The championships will be held from Wednesday 24th to Friday 26th of September at the Bendick Murrell Sportsground, located just off the Olympic Highway between Young and Cowra. 

Bendick Murrell has one of the best Dressage Facilities in the country including five sand arenas and large sand warmup, safe yards and stables, plenty of camping area with shade, and new amenities.

This is the first time in over 10 years that the state championships have been held in the country. 

Last time was 2003 in Bathurst, since then they have been always run in Sydney. 

So this is great opportunity for country riders to be able to compete at state championship level without having to travel to Sydney.

Bamborough Pony Stud of Cowra has come on board as the major sponsor for the first time this year.

Bamborough has bred many Royal Show Champions as well as some top dressage ponies, including Bamborough Epic, who undoubtedly one of Australia’s best ponies that is only one step away from competing at the highest level of dressage, Grand Prix. Bamborough Pony Stud has donated a top quality 2yo pony to be raffled. So everyone can have the chance to own one of their amazing ponies for just a $10 raffle ticket. Wednesday afternoon there will be a Bamborough Pony Showcase before the raffle is drawn. Tickets on sale on Nominate or contact young dressage for tickets.

Young rider classes are open to competitors up the age of 21 on any size horse. 

Pony classes are open to riders of all ages but restricted to ponies under the height of 149cm, there is an official measuring day on Wednesday. All levels are catered from from Preliminary to Grand Prix, as well as freestyle and pas de deux competitions on Thursday, that are ridden to music and in costume. 

Riders have been competing in qualifying events in the past 12 months to be eligible to compete at the state championships. 

But there are also restricted classes for those competitors who don’t have performances or are not members of Equestrian Australia. 

So for those who have never competed in dressage before this is where you should start.

Competitors are expected from all over NSW and interstate, who will be competing in the State Teams Challenge. 

Some competitors will also be competing in the Young Show just before the Championships, and Central West Dressage Championships, Pony Club State Eventing Championships or Australian Interschool Championships which are just after.

Entries close Thursday August 21 via www.nominate.com.au. 

If you are thinking of entering and need more information please email Young Dressage Association on youngdressage@bigpond.com or visit their website www.youngdressage.com