The 4 years old horses were mostly very well behaved and handled the big atmosphere at Werribee Park very well.  The Dressage riders should be complimented on their preparation and presentation - I could not say the same for some of the young Showjumpers!

The introduction of Young Dressage horse classes has done a great deal to draw more people into the sport and we now see quite a few breeders retaining their promising young stock in order to give them a good preparation for this event.  Astute breeders are very aware that this will help them to sell  more horses and significantly raise the profile of their farm.

Left and above The display in the Trade Village of 4 Aces they are set to make a huge impact on the Australian Performance horse breeding scene. Offering frozen semen from some of the world's best dressage performers, such as Briar  (placed at WEG Dressage for Sweden under rider Jan Brinks).  Visit their web site to chose the sire of your next dressage superstar. The 4 Aces ointment is very good, also.

Beautiful artworks by  Barbel Georgi. Barbel has a range of framed pieces for sale, she also paints to comission.   Her paintings are very realistic with an amazing attention to detail. An ideal gift or special present.

Emmanuel Baldaccino usually sings the National Anthem to open this event, this year he displayed his beautiful artworks.

In the past breeders had to wait for 10-12 years to prove the horses that they bred.  More than likely they no longer owned the mar or stallion, in all probability they had passed on to 'horse heaven' during the time that it takes to train a horse to Grand Prix.  The recognition of quality youngsters through this competition and its qualifying events has been a great boost to breeders.

It will be interesting to see how these top young horses progress through the grades and if in fact the qualities that we prize highly in our young horses are the same qualities that take them through to Grand Prix - only time will tell.  I am sure will will all follow the progress of this year's winners with great interest.

This mare worked very nicely without being spectacular the finished in 7th place.

Emmanual Baldaccino (who sells artworks by day ... and sings by night) donated 2 paintings which Peter Heagney auctioned,  to raise money to pay this group of young artists for their great contribution and sensational music.

Go to: Australian Young Dressage Championships Results | CDI-W Results
Return to the Main Equestrian Index