Anne Raymond, President of the Dressage Club of South Australia, believes the success of the South Australian Dressage Spectacular was a reflection of a wider trend where South Australian Dressage is on an upward swing.
“There have been some seriously quality horses appearing over the past few years, as well as talented and hard-working riders smashing personal goals and attending clinics almost every month, and an emerging group of riders from all levels competing here and shining bright interstate,” says Anne. “The support network within this group is phenomenal, and emerging to be a key to the success of the sport here.”
SA now has four Grand Prix riders competing regularly, and Anne says they are receiving excellent marks, comments and compliments from judges. “How proud are we all to watch them compete at the top of the game,” she says.
Anne believes that South Australian dressage is extremely lucky to have Ryan Fletcher in its corner – someone she describes as a “visionary”.
“Ryan has worked alongside a small core group of like-minded organisers, to bring the sport here up to literally, the next level. He is the current Secretary for Dressage South Australia, and Vice President of the Dressage Club of SA, and his most recent vision was the South Australian Dressage Spectacular!” explains Anne.
Held at the beautiful private equestrian centre Cromwell Park, owned by Andy and Mandy Cogan, the event encompassed the International Horse Breeders State Young Horse Finals, the APK Helmets Freestyles and the Kentucky Equine Research Para HOTY classes. “What generous prizes, with helmets, cash and product vouchers on offer, again the result of Ryan’s management of much valued sponsors.”
The event welcomed world renowned Ricky MacMillan as part of the judging panel, alongside some of the State’s most knowledgeable judges. “It is such a valuable asset to an event and the sport in general, to have an experienced and expert eye, and it was wonderful to host Ricky here in SA,” enthuses Anne.
“For South Australian equestrian fans to see 15 Freestyles was a really exciting experience for the enthusiastic audience and was truly magical to watch. The Young Horse and Para classes saw some outstanding results and scores to round out the day!”
“I’ll let the beautiful photos by Emma Woolman do the rest of the talking. Onwards and upwards, literally!”
