Ellanbrae Park Victorian Youth Dressage Championships

Media Release: (For immediate release)

7 November 2018

Photo caption: Young Rider Natasha Moody and Diamonte Noir Photo credit: Geoff McLean, Gone Riding Media

Ellanbrae Park announced as Naming Rights sponsor for the
Victorian Youth Dressage Championships 17-20 January 2019.

The Ellanbrae Park Victorian Youth Dressage Championships will be held 17-20 January 2019 at Boneo Park Equestrian Centre on the Mornington Peninsula. Carolyn Welsh, Director of Ellanbrae Park is delighted to be able to continue their support for the event. “Ellanbrae Park are proud to sponsor the Youth Dressage Championships for the third year. Our talented young riders are the future for our sport and we are happy to once again offer our support for these riders at this fabulous fun and friendly competition at the world class Boneo Park.”

Strategically positioned immediately before the 2019 Boneo Classic (22-27 January) the Youth Dressage Championships will allow riders to have two major events, during the summer holidays, within a few days of each other. Co Event Directors Jan Smith and Donna Desmet, commented “ We will be offering a full program catering for riders up to twenty five years of age with tests from Preliminary level to Grand Prix. There will be an Interschools Championships together with Participation classes designed to encourage riders wanting to take part but without the necessary experience or performances. There will literally be something for everyone, with the chance for families to enjoy some holiday “time out” as well”.

Ellanbrae Park’s dream “is to see Australian riders and their horses develop to be competitive on the world stage, and we are ourselves beginning to live that dream with our beautiful stallion Dante Quando winning the 4yo stallion class at the Bundeschampionate in Germany this year. We can’t wait to bring him home and continue his journey.”

2019 will see the first of Ellanbrae bred babies hitting the competition arenas, with a number having found themselves in the hands of talented young riders, and others being produced under saddle at home. Carolyn agrees “This an exciting time here in Australia for the sport of dressage with so many talented horses being produced right here in Australia, riders with the commitment that it takes, and coaches with the skills and experience to bring out their best. We are proud to be a part of this future of our sport.”

The Victorian Youth Dressage Championships has traditionally offered the FEI tests for Ponies, Junior Riders, Young Riders and Under 25 Grand Prix. The tests are well crafted and the event has given riders the confidence to go on and compete in these tests at International level.

Dressage is a growth sport in Australia with Interschools events proving to be immensely popular at entry level. The Championships are the perfect “next step” for riders to take. Lower level competitors will mix and mingle with the higher level riders and holding the event in the January holidays will allow university students who are not specifically catered for normally, the chance to compete at their “States”. Combine this with the superb facilities on offer at Boneo Park, the attractions of the Mornington Peninsula and a well run and welcoming event. Support from sponsors for the 2019 event has been significant and there will be entertainment, demonstrations and a vibrant trade village. Entries are open, the schedule is available on the website www.vydc.com.au and close Monday 17 December 2018.

Media, Sponsorship and competition enquiries are welcome, to the contacts below.