A couple of weeks ago we joined the Illawarra Homeschooling group for a day out. Driving to the Sydney Equestrian Centre was easy, and such a pleasant drive. We even drove past Sydney Skydivers at Picton where a plane was taxing on the runway and many Jumpers were landing – that is such a colourful sight and also reminds me of the time Zachery was brave enough to Jump out of a perfectly good plane!
Sydney Equestrian Centre
It took about an 1 1/2 hours to get there so we left early – luckily we did because we were able to walk around and see all of the stall holders before meeting up at the front of the Indoor Arena. I used to own a horse but that was many years ago, and I have never been to any fancy horse shows in Australia – went to a dressage event when I was in London back when I was 18!!
We arrived with plenty of time ~
to explore before meeting up with the Homeschooling Group
Gorgeous Indoor Arena
The Arena took my breath away – the colours of the flowers, the formal setting, the way the riders held themselves proud when sitting and competing on their horses was the hi-light.
Sorry its out of focus ~
but the feeling while watching them competing was so worth it!
Meeting Joann Formosa
Or maybe the Hi-Light was meeting Joann Formosa who won a Gold Medal in 2012 London Paralympics. Her determination and out look on life lead her to compete in the Australian Para-Equestrian, with the understanding that she was going for gold.
Joann even went as far as telling a few people that she was entering to win, and she did. That is how powerful our minds are! Her story was one of inspiration and determination.
Joann is Inspirational ~
even telling us how to hold the Medal and think about “Our Dreams” 🙂
Behind The Scenes
Heading to the Horse Stables ::
Because we were part of a School Group we were able to duck behind where most people are not allowed to go. There are areas where the riders are allowed with their horses, but the general public are denied. Our tour guide took us all to the Stables (a no go area) and we had a detailed tour. From explaining how the horses have to meet certain standards upon arrival, to how the horses have to look, to how the equipment must be in top shape to even how the competitors must be groomed.
There was much to learn and to take on board. We were even told about the Green Dot on the Saddle Blanket. If you see a Horse that has a Green Spot then it means that Horse is a Stallion and should be given respect. All the mares are to stay well away, all of the other Horses and Riders are to respect that not only does the horse need to concentrate on the Event Ahead, but it is also Competing with all of his hormones intact!!!
Wished I had thought to take notes because now looking back on the day I am sure I am forgetting a lot of information!
What interested me the most was how many top Horses were in one location, and how many competitors looked incredible fit. It was almost like a fashion parade on a grand scale.
Cameron and Kyle Loved the Wash Bay ~
they thought it was like a Car Wash!
When Horses Arrive
The horses must arrive a day before the event (or was it two days?) and have to walk and trot down a track in front of Judges, Vets and Officials. All horses must past this test to be able to enter the Sydney Equestrian Centre Stables. There is a Track to the left of where they must compete this test, and its a track NO-one wants to be told to go down. Basically if you are told to head down that Track you will not be competing at the event – its a “Dead Man” track….where horses are taken to be checked over by the Vets and most likely told to go home.
Dressage Event
At the time we were able to watch the biggest Dressage Event. It was the Sydney CDI – International Dressage Event where competitors come from all over the world. The event is held in Sydney with Judges flown in from overseas so that there is no basis for who wins.
Its cheaper to fly judges in then it is to fly horses and competitors to overseas.
And those travelling from other countries come to compete by “Borrowing” Horses from the Australian teams because its too hard (with Quarantine etc) to have their own enter into Australia. When they had the Olympics at the Sydney Equestrian Centre it was a different story. Each competitor had their Horse flown in on a Plane that only took Horses, transferred onto a Truck that only took those Horses, and then taken straight to the Centre where they had an area set up for Horses from overseas.
So basically the Equestrian Centre became the Quarantine area – where they were Vet Checked regularly. Then our Australian Horses arrived three weeks before the Olympic event and again they were quarantined to the Centre for duration of the event.
Why Is CDI Different from Other Dressage Events?
The CDI stands for Concours de Dressage International (International Dressage Event). Its a three star event that is run entirely in accordance with international rules and regulations for equestrian sports, veterinary conditions and international dressage events. As a result, a number of matters are handled differently when compared with most competitions organized under national rules.
Our Day There
One I am glad that we took the time to attend. Having a tour from a member whose family competes was a hi-light, talk about knowing a LOT about competitions at such a high level.
To behind the scenes of the Equestrian Centre, to meeting the high quality of horses and very serious looking competitors…..to meeting Joann Formosa.
The Day Was/Is Highly Recommended For All School Aged Children, as well as us Adults! If you have a school in the area then get them to organise a tour (not sure when the next event is on?)
Or if you have a great Homeschooling Network (incredible one down in Wollongong) then see if someone can organise the day out. Cameron and Kyle enjoyed the day, even if they only went because I love horses!
Thanking You Sydney Equestrian Centre for organising the Tours.
Have You Ever Been To SEC or Competed In Dressage?
Thanking you for following our Journey.
Cheers
Lisa
New Life on the Road.
What a great excursion! I always drive by the Equestrian Centre and wonder what it would be like inside. Horses are such majestic creatures, aren’t they?
Grace recently posted..My Little Runaway…
you so should stop in there one day! The Sydney Equestrian Centre sure is incredible, and watching the horses compete was fantastic.
I’ve heard about the Equestrian center. My friend went there when she was out there backpacking. Did they stick to dressage dress codes such as dressage boots strictly etc?
It certainly sounds like one to put on the list when I’m out that way.
Stacey Rider recently posted..Mountain Horse Richmond Ladies Field Boots Review
I’ve found out about the Equestrian community. My companion went there when she was out there exploring. Did they adhere to dressage clothing regulations, for example, dressage boots rigorously and so forth?
It positively seems like one to put on the rundown when I’m out that way.