A regular competitor at the Sydney events, Stuart Tinney brought his Olympic gold medal winning horse, Jeepster back to the Olympic venue to celebrate the 10th anniversary
In 2011 more than 1,000 entries competed over the four One Day Events held at the spectacular Sydney 2000 Olympic Course.
Sydney @ SIEC Eventing (SSE) was formed in 2002 with the inaugural national ODE held in February 2002 using the wonderful facilities of the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC), a legacy of the 2000 Olympic Games. SIEC is the only Olympic Equestrian venue still in use around the world.
Since 2002 SSE has grown to four competitions per year, two in February and two in July. The event continues to grow in size and reputation each year with riders from all over Australia keen to compete at the amazing Olympic venue. In 2011 more than 1,000 entries competed over the four events.
SSE is proudly run by a friendly committee made up of many wonderful volunteers. SSE provides riders with a professionally organised event run in a friendly atmosphere at one of the best equestrian facilities in the country. The upcoming February competition has a prize pool of nearly $15,000 in cash and prizes, making it a prominent event on the NSW Eventing calendar. Many of the riders on their London Olympic campaigns will be in the line up including Sydney 2000 gold Olympic medallist Stuart Tinney and Christine Bates who won both the July 3* Class and the Sydney International 3DE at the same venue in September last year.
2011 Sydney International 3DE winner Christine Bates & Adelaide Hill (Photo by Furdography)
The Sydney Three Day Events are run by an separate group of volunteers, Sydney International Eventing. In 2012 there will be a 3DE in April, before the final selection of the Australian Olympic Team, and a final NSW 3DE in November. There will be a total of six complementary Eventing competitions held at the wonderful venue each year.
The committees of both the International and National events work together to ensure the course is maintained and upgraded on a regular basis, to provide an exciting and challenging track for all levels of rider. The hard working staff at SIEC see to the upkeep of the grounds, footing and facilities. SIEC remains in pristine condition, available for use by all equestrian disciplines and is the premier venue for equestrian events in Australia.
English course designer Mike Etherington-Smith designed the 2000 Olympic cross country course and has returned in 2012 to design an exciting new 3* track. He will also work closely with our designer Ewan Kellet and builder Brett Ryan in developing the Sydney course further. The SSE committee has contributed funds to the development of the new water complex and other cross country enhancements.
The newly elected SSE committee has many innovative ideas planned for 2012. Riders are invited to a sausage sizzle to meet them at the upcoming February One Day Event. Classes are filling quickly, entry is via Global Entries Online and close on 9 February.
Volunteers are encouraged to come and be part of the SSE team. There are many roles available, from one hour to the whole week.
Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event. Businesses are invited to contact SSE quickly to maximise their exposure and become involved in this exciting sport.
For more information please contact Rachel Smith rjsmith(write @)furdography.com.au
