Over the past twelve years the Saddleworld Dressage Festival has grown to become one of the premier events on the Australian National Dressage calendar and encompasses the Victorian State Dressage Championships.
The main objective of this event is to combine dressage with entertainment to encourage involvement from the general public and increase awareness of the sport on a local, national and international level. With the combination of originality, expertise and sheer hard work, this objective has been met and exceeded. All this could not be achieved without the invaluable support and sponsorship of Saddleworld. Sponsoring for the sixth year, Saddleworld, in close association with the Organising Committee, has enabled this event to go from strength to strength.
The event this year has exceeded all expectations with a record number of entries, over 300, from right around Australia and including one entry from New Zealand. Combined with the Adult Riding Club Association of Victoria and the Pony Club Association of Victoria competitions, Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre will play host to over 500 dressage riders of all levels.
In conjunction with four days of dressage competition the event will also present a number of guest speakers from different fields of the equestrian world.
Brad Paterson, EFA National Education Manager, responsible for the development of coaching and officiating education programs and initiatives, will provide information on EFA Education programs. These will include Riding, Horse Management, Groom and Coaching courses and details about education pathways, learning and career options in the equestrian industry.
Steven Jefferys, renowned worldwide as the man who opened the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The unforgetable "Man from Snowy River" with his gallop on to centre stage, huge rear and crack of the whip with his stockhorse "Ammo". Acclaimed throughout the equestrian world, Steven will present both on the ground and in the saddle on "programming" the horse, showing valuable training methods for getting a soft and responsive horse and will undoubtedly be invaluable and entertaining.
The EFA Victorian Young Rider Squad will present their quadrille, a group of riders and horses performing dressage to music. The senior members of the squad will also talk about what is involved in being a competitive dressage rider and squad member.
Kate Doughty, a Para-Equestrian from Victoria and born without a right hand, will present a Freestyle to Music, a requirement in all Grades of Para-Equestrian competition. Riding since the age of eight she has been a member of the EFA Young Rider Squad and a finalist for Young Rider of the Year. Now competing at Medium and Advanced Level in EFA competitions, Kate is a member of the RDA State and National Squads and was RDA State Champion and runner up in Grade IV in 2004.
The Guest Speakers will be located in the Trade Village area, the hub of the event, where one can see and buy the latest in equestrian products, from fashion and riding apparel, the latest design in rugs to keep your horse warm to Saddleworld Dressage Festival Official Merchandise.
The main highlight of the Saddleworld Dressage Festival, which always draws an eager and enthusiastic crowd, is the Grand Prix Kur - Freestlye to Music Competition on Saturday Night. Held in the Indoor Arena, spectators have the opportunity to view Australia's top dressage riders, whilst enjoying a delicious three-course meal in the dining area or close to the action in a ringside seat. Steven Jefferys will also be performing as will the Ballarat Grammar Band.
For the first time an On-Line Auction of Stallion Services will be run as a fundraiser for the event. Stallions include Byalee Romance, Prince Noir, Jaybee Amigo, Coldstream Don Juan and a choice of one of the following four Stallions: D Day, Amilral, Cardento or Ragazzo. Bids can be submitted by going to EFA Victorian Branch web site www.efavic.com.au following the links to http://www.nominate.com.au/. Bidding will commence on 25 March and conclude on the evening of 9 April.
This year the event has the opportunity to reward both spectators and riders with some fabulous prizes. The Saddleworld Dressage Festival Raffle includes a Grainge Dressage Saddle kindly donated by Saddleworld and the winner of the Small Tour will receive a Kieffer Saddle.
Come to Werribee Park Equestrian Centre, see some great competition, spectacular horses, fabulous shopping and entertainment all at the Saddleworld Dressage Festival 2006.
For Bookings and Further Information
Please call Shelli Parker on 03 5962 4531 or Email: dawnie@hotkey.net.au
or visit www.efavic.com.au
