On Thursday evening a press conference was held with the winners and two of the international judges of the 2011 Sydney CDI 3* Grand Prix. Judges Mariette Withages from Belgium, Dr Dieter Schule from Germany were present with the three top place getters, Brett Parbery, Rachael Sanna and Mary Hanna.
Brett on Victory Salute had not competed since their successful campaign at the 2010 Kentucky World Equestrian Games. In Kentucky, Brett came ninth in the Grand Prix Freestyle so the pressure to produce a top performance was present but it was self inflicted. “The only pressure on me was what I put on myself” said Brett. “I wanted an error free test which was not what happened but it was my personal best for the Grand Prix class (71.306).” It was also a new record for the Sydney CDI 3* Grand Prix competition.
Rachael also had not competed on Jaybee Alabaster since the Kentucky World Equestrian Games so the pressure was on her as well. The only difference was that Rachael had hurt her back badly two week before this competition. “I was clipping my daughter’s pony and had next thing you know I had hurt my back.” As a result her preparation for the Sydney CDI had to change with Alabaster. “I had to trust him more and ride him as a seasoned Grand Prix horse. There were a couple of times when he wasn’t on the aides as much as I would have liked but overall I’m very pleased.”
Mary Hanna had two horses in the competition, Sancette who placed third and Umbro who placed sixth. Sancette was purchased from Steffen Peters who has recently visited Australia for a dressage clinic at Mary’s beautiful equestrian centre, Statene Park. Mary will be heading to Europe for the Summer Season. “I have discussed with Steffan who would be appropriate for my horses and me. We have decided on Kyra Kirkland which is great as I have known Kyra for a long time.”
As the day got longer at the Sydney CDI, the heavens opened and by the end of the day the arenas were awash with water. The judges had a hard job to ensure all riders were assessed in the same conditions. Mariette Withages was confident all was fine. “We (the judges) spoke about the conditions a number of times but were confident the conditions had not changed enough to postpone the competition. By the end of the day the Piaffe and Halt areas were getting quite deep but thankfully it all finished in time to ensure everyone had a fair ride.”
Dr Dieter Schule was asked about the half points. “I feel they have merit in regards to the collective marks. For example if a horse has a good relaxed extended walk but is not tracking up as we may prefer then a half mark can be useful but most of the time I find that the old system was quite accurate; it was a six or a seven and marked accordingly.”
One thing that was apparent is that riders such as Brett and Rachael are very grateful for the amazing support they get from the owners of their mounts. Carolyn Lieutenant who was one of Australia’s elite riders for many years and Bev Edwards sat quietly in the background. What would dressage do without people such as these?
Photo © Franz Venhaus
Related Links
Scores 2011 CDI Sydney
Parbery Wins 2011 CDI Sydney Grand Prix with New Record Score