Dujardin and Harvey Keynote Speakers in 2014 Equitana Melbourne Masterclass

Dressage

Australian Dressage News

Charlott Dujardin, the super-talent that rose through the ranks from groom to glory at the London Olympics, and her former trainer Judy Harvey will be the keynote speakers in several masterclasses held at the 2014 Equitana Melbourne on 20 - 23 November 2014.

The 28-year old Charlotte Dujardin is currently the dressage rider to beat. The number one in the dressage world is the 2012 Olympic individual gold medallist. Together with Carl Hester and Roly Luard’s delightful Dutch bred gelding Valegro they have danced their way into the record books, beating Dutch champion Edward Gal’s freestyle world record with an astounding 93.975%.

For the first time, Dujardin will grace Australia’s shores exclusively for Equitana Melbourne. Over four days, she will reunite with her former trainer, Judy Harvey , an accomplished international Grand Prix rider in her own right, selector for the UK Equestrian Team, and BBC commentator for the Olympic Games to present educational sessions and masterclasses both as a coach and a rider.

Dujardin will also judge the inaugural show horse Equestrienne Turnout, and Harvey will be on the panel for the popular The Way Of The Horse Challenge, a unique horse-starting challenge that showcases three of Australia’s leading trainers as they take an unhandled horse and make it a rideable equine companion over the Equitana event.

“I am thrilled to be taking part in Equitana this year alongside Judy Harvey. The event has risen to such recognition over the years and I’m privileged to join a long line of top dressage riders that have presented in the past and to be amongst our Australian supporters,” said Dujardin.

Dujardin’s current coach Carl Hester, was also on the Gold medal winning British Team at London, and was a star presenter at Equitana Sydney in 2012. His popularity demanded that his star pupil be next on the radar of Equintana, which has brought out the worlds top dressage stars including medal winners Anky Van Grunsven, Ulla Salzgerber, Kyra Kyrklund, Edward Gal and Steffen Peters over the past 10 years.

Equitana Melbourne’s event director Rod Lockwood was thrilled to have had the opportunity to secure Dujardin and Harvey. “It’s no mean feat trying to keep presenters fresh and current, and it becomes increasingly difficult to scout talent that we have not brought out before. Dujardin was deemed the best choice as a young rider that generations from grassroots level through to the elite admire and respect; she is a genuine inspiration for horse lovers young and old. To have her, along with Judy Harvey is a wonderful opportunity to learn from a proven partnership that can educate, deliver, delight and entertain at a family friendly event," he said.