The 2014 World Equestrian Games are a step closer for New Zealand Grand Prix rider Vanessa Way after she and her horse KH Arvan have gained a precious wild card entry into the 2013 Australian Equestrian Grand Final for dressage held at at Equitana in Sydney on 7 - 10 November.
Way, who is a member of the New Zealand Dressage High Performance Squad, will now compete at two CDI events while in Australia to chase those valuable WEG-qualifying scores.
The 15-year-old New Zealand bred Arvan (by Anamour x Dynamit) has now completely recovered from his Northern Hemisphere mission, where he and Way tried unsuccessfully to make the 2012 London Olympics. He had a wind operation after the New Zealand Horse of the Year Sow and is now back in full work, fit and well.
“We will be going to Australia fitter and as prepared as we are ever going to be,” says Way. Arvan has a good track record in Australia, having finished in the top four in all his recent starts there.
During their three weeks away, they will compete in all the Grand Prix CDI classes, as well as the Special, which is also being considered as a possible qualifying score.
The Equestrian Grand Final is a multi-discipline event held each year at Equitana in Sydney. It runs from 7 - 10 November 2013 and is held at the Sydney Showgrounds. Organisers boast it showcases the best of the best from the three Olympic disciplines and includes nearly 50 of the top riders from across Australia.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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