Riley Alexander and Furstin Friendship

© Simon Scully

By Dana Krause

40 elite combinations descended on Fiona Selby’s stunning Boneo Park to represent Australia in its’ second FEI World Challenge. With a variety of FEI tests forming the foundation of the six levels accommodating all ages from the Youth class with 12 to 16 years to the prestigious FEI Intermediate I which is a fabulous showcase of Australia’s dressage talent.

The aim of the FEI World Challenge is to give a larger number of Australians the chance to represent their country and get a taste of the international flavour without the prohibiting cost factors. This is achieved by holding these competitions in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Africa and Taiwan under the watchful eye of two FEI 2* judges (minimum). This year competitors had the privilege of receiving insight from Kerrie Swan-Bates of Australia (TAS) and Sue Hobson of New Zealand and the feedback all riders gained was positive. New Zealand won the overall team event last year for Zone Eight however with such a strong field of Australian riders today we’ll have to wait with fingers crossed until the other country’s competitions are completed!

Monday saw all combinations dressing for 10’s for the trot up. Thankfully all competitors were accepted, with Julia Weir (SA) and Hirranni winning the Magic Tails Best Presented.

Julia Weir and Hiraani

© Dana Krause

Tuesday started with the Youth class which Jasmine Abernathy (VIC) riding Cassia Montgomery’s lovely Rebel M won. Second place went to Jasmine Haynes (VIC) riding Steendieks Champ of Glory and third was Bella Plumridge (VIC) riding Illawong Harvest Moon.

The Senior I was a competitive class with Jodie Newall (NSW) riding her homebred The Royal Huntsman C. Second place went to Jade Woodhead (VIC) on Royal Commander and third was Erin Bullock (VIC) with Miss Fanta.

Shannon McKimmie (VIC) took out first and second in the Senior II with her own Jaybee Ali and G. Brands, Free Cloud. Third place went to Kaitlyn McGill (VIC) riding Flowervale Sancierra.

With back to back top placings being the trend Riley Alexander (NSW) came first and second in the FEI Prix St George with G.J and K. Farrell’s MI Sirtainly Sir and Furstin Friendship. Third place went to Clair Arnold (VIC) riding Dolcima.

Riley Alexander and MI Sirtainly Sir

© Simon Scully

The final class of the day, FEI Intermediate I, was won by Riley Alexander (NSW) riding Larenso with the biggest score of the day 74.118%. Second went to Jan Smith (NSW) riding Belcam Cadel and third was Jessica Hivon riding Greenoaks Weltman.

Riley Alexander and Larenso

© Simon Scully

Congratulations to all competitors; Australian dressage has a bright future! Overall the competition was strong, and the judges were impressed with the standard of the tests presented. All riders, including myself had an amazing experience which couldn’t have been achieved without the work of Jan Smith and Deb MacNicol who put in many hours behind the scenes to organise this wonderful event!

Inter I presentations

© Simon Scully

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