This article first appeared in a 2012 edition of Equestrian Life magazine. For more information or to subscribe, visit our home page here.

High Society

©Justin Stent

It might have a reputation as a very relaxed and rider-friendly event, but an important element of Dressage With Altitude is that up and coming young riders get to compete against some of the sport’s bigger names.

By Eloise Wilkinson

Held at the privately owned, beautiful Bradgate Park, outside Orange NSW, owners, John and Bev Healy overcame the weather odds to have the grounds in immaculate condition - perfect for a ‘boutique European- style’ event, with this year’s competition including 3* and CDI tests.

“Riders had the opportunity to compete in front of worldclass international judges - a rare occasion offering a unique experience that is commonplace in European competition,” Organiser, Sue Scaysbrook, says. The overseas International 5* judges were Axel Steiner from USA and Lib McMullen from Canada. Alison King is a 4* International judge from Hong Kong and formed part of the judging line up.

Competitors came from around the country as well as from New Zealand. The calibre of horses shone through, with the judges impressed by the high standard of competition.

“There were so many great combinations of riders, they may not have won but to watch them compete was important as you see them coming through the ranks solidly,” Sue says.

Winners of the Grand Prix CDI 3* events gained Minimum eligibility Scores (MES) average score of over 64 per cent from five judges to aid their world ranking towards Olympic selection. Rozzie Ryan on GV BULLWINKLE took first place, with Maree Tomkinson riding DIAMANTINA IV in second.

Other highlights included Robbie Soster on her young horse ROBALI RAZZAMATAZZ, who proved hard work and training pay off by winning the Intermediate 1 CDI3*.

Heath Ryan on REGARDEZ MOI came third to Sheridyn Ashwood on PRESTIGE VDL from Queensland in second and Heath’s wife, Rozzie Ryan on GV BULLWINKLE winning the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* test.

This year also featured a CDI-Y and CDI-Y Freestyle events, where younger riders had the opportunity to compete in their own field. Megan Bryant on DONNABELLA won both her tests, with Sue commenting she will be the one to watch.

“The way Megan rides is pure harmony, the combination of those two is just beautiful. She is only young but she will go a long way and has a big future in dressage.”

Despite ominous weather and late summer storms, all riders were happy with the outcome of the event. a serious thunderstorm on the Saturday afternoon meant a delay of 45minutes to the Grand Prix Freestyle, due to lightning and heavy rain. But, everyone remained in high spirits, by gathering in the ‘riders retreat’ to make a decision based on the conditions. With only one rider choosing to withdraw from the rest of the day, all other riders were happy with the decision.

Due to the 3* status of the event, all judges had to be in complete agreement with any changes to the timetable. The decision to put the competition start time back enabled the storm to pass and allow the riders extra time to warm up. Heath Ryan even noted during the break: “we can’t ride until we have an audience!”

The event was a huge success with reserve lists filling quickly and even one judge already signing up again.

“ Dressage with altitude offers something completely different to any other CDI event. Because it is smaller, it is friendly. Everyone gets to communicate and interact on a social level, which doesn’t happen at the bigger competitions,” Sue says.

“We are still developing on what we’ve established, but it is so successful we won’t change it that much.”

With an emphasis on building an international presence, the event organisers are continuing to lobby the New South Wales Government to become involved by providing some financial support. “It is disappointing that they didn’t see the potential of this event. We are showing off some of the most beautiful parts of NSW. This event scales worldwide, so we will be approaching them again next year,” Sue says.

Organisers are also working hard to dispel myths that dressage is an exclusive discipline, saying dressage with altitude is a wonderful opportunity for all riders to get involved.

“We have people involved from all ages and skill levels- from 15 years right up to 60 years old. We do allow for people in our competition to enjoy being judged by the best judges in the world as well as our homegrown judges.

“It is open to everyone. People have this misnomer that its only for those young people who can afford everything. But the fact is, if you love riding horses and you love dressage, you can compete,” Sue says.

It is clear that the success of Thinline dressage with altitude is due to the principle of creating a welcoming environment, set in a unique state-of-the- art facility where riders are comfortable and can give their best performances.

“It is world class dressage, set to the Australian mentality: low key, rider- friendly and not uptight. That’s what we aim for and I think everyone who competed definitely felt that. We really are looking forward to doing it all again next year,” Sue says.