The Sydney CDI was the first internationally recognised dressage competition in Australia. It was first held in 1992 in one of Australia's most renowned wine-growing areas, the Hunter Valley. Within two years it outgrew the venue and was then moved to Sydney. Over the last twenty years it has grown to be the highlight of Australia's dressage calendar.
The event has won the Event of the Year at the Equestrian Australia Sport Achievements awards three times in 2006, 2009, 2010. Like all equestrian events it takes a team of hard working volunteers to make them successful. What also is needed is an experienced Event Director to ensure all bases are covered. The Sydney CDI has been extremely lucky to have had Toni Venhaus involved since its inception and she took over the helm from her husband Franz a few years before the Sydney Olympic Games. Franz and Toni have been instrumental in shaping the Sydney CDI into the event it is today.
This year will be interesting as a number of Australia's elite riders are in Europe battling it out for a place on the London 2012 Olympic team. Recently, Equestrian Australia endorsed seven combinations to compete at the Olympic nomination shows in Europe - Hayley Beresford on Belissimo, Mary Hanna on Sancette, Lyndal Oatley on Potifar, Brett Parbery on Lord of Loxley, Rozzie Ryan on GV Bullwinkle, Rachael Sanna on Jaybee Alabaster and Chantal Wigan on Ferero.
As these riders won’t be competing at the Sydney CDI, it opens the gate for some of the new Big Tour horses to win one of the coveted Sydney CDI trophies. One combination to watch out for is the very experienced Maree Tomkinson on her delightful mare Diamantina. There are also a number of young adults who have been working hard over the years and are now showing the maturity and skill to give some of Australia’s best a run for their money. This bunch of youthful riders I have nick named ‘The Young Guns.’ Over the next few weeks I will be doing a number of articles showcasing some of these riders.
Indications are that the competition will be hot in the small tour with a stronger than ever field. There is an expectation that some horses will be scoring in the 70% range on a regular basis.
The Sydney CDI has made many champions and by doing so it has enthused lots of riders to chase their dreams. Winning or placing at this event has become a benchmark to gauge wether these horse and riders have the potential to compete abroad. This year will be no different!
The Sydney CDI will run from the 3rd May to the 5th May.
Related Links
2012 CDI Sydney Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Andreas Schoffner, Guest Judge Rider at 2012 CDI Sydney Young Horse Competition