While entry numbers on the previous year were a little down, there were still some very good ponies presented at the 2008 NSW Pony Dressage Championships. Quite a number of regular competitors are still experiencing difficulty in bringing their pony's fitness levels back up to pre-EI standard. The rising cost of fuel, feed and generally everything to do with everyday living is certainly affecting competition numbers with many riders choosing to compete at an associate level rather than official.

The Sydney International Equestrian Centre is certainly the ultimate venue. Great surfaces in the dressage arena's despite the large amount of rain experienced in Sydney over the past few months. Not a puddle in sight anywhere and very little wet ground even in the pedestrian areas. One wouldn't expect any less from a purpose built venue such as this.

The NSW Pony Dressage Championships were held in conjunction with the NSW State Young Rider Championships, which included Young Riders on ponies as well. Some beautiful horses and very talented riders were on display for three full days of competition. Although I am not a big horse rider myself, I did see one big chestnut gelding that absolutely dropped my jaw - Robali Razzamatazz (x Rotspon) had such swing and looseness in his movement I could have watched him all day. He took out the YR Elementary Championship as well as first place in the Elementary freestyle.

I attended on the Saturday and Sunday of this event and must say that the most outstanding pony I saw was Glo-Brook Legend, ridden by Tiffany Bignold. With fantastic ground covering paces, this pony wouldn't be out of place on the European circuit. Legend was awarded the Pony Medium and Advanced Championships. His talent showed in being placed first in the 4 tests by all 8 judges! Glo-Brook Legend, standing at 13.2hh is by the Welsh B pony Woranora Warrior (now gelded) and out of the pure arabian mare Glo-Brook Shambarla (Orana Vagabond/Iraki Georgia).

After seeing many pony dressage events in Victoria, I think I can safely say that our Victorian ponies are definitely on the right track with the standard being very similar to that in NSW. Several Victorian ponies performed extremely well including Sophie Whitworth's Zachariah Silver Royal who took out the Preliminary Pony Championship and 1st place in the Pony Novice Freestyle. Emma Copley and her great little welsh mare, Imperial Corona placed 3rd overall in the Preliminary Pony Championship. Emma and Sophie teamed up together to give a foot perfect performance in the Pas de Deux where they placed 2nd.

More photo's of this event will shortly be on the ASPR web site www.australiansportspony.org