The Hawkesbury Dressage Festival at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre showcased a day filled with elegance and excitement. The Grand Prix class was a standout, with John Thompson and MSJ Gatsby delivering a commanding performance, securing the top spot with 67.101%. BZ Raphael with Breanna Tillitzki closely followed with a score of 66.340%, displaying significant improvements in their performance.
Mary Nitschke and Astronomical, Sally-Ann Quigley on Larapinta Orlando, and Gordon Pratt on Aberdare MI also participated in the Grand Prix, each showcasing their unique strengths and areas for improvement. Despite some discrepancies in scoring, the competition was intense, with John Thompson ultimately emerging as the victor.
In the Open Intermediate B and AOR Inter B classes, Anne-Catherine Preuss, Jos West, and other talented riders demonstrated exceptional skills and potential for further development. The competition was fierce, highlighting the depth of talent in the field.
David McKinnon and Holland Bend Fleur De Lys dominated the Open Medium tests, showcasing consistency and impressive performances. The competition was stiff, with riders like Sally Rizzuto, Jayden Brown, and Katharine Farrell delivering strong performances and raising the overall standard of the event.
The Open Prix St Georges class saw Robbie McKinnon and SPH Fortino steal the show with a dazzling performance, earning top honors and impressing the judges with their confident work. Jayden Brown and Riley Alexander also delivered commendable performances, showcasing their skills and expertise in the arena.
In the Novice classes, riders like Sally Walker and Kaye Spence stood out, delivering exceptional performances and earning top placements. The competition was tough, with the AOR division witnessing some outstanding rides and impressive scores.
The Open Novice classes, fondly referred to as the ‘Novice Olympics,’ featured top riders and horses competing at a high level. Zaire MI, Total Impact CBM, and other talented combinations showcased their skills, making it a challenging competition for the judges to evaluate.
While the festival was filled with excitement and exceptional performances, there were some scoring discrepancies that raised questions about the judging framework. Competitors and spectators alike expressed concerns about the scoring system and called for better mentorship and support for developing judges to ensure fair and consistent evaluations.
Despite the challenges, the overall tone of the festival remained positive, with participants leaving inspired and motivated for the future. The event was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the organizers, sponsors, and participants, who came together to create a memorable and successful competition.
The conversations sparked at the Hawkesbury Dressage Festival about judging, development, and the future of Australian dressage are expected to lead to positive changes in the sport. As the equestrian community continues to grow and evolve, the focus remains on celebrating excellence and fostering a love for the sport among all participants.
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