Queensland Festival of Dressage

11th August 2007

held at Pine Lodge Equestrian Centre

Report by Tracy Mayhew, Qld Cyberhorse Rep

"Incredible", "Amazing", "Brilliant", "Fun and informative", "Can't wait until next year's Festival"... These are just a few of the responses I received when attendees were asked their thoughts of the inaugural Queensland Festival of Dressage, which was held at Pine Lodge Equestrian Centre at Thornlands on 11 August 2007. I'm so glad to say that these comments weren't just from the general public alone but also came from sponsors, trade-stall holders, participants, demonstrators and organisers as well; now you don't often, if ever (and I mean never!) get that kind of positive feedback.

The Festival was the brainchild of local rider, trainer and judge, Nicole Tough, who along with an ever-enthusiastic and extremely capable support team consisting of Leasa Stephen (Event Director), Gary Lung (Artwork and Design) and Keran Ainslie (Marketing and Fashion Parade Co-ordinator), have staged one of the most professional and well-run events I've ever been to. What was promised to be a "unique feast of Dressage jam-packed with exhibitions, education seminars, ridden demonstrations and entertainment" is a massive understatement; what was run was all that and more! I'll add "phenomenal" to the very long list of praise that Nic & co. have received - well done to everyone involved!

An obviously elated Festival Director, the inexhaustible Nicole Tough

Festival Manager, Nicole Tough said, "My aim was purely to bring dressage enthusiasts together to promote and celebrate the sport, and after the success of today, I am pumped! Everyone loved it! From the organising committee, the venue owner, the State Squad, and all the volunteers, to the trade site holders and of course the spectators! Everyone is asking when are we doing it again!"

The Festival started off as a fund-raising project for the Emerleigh Embroidery Qld Dressage Squads but soon snowballed into a dressage 'info-fest' owing to the abundant ideas for demonstrations and presentations and also for the considerable amount of interest from sponsors and supporters. What a triumphant job the organisers, Squad members, contributors, participants and everyone associated with this outstanding project have done, to date they have raised over $10,000 - an overwhelming result and one that Dressage Queensland should be grateful and appreciative for.

Squad Member boards were strategically placed around the site so as to 'personalise' the event and give the public awareness of its members

What is also encouraging is that not only did practically every Squad member contribute heaps of their time, skills, expertise and sense of humour, but also friends, family and equestrian enthusiasts also pitched in - you could definitely feel the camaraderie and 'good-vibe' atmosphere.

Gary Lung with Nicole Magoffin show the 'lurve'

"I was initially involved with this event to raise money for the Emerleigh Embroidery Qld State Squad," Gary Lung said. "However it became clear that this idea wasn’t about fund raising but about promoting the sport. With all the talent, skills, dedication and energy offered by members of the State Squads and committee, it was clear to see that this awareness and promotion could be achieved."

Event Director, Leasa Stephen was an absolute joy to work with and kept a friendly disposition whilst attending to every little detail

As there was so much going on and I also wanted to take as many photos as possible so as not to miss anything, I therefore unfortunately didn't have the chance to sit down to absorb all the information that was given so I can't write an in-depth report on all the knowledge that was imparted, so I suggest you come along next year and glean the information for yourself. You can go to Kristen McAuslan's well set-up website (www.qlddressagefest.com) for more information on this and next year's Qld Festival of Dressage.

Many people generously gave donations for the Silent Auction

Page 2 - Cyberhorse Seminar Centre

Page 3 - Action from the Indoor Arena

Page 4 - Fashion Parade

Page 5 - Ridden Stallion Display

Page 6 - Special Mentions and Personalities

© Cyberhorse 2007 Tracy Mayhew