Competition starts today at the Bates National Dressage Championships held at Sydney International Equestrian Centre Horsley Park.

Around 180 competitors from across Australia as well as six New Zealand riders will take part over the four days of competition with classes ranging from Novice level to Grand Prix. Competitors range in age from 15 years to well into their sixties.

All eyes will be on the Regional Olympic Dressage qualifier which takes place on Friday as part of the Grand Prix CDI-W from 1:30pm – 5:40pm.  This is the first of two “legs” of the Group F/G qualifier. Due to quarantine restrictions it is necessary to hold the qualifier in two parts, one in each hemisphere as riders and their horses are based in both Australasia and Europe.

On Friday New Zealand will field their full team of four riders, whilst Australia will compete with just two riders. The final two riders for Australia will compete in the second “leg” which will take place in Ermelo, Netherlands, on 2 November.  Also competing in Ermelo will be a team from South Africa. The two best placed teams will gain qualification for London 2012.

Saturday night features the crowd favourite CDI-W Freestyle competition, where riders choreograph their own tests and compete to music of their choice.  The Grand Prix Freestyles will take place from 7.45pm and will feature Olympian Rachael Sanna and Jaybee Alabaster with their spectacular new Star Trek routine.

Queenslander Chantal Wigan and her 13-year old Dutch bred gelding Ferero, winners of the 2010 World Cup Pacific League Final, will perform their well-known Abba freestyle. Wigan says a new freestyle will be revealed next month at the Equestrian Grand Final. 

Wigan welcomes the kiwi competitors to the Australian Championships. “The Nationals brings together the best Australian competitors and this year also the top New Zealand riders. This provides an opportunity to compete against some fresh competition which is always good,” she said.

“Australian squad riders have just completed a national training clinic with Ton de Ridder (GER) which was a great lead-up to this event. I have been working hard on some extra expression and I feel that the clinic has prepared me well to put in my best performance,” added Wigan.

The Australian team will be as follows:

Rachael Sanna and Jaybee Alabaster, owned by Mrs. Bev Edwards & Mr. John Edwards - Sydney

Chantal Wigan and Ferero, owned by Ms. Chantal Wigan & Mr. G. Fairman - Sydney

Mary Hanna and Sancette, owned by Mrs. Mary Hanna & Mr. Rob Hanna – Ermelo

Lyndal Oatley and Potifar, owned by Mr. Andrew Oatley & Mrs. Carol Oatley - Ermelo

Equestrian Australia