Report by Victorian Chef d'Equipe
Caroline Coleby
Photos:  Jan Smith - EFA (Vic) Dressage Co-Ordinator

The Maxx Implementation Australian National Dressage Championships were held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) at Horsley Park.  This beautiful venue has been developed as the site for the equestrian events for next years Olympic Games.  SIEC has a large indoor arena (pictured right), a main competition arena and many other working and warming up areas.  There is stabling for 340 horses.  The development includes cross country and steeplechase facilities for eventing.  The setup is very horse friendly, but as a venue for multi level competition like the Nationals, all personnel need to be fit and sound as a great deal of walking (or bicycling) is required.  Despite inclement weather and some little organisational problems, the event seemed to be very successful.

Judges boxes at Horsley Park

Victorian FEI Team 2nd by one point to NSW

Electronic scoreboard showing details of the Peter Horobin Intermediate Championship

There were some lovely horses competing at all levels.  The Victorian Team of Emmie Schmul - Belcam Aarchon, Emma Youngman - Rasputin and Sarah McDonald - Adloo Georgia won the Elementary, Medium and Advanced Competition while the FEI Team of Karin Davis - Mighty Heights, Katie Boyes - Octavius of Neika and Mary Hanna - Limbo was 2nd by one point to NSW.  Mary won the Inter 2 class on Limbo whilst Emma Youngman on Rasputin was Medium Champion and Advanced Reserve Champion.

Karin Davis riding Mighty Heights Part of the Victorian FEI Team

Prix St. Georges Presentation Karin Davis on Mighty Heights and Brett Parbury (NSW) on Leibling

Victorian EFA Team Member Sarah McDonald aboard Adloo Georgia

Maree Tomkinson was Elementary Reserve Champion with Kings Warrior.   Several other Victorian riders placed.  Many riders found it hard to adjust to the spread out warm up and competition arenas.  Those riders whose horses were genuinely 'on the bit' and listening to their riders were generally rewarded.

Successful Victorian competitor Emma Youngman and dressage personality Deborah McNicol

FEI Competitor Karin Davis chats with equestrian tour personailty Ed Rodgers from Nirvana Tours

L to R Rob Hanna, Deborah McNicol from Victoria and Kerry Brydon, NSW.

We are certainly very fortunate in Victoria to have Werribee Park, which is an extremely competitor and spectator friendly place.  I have attended many competitions at Werribee, and have yet to see one delayed or cancelled due to bad weather.

Caroline Coleby
Victorian Chef d'Equip.