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Saddleworld 2015 Australian Dressage Championships –
Hailed a great success!

Australian Dressage Championships

There is no disputing the 5 days from the 21-25th October presented a positive and enjoyable time for lovers of dressage to take in top class competition.  The Sydney International Equestrian Centre is a spectacular venue, purpose built with everything to offer. 

The Organising Committee headed up by Cathie Drury-Klein and Deborah McNicol welcomed competitors, owners and horses from all over Australia along with 4 competitors from New Zealand.  Over 200 Horses were entered, taking part in tests from Novice through to Grand Prix.

 

Event Signage

Fantastic facilities for the Championships

Volunteers
Thankyou to the amazing volunteers - scores of helpers made the
event work well for competitors, spectators, traders and officials.
Pic Stephen Mowbray

 

Cathie Drury-Klein said at the conclusion of the Championships, “Of course, we could not do it without Saddleworld and it is gratifying that all of their 43 stores support this important event – it really does make the Aussie Championships a national celebration of the sport.  I would particularly like to thank Saddleworld for their generous sponsorship and the beautiful Eurohunter Deluxe Trophy rugs which were embroidered with the competition and class details - they will be prized by the winners for many years to come.   The individual class sponsors also make an enormous contribution to the success of this event and we thank them for their interest and generosity.”

“The Saddleworld presentation area was well appointed and brought a real ‘international’ touch’ to the official part of the championships.”

 
Saddleworld Presentations
Para Equestrian riders enjoy the limelight
against the backdrop of the Saddleworld signage
Pic Stephen Mowbray
 

“The Organising Committee would like to acknowledge Australia’s fabulous riders, owners and their horses – without them there would be no dressage and no Saddleworld Australian Dressage Championships.  Everyone works hard in the preceding season in order to qualify and these championships present the best of the best combinations!”

 
Broadcast Box
Expert commentary kept the audience informed
 

The outdoor competitions got off to a less than perfect start with heavy rain creating wet arenas and lots of puddles.  The following warm days improved the going as the event progressed. 

Cathie Drury-Klein added, “We are very happy with the way everything ran, in particular the ‘HRC Nationals Hub’ which was put in place to be a friendly and comfortable meeting area for riders, owners, grooms, traders and officials – the ‘hub’ was open to anyone wanting to have a break and chat with friends.  We are enormously grateful to Moira Kelly from the HRC Group for her company’s support in helping us to make this a very special ‘people friendly’ Nationals.  The competition décor captured the mood of the city and featured the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.”

 
Brett Parbery
Brett Parbery and DP Weltmeiser
winners of the CDI-W Grand Prix.
Pic Stephen Mowbray
 
 
Mary Hanna
Mary Hanna and Umbro
winners of the CDI-W Freestyle to Music
Pic Stephen Mowbray
 

“I would like to close by congratulating all of the winners and placegetters at the Saddleworld 2015 Australian Dressage Championships and wish them the best for the coming year.  We are looking forward to commencing the plans for 2016 and hope to see all friends in 12 months time.” Cathie Drury Klein concluded.

  Australian Dressage Championships  

For more information and pictures - visit the Australian Dressage Championships
FACEBOOK Page HERE