Equestrian Stars Confirmed for Three-Day Event
A record number of riders – including some of horse riding’s biggest stars - have confirmed they will take part in this year’s Australian International 3-Day Event from November 13 to 15, being launched at Rymill Park in Adelaide today (Wednesday 21 October) at 2pm.
Olympic gold medallists Wendy Schaeffer and Stuart Tinney will battle it out against some of the biggest names in the equestrian world including silver medallists Shane Rose, Megan Jones and Sonja Johnson and defending champion in the Olympic level four star class, Christopher Burton.
Over 110 riders have entered the event, up from 80 riders who competed last year.
The event - the most significant horse sport event in the Southern Hemisphere – will also plays host to New Zealand’s finest horse and rider combinations competing against the Aussies for the hotly contested Adelaide Trans Tasman Challenge.
Won by the Kiwis at the last event held in New Zealand in 2007, the Australians will be out to snatch the title back.
New Zealand riders already lining up to defend their title include Kate Wood on Easy Tiger, Jenna Mahoney on Santos, Anne-Marie Styles on As You Like It, Heelan Tompkins on Sugoi, Donna Smith on Stanage and Clarke Johnstone on Orient Express and Oakley Vision.
“Not only will event goers have the chance to see world-class riding, but they can also enjoy a full program of fun events including a fantastic luncheon, fashion parades, a Masterclass with Olympic Judge Martin Plewa and a flamboyant Dressage to Music display by Spaniard Blas Largo on Northern Hector on dressage day, the Grape and Gourmet Gallop featuring the best of South Australia’s food and wine and an expanded Trade and Lifestyle Village,” Event Director and Olympic champion Gillian Rolton says.
With the Saturday of the event coinciding with the running of the much loved Credit Union Christmas Pageant on November 14, organisers are theming the day as a “family day” encouraging families to enjoy the fabulous sights and sounds of the Pageant and then spend the afternoon relaxing in the parklands.
For the kids, there’ll be plenty to see and do, including pony rides, a dedicated playground area, arts and crafts and children’s entertainment.
“This is the most important event on the Southern Hemisphere’s equestrian calendar combining dressage, cross country and show jumping and we’re expecting a huge turnout of spectators cheering on some of the world’s best riders,” Ms Rolton says.
Spectacular water jumps, a challenging cross country course and tests of elegance and precision in the dressage arena are features of the Adelaide event, one of only six four-star events in the world.