The sun was out for day one of competition at the Limitless Lodge Sydney International 3DE. Over 300 entries completed their dressage tests across classes from EvA65cm to CCI4*.
Madison Seivwright and 18yo Waitangi Pinterest are making the most of their trip from New Zealand, taking the lead in the R.M. Williams CCI4*-L on a score of 26.9.
“I am very happy with her today. She produced a lovely test and gave me some beautiful work. She’s just an amazing horse to ride. I can’t wait for tomorrow but it’s going to be an incredibly tough day. The course is very challenging, and the expected heat will add a significant factor too,” said Maddy.
Clearly experience shone brightly today with 3-time 5 star winning combination Hazel Shannon and19 year-old Willingapark Clifford (TB) posting a score of 30 for second place. Victorian rider Sam Jefferee on Santoro is a close third with 30.8
It was a good test from 20-year-old Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Special to score 29.90 to take a strong lead the ABEC Apiam Health CCI4* S. Queensland’s Justine Streater riding Quintina and Heath Ryan on Bobby Dazzler are both sitting on a score of 34.5 penalties.
7yo Bloomfield Findon and Christine Bates danced their way into the lead in the Limitless Lodge CCI3*L on a score of 29.3. This also has them leading the Kohnke’s OwnYoung Event Horse 7/8yo Championship. Georgia Rohde and Cassio Xtreme are in second on 30.3 followed by Charlotte Lalak and Fairbanks Casino with 31.2
Emma Bishop and Cassilis Park Figaro took poll position in the Limitless Lodge CCI3*-S with an impressive 26.7 just edging out Andrew Barnett and Oscar Park Deluge with 27 and Sam Fasher is in third on 28.0.
Niki Rose and her 6yo gelding Dreamrush are leading the CopRice CCI2* on 29.1 closely followed by husband Shane on Time To Cooley, 29.8. These two are therefore also first and second the Kohnke’s 6/7yo Young Horse Championship. Shenae Lowings and Chupa Chup are in third.
Niki is also leading the two divisions of CCN1*-L making it a hattrick in the dressage arena for her today.
Course designer Chris Ross (NZL) has presented the 2,3 and 4-star riders with beautifully presented yet testing cross country courses.
“I try to keep the horses confident first and I want them to finish well. Last year it was my first year at this venue and I was pleased that two horses finished inside the time. It is notoriously difficult to make time here but I have the horses finishing with a good long stretch on the flat which allows them to catch their breath and I think is nicer for them. There are some tough lines and it will be testing,” said Chris.
Tomorrow’s weather is expected to be hot so it will be an early start with the 3 Star out on the course at 8.30am. Followed by the 4 star and the final class to take on track one will be the 1 star.
Track 2 will start at 10am with the EvA65cm. All courses are available for preview on CrossCountryAPP and the 2,3 and 4 star will be live-streamed on H&C + and available on demand.
Full results can be found here
