The Young Dressage Club is gearing up for its annual Donges IGA Dressage Championships to be held at the picturesque Bendick Murrell Sports Ground between Young and Cowra over this Easter weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This event will form an integral part of the E auditable Australia NSW Regional Dressage Series ensuring the event has retained its prestigious status on the NSW Dressage Calendar.
Featuring three international judges, the event grows every year and this year is no exception where more than 200 horses and riders will vie for a share of the $35,000 prizepool of cash and prizes.
The riders come from as far afield as Sydney, the North coast, Canberra, Wagga, Albury and Victoria.
Visitors will join riders from Young, Cowra, Cootamundra, Orange, Harden and Grenfell, including well known local riders like Megan Bryant and Sue Walker to ensure a high standard of dressage.
All levels will be hotly contested, with tests ranging from Junior riders doing Preliminary to the International tests running up to Olympic standard ensuring there will be something for everyone.
Spectators can enjoy free entry, family entertainment and ample parking to watch some really wonderful combinations from 8am each day.
At the end of Friday's competition at 5pm under lights, two of Australia's leading dressage riders will be conducting a Master Class.
This is a rare opportunity for all to learn just how much training and discipline goes into producing such highly talented horse/rider combinations and to see some really beautiful horses up close.
Another highlight will be the Freestyle tests to music and pairs events to be held from 1pm Saturday, finishing at 6pm under lights and incorporating Happy Hour.
These competitions allow competitors to dress up, show off and express themselves and their horses through music and is a crowd favourite not to be missed.
An added attraction this year will be the good food and coffee on the grounds and more than 20 trade stalls offering the opportunity for some retail therapy in gorgeous surrounds.
With a relaxed, friendly atmosphere spectators are sure to find a rider to chat to and a pony to pat - so see you there!