Australia’s elite dressage riders followed by a crowd of equestrian enthusiasts will be trading BBQ’s and beer for gourmet food and wine as they head south seeking Dressage action at the Boneo Classic supported by NAB this Australia Day long weekend. 

Over three days the multidiscipline event will hold dressage classes ranging from Pony Club to Grand Prix, opening the CDI experience to a broad range of dressage competitors.

For the first time Boneo Park will be hosting the FEI Pacific League World Cup Final, the diverse field of 12 boasts Olympians, World Equestrian Games representatives, seasoned dressage riders along with up and coming combinations, making for an exciting competition.

All eyes will be on Victorian Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina 4 as they front up to their first major competition since the World Equestrian Games held in August last year. Sue Hearn and Remmington are entering the Boneo Classic on a high, following their second placing and personal best performance at EQUITANA in November last year.

Although four-time Olympian Mary Hanna does not have her World Equestrian Games mount Sancette, her Grand Prix horse Umbro will be stepping up, with Hanna seeking a number one positon on the board.

But no competitor or spectator will underestimate the quality in Heath Ryan and Regardez Moi. The famous pair enjoyed a successful 2014, taking out three major titles. Ryan also has his up and coming Regardez Moi protégé Utopian Cardinal in the mix. 

Everyone will be eagerly watching the new kid on the block Katharine Farrell (right) and her imported Arabian Warmblood/Hanoverian gelding LUXOR 118, the pair have only been competition at this level for the past 12 months. “I was 18 when I did my first grand prix, I’m 19 now, so essentially I’m the same age as Heath Ryan’s horse Regardez Moi,” said Farrell.

Farrell and Luxor 118 embarked on their Grand Prix debut during the Sydney CDI in May last year. “At first it was quite intimidating being the youngest one and I felt a little bit out of my league, all the other riders have been super welcoming, and really encouraging and I think that’s really helped,” explained Farrell.

At the Equestrian Grand Final Farrell and Luxor 118 made their mark placing 3rd in the Grand Prix Freestyle, accumulating a score of 70.125%. “I was really happy with my test, it was a personal best for us and it was pretty amazing to compete in front of that crowd” reflected Farrell.

Farrell finished 1.7% behind Heath Ryan. “Heath is an amazing rider and so is Sue, who came 2nd, it was an honour to be third to the both of them,” she said.

On top of this Farrell also scored higher than her Coach Brett Parbery in the Grand Prix Freestyle. “It’s pretty cool because I admired him as a rider growing up, so it’s nice to have a bit of friendly competition out there” said a humble Farrell.

Limited tickets are still available for the Boneo Classic (22nd – 25th January) HERE.  The FEI Pacific League World Cup Final (Grand Prix – Freestyle) will be held on Saturday 24th January.  An extensive trade village will be operating throughout the four days and from Friday to Sunday there will also be a farmers market along with a variety of different stallholders so there will be plenty to eat, see and do! For more information please visit the website http://www.boneopark.com.au/

Picture with thanks to Equestrian Australia/Julie Wilson.