The Hamag Young Rider and Pony Dressage championship at Werribee Park ran smoothly despite Melbourne receiving some welcome rain.

At this year’s event over two thousand tests were ridden over the four days of competition. Judges came from as far afield as New Zealand, Sydney and Darwin, as did many of the competitors. 

The Championships have gained a well deserved reputation as the most friendly event of its kind, with the Organising Committee backed by the enthusiastic EFA Victoria Young Dressage Rider Squad and their parents. A lot of the Young Rider Dressage Squad filled in as workers when not riding, and they are all well disciplined and friendly.

The numbers in the pony sections has continued to expand, with really good classes and some excellent scores. The open championships were great as well, with the Trans Tasman class riders on borrowed horses of very good class, supplied by many senior competitors including Kerry Mack who went out of her way to loan some of her own good mounts. 

Maggie McDonnell, director of Hamag, announced at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre the company’s decision to support the event again next year as the main sponsor. Event Director, Jackie Woodhead, is thrilled to have the ongoing support of Hamag. "On behalf of the Organising Committee of the 2008 Hamag EFA Australian Young Rider & Pony Dressage Championships, I would like to thank Hamag for their support and generous sponsorship of this great event. We look forward to working with them again next year" said Jackie.

"This prestigious event continues to grow in both size and prestige, attracting competitors from throughout Australia. Features of the 2008 event included the International class for Young Riders (CDI-Y) and the Trans Tasman Derby, a friendly competition between Australia and New Zealand. " Ms Woodhead said.

In the centre of the Village a FREE Educational Program ran for the for three days with hourly seminars and presentations with a wide range of speakers, presenters and& horse related

Daily Fashions on the Field Parades, Rider Fitness, Rider Health, Horse Nutrition, Horse Health, How to create your Best Ride, What does the Rider wear? How to tie a stock, which proved very popular with the youngster, Possible Careers in the Horse Industry, Rider and Personal Deportment, preparing a Horse for an Event, Make Up Classes and saddle fitting.

It was a well run and enjoyable event