Brief History of the Event
This event was the first internationally recognised CDI event held in Australia. Originating from "FEI Days" and CDAs at Lochinvar in the wine-growing Hunter Valley region north of Sydney, it was first held there in 1992, but outgrew its venue and was moved to Sydney in 1994.
Foreign riders cannot easily bring their own horses to the CDI because of strict quarantine requirements and the high cost of air transport from other continents. The exception has been New Zealand, which has always competed with riders on their own horses. In the last few years, riders from seven nations have been competing.
Venue
Venue layout: SIEC_VenueMap.pdf
The event is held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) on Saxony Road, Horsley Park. SIEC was the venue for the Equestrian events of the Olympic Games. Government authorities have maintained its immaculate condition and it clearly is the best Equestrian centre in the world. For directions of how to get to SIEC, click here. For point to point instructions go to the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
Competitions will be held both indoors and outdoors. The event features FEI competitions from Prix St Georges to Grand Prix including freestyle competitions, a CDI-Y for young riders aged 16 - 21, Under 25 year Grand Prix tour, CDI-J for Junior riders aged 14-18 years, CDI-P for riders 12-14 years Ponies, the Advanced Tournament (5B & 5C) and the NSW Young Horse Championships. Jumping competitions feature on Saturday.
The Judges for 2021
Sadly, we are unable to have international judges with us this year but we are pleased to have Australia’s 5* Judges Mary Seefried, Susan Hoevenaars and Maria Schwennesen, FEI 4* Jane Ventura and FEI 3* Virginia Creed. Other leading EA Accredited Judges from around Australia officiating.
The Advanced Tournament
Introduced in 2004 – “The Advanced Tournament”. This competition gives our future international riders the opportunity to be part of an international event but at a national level. Riders participate in two EA-level Advanced tests on Friday. The top 12 combinations from these two competitions will go into the Freestyle on Saturday afternoon.
NSW Young Dressage Horse Championships
Qualifying rounds will be held on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday afternoon, a the final round will be held in front of a panel of judges, who will determine the overall NSW Young Dressage Horse Champion in each age group.
Young Riders CDN-Y, U-25, CDN-J, CDN-P
Young riders are catered for in the (FEI Pony) for riders aged 12-16 years, FEI Junior for riders aged 14-18 years, a FEI Young Rider for riders aged 16-21 years at small tour level and the FEI Under-25 caters for riders aged 16-25 years at big tour level.
Looking for somewhere to stay
For accomodations option - click here
Bus service from hotel
This service is not available in 2021.
Booking Form for bus transport: To be confirmed
Other information
- Catering and bar facilities available;
- Extensive Shopping Village featuring a wide range;
- Top Deck Cafe in the Indoor;
- Top Spot Marquee - enjoy VIP hospitality;
- Indoor competitions each day;
- Plenty of grassy picnic areas around the outdoor arenas to spread out a rug and enjoy a picnic with the family;
- Covered seating in main outdoor arena
- Parking on site.