With less than a week to go until the commencement of the Saddleworld 2014 Australian Dressage Championships, it has been a very busy time for Madonna Hedberg from Gympie Saddleworld, as she ticks off a long “to do list” in order to get everything done at the store, so that she can be away for 10 days to travel down to Sydney to be part of the national championships with her striking imported stallion, Fiderfurst. 

Madonna’s Hanoverian stallion has qualified at Novice level and will be ridden by talented Queensland professional, Emma Flavelle, who will ride in the new Prestige X-Helen, Helen Langehanenberg’s custom designed Dressage Saddle.

Madonna said, “After looking at hundreds of young stallions in Europe, we chose Fiderfurst to stand at Arnage Warmblood Stud and trusted the very respected licensing procedures of the Hanoverian Verband. Fiderfurst has had a great lead up to the most important event on the Australian Dressage calendar, and all connections are delighted that he will step out and show his talent to a wider audience of Australian dressage fans.”

	Fiderfurst with Emma Flavelle riding in the new Prestige X-Helen Dressage Saddle with Madonna Hedberg

“Since arriving in Australia, Fiderfurst has competed 4 times for 6 champion awards and is now on the National Futures Squad. So the pressure is on in Sydney, when we go head to head with the best of Australia's dressage combinations.”

Madonna also noted, “The Saddleworld Australian Dressage Championships is the high point of the year for all dressage competitors as we train our precious horses and showcase them along side the best horses in the country. So, as we plan the trip, pack and fine-tune our hopefuls, we all have dreams of taking home the big awards.  But, it must be remembered that qualifying for this event confirms correct basic training and confirms promising prospects for the future.  Producing good competition horses is the stallion’s job, so we hope to show Fiderfurst’s great trainability and potential to reach FEI later in his career - these are highly heritable qualities, which good stallions will pass on to their foals.”

All friends and associates of Saddleworld wish Madonna, Emma and Fiderfurst a safe, successful and happy experience at the Saddleworld 2014 Australian Dressage Championships at SIEC from the 23rd – 26th October.

There is lots of fantastic entertainment and shopping and this is a great place to catch up with dressage friends who gather to be part of the development of the sport.
 
For more information about the Saddleworld Australian Dressage Championships go to www.dressagensw.com.au

To enjoy the event in style the Top Spot Marquee is the place to be. 
Tickets are still available for the special Saturday evening dinner.

General enquiries: Toni Venhaus 0418 686 781
Hospitality: Gail Benson 02 4572 3905