2000 Olympic track.
The classes to be run in April are;
CCI-L 4*, 3*, 2*
CCI-S 4*, 3*, 2*
CCN1*-L, EvA 60cm, 80cm, 95cm
In 2000, the crowds thronged to SIEC to watch the home team win gold in eventing and, to re-create the “big show” atmosphere once again, the focus of the event will be in the Olympic arena (Arena 1). In addition to hosting the higher level dressage on Friday, Arena 1 will also have the cross country run through it on Saturday and feature the show jumping on Sunday.
The trade stands, hospitality and Kids Zone will all be located around Arena 1 and the spectators will also be able to view the action on a big screen.
Another change initiated by Shane and the committee is one that is bound to please the riders with the competition arenas open for schooling right up to the time of competition.
“We want horses to do their best tests and achieve their best scores” explains Shane “It’s good for the horses so we are going to let everyone ride in the competition arenas for as long as possible”
The event will take place just weeks prior to the biennial Oceania challenge to be held in Taupo, New Zealand from 10th – 12th May, providing a great final run for the three teams of horses and riders preparing to represent Australia in New Zealand.
The event will also host a CPEDI event for Para-Equestrian riders from Thursday to Sunday for the first time, so be sure to add Sydney International 3 Day Event to your calendar for a great few days of Aussie eventing and equestrian sport
