NSW Eventing Coach Jade Findlay explains the finer points of riding cross country. Jade is co-owner of HP Leilani, ridden by Chris Burton, who is on the short list for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Photo by Furdography
The Sydney International Eventing committee, all hardworking volunteers, dedicated yet another weekend of their time to organise a popular cross country clinic at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Over 200 riders took advantage of the unique opportunity to train their horses at the venue where Australia won gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Twelve of NSW's best Eventing coaches worked with a variety of levels, from Newcomers through to One Star riders. Groups were guided through elements such as the water, the bank and some of the more difficult lines on the lower level tracks, giving them the confidence and skills required for safe riding in both One and Three Day Events. This level of training was well received by competitors at the beginning of the 2012 Eventing season.
All proceeds from the clinic will be put towards extensive upgrades planned for the course in 2012. A number of new jumps, a new water complex and work on the footing will be completed over the next few months in time for the Sydney International Three Day Event in April. A number of sponsorship opportunities exist for businesses interested in becoming part of Australia's Olympic legacy, with Adopt-a-Jump packages proving very popular.
"We were thrilled with the turn out at the clinic," said Angela Shacklady, a volunteer on the SIE committee and owner of the Olympic Silver Medal winning horse All Luck ridden by Shane Rose in 2008. "It is essential that the course in Sydney continues to be one of the best in the world so that our horses and riders can continue their winning tradition at the Olympic Games. All money raised from the clinic will be used to help fund the significant course changes but sponsors are also needed to complete the upgrade."
International Course Designer, Mike Etherington-Smith from Great Britain, who designed the original Sydney 2000 Olympic course, returned to Australia this month, thanks to support from Equestrian Australia and the High Performance Program, to begin the process of giving the famous track a new look for 2012 and beyond. Whilst in Sydney Mike also worked closely with Australian course Designer Ewan Kellet and builder Brett Ryan on plans to develop the course further, providing a wonderful opportunity for riders of all levels to compete on world class courses.
The 3* Class at the April Sydney International Three Day Event is the final qualifier for Australian and New Zealand based riders aiming for the London Olympics later this year. The event is set to be an exciting show down between a number of the short listed competitors, including Sydney 2000 Gold medallist Stuart Tinney and 2008 Silver medallist Shane Rose.
Thank you to the Eventing coaches who attended the clinic - Hamish Cargill, Annabel Armstrong, Jade Findlay (pictured), Aaron Moyes, George Sheridan, Sandy Lucas, Tallara Barwick, Judy Fasher, Sam Fasher, Fiona Hughes, Peter Gillis and Sam Lyle.
Don’t forget!
Upcoming Events - Sydney (@SIEC) Eventing
Midweek (22nd-23rd Feb) and Weekend (25th -26th Feb) February 2012 – classes from Newcomers to 2*
Entries open on 16 January and close at 9pm on 9 February 2012.
More information at http://www.sieceventing.equestrian.org.au/?ID=23758
