With a full suite of classes across the levels, it’s a not-to-be-missed event. Besides Preliminary through to Grand Prix, there are Young Horse classes, an FEI Childrens Competition, Off The Track Championships, Para Equestrian classes and more.
Of course this year the event is hosting a CDI-W Grand Prix and Freestyle, which will act as the Pacific League World Cup Final. To qualify for the Final, combinations must have competed in a CDI-W qualifier or CDI3* or higher within the last 12 months and achieved a minimum score of 68% in the Grand Prix Freestyle.
All competitors contest the CDI-W Grand Prix on the Friday to qualify for the CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday night – the winner of which takes out the Pacific League World Cup Final and is afforded the opportunity to compete at the World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland next year (provided they’ve reached the minimum qualification criteria of scoring at least 68% in a CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle on two different occasions).
“The Victorian Dressage Festival is honoured to have been given the rights to host this prestigious event, and we’re putting in a lot of effort to ensure it’s a truly unforgettable experience for everyone involved,” says Event Director Lizzy Schirmer.
Rozzie Ryan and Bronze Boy R. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
CDI-W entries
Seven qualified combinations are set to take part in this year’s Pacific League World Cup Final:
Caroline Wagner and Ibicus
David McKinnon and Estupendo
Justine Greer and Fonzie II
Mary Hanna and Ivanhoe I
Robbie McKinnon and D’Esperanza
Rozzie Ryan and Bronze Boy R
Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH
The World Cup Supporters Group
The Pacific League World Cup Final is presented by the World Cup Supporters Group. Started by Mary Hanna with the aiming of bringing together like-minded people to help fund CDIs here in Australia, the group includes Daronmont Technology, Carol Haynes, Shirley Heights Equestrian Centre, Sharon Roberts, Kylie Riddell, Wagners Saddlery and Pauline Carnovale.
“With international judges being flown in and the additional expenses involved, we’re incredibly grateful to our amazing supporters of the Pacific League Final who have come together as a group and made it possible to host this prestigious event,” says Lizzy.
“Your generosity is what makes the magic happen, and we couldn’t do it without you! Thank you for helping us bring the Pacific League World Cup Final to life at the Victorian Dressage Festival.”
Draws for the 2024 Victorian Dressage Festival can be found here.
