Eventing: Equestrian Australia Partners with Sydney Royal Easter Show for a New Eventing Class

Eventing riders will compete in a new competition at the 2011 Sydney Royal Easter Show. Equestrian Australia has worked closely with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) to develop “Exhibition Eventing” - an exciting format that will showcase Eventing and test the skills of many of Australia’s leading Event riders.

“Australia’s Eventing riders are among the best in the world and the Easter Show welcomes the opportunity for them to compete in the Main Arena in this vibrant new format,” said Graham Davey, RAS Horse Committee Chairman.

Exhibition Eventing incorporates a short dressage component which is followed by a single jumping course combining cross-country and show jumps, which the riders must complete against the clock. The class will take place in the Main Arena on 19 April from 2:00pm.

“It will be a testing competition however some fun elements have been incorporated including a “joker” fence where rides can gain bonus points,” explained Mr. Davey.

“I am excited to ride in this class,” commented Stuart Tinney 2000 Olympic gold medallist. “A lot of thought has gone into the format and I think it will be a really good way to present Eventing in an arena environment.”

Exhibition Eventing will also feature on the program at EQUITANA Sydney 2011, to be held in Sydney 10-13 November. The competition at Sydney Royal Easter Show will be a qualifier for the EQUITANA Sydney Final which will be included in a national television EQUITANA broadcast.

The Easter Show has previously held a Young Event Horse class which was expanded to an Open Event Horse class in 2010. However, Exhibition Eventing has ‘raised the bar’ and is open only to horses and riders with a minimum qualification of CNC2*.  This will be the first time cross-country has been included at the Easter Show.

There are plenty of prizes up for grabs including $2000 in prize money plus $1,000 cash prize supported by Technyflex, rug supported by The Land newspaper, product prizes supported by Technyflex, annual trophy supported by Jillian Cobcroft and product prize supported by International Animal Health.

For entry information please see the Horse Events Schedule (p.67) on the Sydney Royal web site http://www.sydneyroyal.com/horse.htm

For further inquiries please contact Carla Leaver, Coordinator Horse Competitions & Events, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. Email at cleaver@rasnsw.com.au or phone (02) 9704 1220

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