Mike Etherington Smith
Australia will welcome back world-renowned cross-country course designer Mike Etherington-Smith (GBR) to the Sydney course for the 2012 Sydney Three-Day Event.
Etherington-Smith will design the CCI 3* course which will be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, 26-29 April 2012.
Mike Etherington-Smith, one of the world’s leading cross-country course designers, was the original course designer for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Etherington-Smith was also responsible for the track at 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong. He was the Technical Delegate for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and Technical Advisor the 2006 World Equestrian Games (Germany).
Etherington-Smith was responsible for the course for the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and has designed the four-star track at Kentucky for the past twenty years.
Ahead of the London Games Equestrian Australia feels it is a great opportunity for Australia-based riders to compete over a course designed by such an experienced Olympic course designer. This opportunity has been made possible through the Australian Government’s Green and Gold funding program, which provides additional support to enhance Australia’s medal prospects in 2012.
Equestrian Australia’s National Performance Director for Eventing, Prue Barrett, explains the benefit for Australian riders. “Australian eventers have a grand tradition of exceptional cross-country riding skills as they have proved again and again at the championship level.
“Mike ES is one of the most well respected course designers, so for our Australia-based riders to have the opportunity to ride over his course prior to the Olympic Games will not only give them invaluable experience but also ensure they are well prepared to take on the rest of the world in London,” she said.
Sydney International Eventing (SIE), organisers of the Sydney International Three-Day Event are thrilled that Mike Etherington-Smith is returning to Sydney.
“We have been keen to get Mike back to Sydney for sometime, so it’s great that he now has the time to come back and work with our team,” said Glenn Wallace, President of Sydney International Eventing.
“Mike will bring a fresh set of eyes to the course, and will not only design the CCI 3* course, but work closely with our course designer Ewan Kellet and builder Brett Ryan in developing the course further.
“It is critical that we maintain the Sydney International Equestrian Centre course as one of the best in the world.
“SIE would like to thank Equestrian Australia and its High Performance Program for their support,” concluded Mr Wallace.
Etherington-Smith has worked on numerous other international courses around the world including Adelaide Three-Day Event and the Pan Am Games.
Etherington-Smith has also been Event Director and designed the World Cup qualifier at Chatsworth (UK) for ten years, and was the designer and director of Blenheim Horse Trials CCI 3* from its inception twenty years ago to 2007, including when the event hosted the 2005 European Championships. In 2007, he took over as Sport Director of British Eventing, and then became Executive Chief of British Eventing in 2008 - a position he still holds.
Etherington-Smith resides in Oxfordshire, UK with his wife Sue.
