Queensland's Young Riders cross the Tasman

Dressage Queensland fosters a healthy relationship with Dressage New Zealand to allow its Young Riders the opportunity of competing in an International Dressage Championship.

Queensland Young Riders Daisy Fielding, Alistair Schramm and Eliza Cullen have returned from competing at the NZ U25 Dressage Championships at Taupo New Zealand. The competition required them to ride borrowed horses in 1 unofficial and 3 official Dressage Tests, including Freestyle. The riders were given 2 days to familiarize themselves with their mounts, and then it was time to get their game faces on. After the first unofficial tests were completed and achieving some good results, it was onto the official part of the competition. As we all know, things don’t always go according to the script; this was the case for Eliza, whose horse was eliminated from the competition due to being unsound. After some discussion with the OC, another horse was provided for Eliza and she continued in the competition. The second official test wrapped up competition for day 1. Day 2 comprised of another 2 Official tests, with all riders doing well. Queensland finished Reserve Champions to the New Zealanders and are looking forward to the NZ Team coming over to the Qld Young Rider Championships in September to ride on borrowed horses.

The idea of the reciprocal competition is not just to let the riders experience riding in another country, but to experience the camaraderie of being in a Team environment. It’s another Step Tread in the Staircase to Success. We want to foster this relationship with New Zealand and hope to make it an annual event, possibly expanding the scope of the competition.

The Qld Young Riders would like to thank Dressage NZ for engaging in this concept of competition. Wendy Hamerton, Judy Alderdice, Celine Filbee, your enthusiasm for this event was evident. We look forward to hosting your team in September. To the owners of the loan horses Debbie Clarke, Nicola Essex, Anna Gale and Belle Clarke, we thank you for your generosity and friendship. Without your support, there would not have been a Qld Team for the competition.

Article courtesy of Equestrian Australia