Zoe Vorenas and Neversfelde Kipling contested the CPEDI Grade 4.
© Zoe Vorenas
By Equestrian Life & Zoe Vorenas
The Australian Para Dressage Championships began today at Boneo Park in Victoria, with the event being run by Carlton Performance Horses. More than 20 combinations competed from Grade 1 through to Grade 5, with CPEDI (international) and CPEDN (national) classes on offer, as well as EA tests for those newer to competition.
Grade 4 rider Zoe Vorenas explains that it was a good first day for the Paras across the board. “We have a few exciting new combinations in the sport, some of who haven’t competed at such an event before. Thanks to Jade (Woodhead) and the team for making this all possible!” she says.
Thankfully the weather was good for the most part, a relief following the wet weather showjumping competitors had to contend with the past few weekends on the Peninsula!
CPEDI classes
The first class of the day was the CPEDI Grade 3 Team Test, and it was Paralympians Emma Booth and Mogelvangs Zidane who won with 70.889%. Elizabeth Anne Skinner and Chance E were second, and Aimee Prout on Karma Woods Takhi of New Zealand were third.
The CPEDI Grade 2 Team Test went to Victoria Davies and Andaluza Elegido on 67.22%, ahead of Bridget Murphy and Dracmoore Flirtacious on 61.010%, and then Joann Formosa and Sirrah Park Cameo on 60.657%.
The CPEDI Grade 1 Team Test was won by Marnie Clapham and Freedom Spyda on 65.714%. “Marnie rode a good first test,” explains Zoe. “Now this is a rider to keep your eyes on! What a talent, but also such a lovely young woman. Really exciting for the sport.”
The CPEDI Grade 4 Team Test went to Sharon Jarvis and Romanos on a big score of 71.458%; very exciting for Sharon to achieve such a great score on a relatively new horse. Second went to Zoe Vorenas and Neversfelde Kipling on 69.250%.
“Unfortunately Kip had to cough something up smack in the middle of the test, but I’m still chuffed with the score and we can only get better tomorrow,” says Zoe.
Third went to Claire Graham and Der Beste, and fourth to Phoebe Roche and Saddle Up Romper Stomper, both with scores over 60%.
The CPEDI Grade 5 Team Test was won by Stuart Drysdale and Amalfi 20, with Melanie Diplock and Lacara D in second place.
“We were lucky enough to also see some combinations in the CPEDN classes as well as the EA Para tests. Riders have come from all over the country including three WA riders!” says Zoe.
CPEDN classes
The CPEDN Grade 3 Team Test went to Emma Booth and Aloha Kings Ramson on 66.225%.
The CPEDN Grade 4 Team Test was won by Matilda Carnegie and Quebec 51 on 67.667%. Zoe Vorenas and Little Brave were next on 67%, followed by Lauren French and Eden Eyre Mitchell from South Australia.
Speaking about her test, Zoe says: “Minty, (Little Brave) was absolutely the star of the day. It was a foot perfect test which reflected in the scores, even a 71% from the Italian judge! He’s very reliable; he just goes in and gets the job done.”
Ella Noxon and I Am The Walrus won the CPEDN Grade 5 Team Test on 60.039%.
EA classes
Maddison Cook and Gladiators Ghost won the EA Grade 3.1, while Noella Angel and Mallee Jack from South Australia won the EA Grade 5.1 test.
“It’s great to see some new faces in the sport and once again, we are so grateful to Jade for running this event,” says Zoe. “She’s worked so hard to allow all levels of Para Equestrians to compete!”
The action continues tomorrow, with CPEDI and CPEDN riders completing the Individual Tests.
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