New Zealand small tour riders Abbie Deken and Andrea Bank will represent NZL in the international Derby at the 2012 Sydney CDI in May. Both have been consistent performers at small tour level this season on KH Ambrose, Doringcourt and Northern Fortuous (Bank).
The Sydney CDI is one of the most prestigious events on the Australasian Dressage Calendar.
The Sydney CDI 3-Star won the inaugural Equestrian Federation of Australia, Equestrian Event of the Year in 2006. it has since won this award three times in 2009 and 2010.
This event was the first CDI to be held in Australia. Originating from "FEI Days" and CDAs (an event at a lower level, now a CDI 3-Star) at Lochinvar in the wine-producing Hunter Valley region north of Sydney, it was first held there in 1992, but outgrew its venue and was moved to Sydney in 1994.
Foreign riders cannot easily bring their own horses to the CDI because of strict quarantine requirements and the high cost of air transport from other continents. The exception has been New Zealand, which has always competed with riders on their own horses.
The Organising Committee invites countries to send two riders to represent their Country in the Small Tour (Prix St Georges/Intermediate I) on borrowed horses. One of the highlights for the international riders is the Prix St Georges Derby Team & Individual Competition where two riders from each country (including Australia) draw horses out of the hat the day before the competition. All the riders take this competition very seriously and a team presentation is made to the winning Teams.
Some equestrian events have international status without any real international participation. The CDI has always been different in this regard. We could take the easy route and just invite countries to participate on their own horses knowing that due to strict quarantine requirements and the high cost of air transport from other continents, riders would not come. The international flavour is a key element and point of difference that sets this event apart from others. The visiting riders have a wonderful time and many countries look forward each year to receiving an invitation. Many friendships are developed which has helped local riders train and compete in other countries.
It is rare in Australia to find a Dressage Competition that uses more foreign International Dressage Judges and of the calibre, the Sydney CDI 3-Star manages to invite. The Sydney CDI's judging panel normally includes at least one 'O' level International Dressage Judge who can issue Certificates of Capability to horse/rider combinations to compete at Olympic or World Equestrian Games.
Photos © Lisa Potter
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