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 2020

The Sydney CDI has a reputation of providing a top line up of judges each year. This year is not different and we are delighted to have an impressive panel of judges including:  Judges include Janet Lee Foy (FEI 5* USA), Francis Verbeek (FEI 5 * Netherlands), Christof Umbach (FEI 5* Luxumbourg) Sandra Smith (FEI 4* Argentina), Sue Hobson (4* New Zealand), Mura Hughes-Love (FEI 3* New Zealand), Vic Barba  (FEI 3* Phillipines).  Australia’s 5* Judges Mary Seefried, Susan Hoevenaars and Maria Schwennesen, FEI 4* Ricky MacMillan, FEI 4* Jane Ventura and FEI 3* Virginia Creed. Other leading EA Accredited Judges from around Australia will officiate.

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 guest rider will ride the top placegetters of each of the age group in front of a panel of judges, who  will determine the overall NSW Young Dressage Horse Champion in each age group.

Young Riders  CDI-Y, U-25, CDI-J, CDI-P

Young riders are catered for in the CDI-P  (FEI Pony) for riders aged 12-16 years, CDI-J for riders aged 14-18 years, a CDI-Y 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

A daily mini bus service from the Mercure (Liverpool) will be provided on Thursday, Friday and Saturday if we have enough demand.  Please contact Toni 0418 686 781 or fill out the booking form and sent to us to put your name down for bus transport.  This service is provided for ticket holders only and a ticket reference number is required when booking.

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.