Elite Equestrians Saddle Up
For Final Olympic Selection Competition
6th to 9th June 2008
Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre
The beauty and tranquility of Werribee Mansion and Equestrian Centre will
believe the fierce on field competition as Australia’s elite equestrians saddle up for the final Australian Olympic selection contest at the Melbourne 3 Day Event, Friday 6 to Monday 9 June.
Amongst the competitors at the 2008 Melbourne 3 Day Event will be past Olympians Wendy Schaeffer (Atlanta 1996) and Amanda Howell (Sydney 2000) and future Olympic hopefuls, Megan Jones, Emily Anker, Shane Rose and Sonja Johnson each vying to catch the selectors eye before the Australian Olympic Equestrian team is announced in July.
Often described as the equine equivalent to a triathlon, the 3 day event tests the courage and endurance of the equine athlete over three days of intense competition, across three disciplines – dressage, cross country and showjumping.
The 53 year old event, which is the oldest three day event in Australia and the second oldest in the world, has secured German judge Martin Plewa as President of the Ground Jury. Mr Plewa will be one of only threeEquestrian Ground Jurors at the upcoming Olympic Games.
The 2008 Melbourne 3 Day Event is also the first of only two World Cup Qualifying competitions in Australia with the winner set to represent their country in the World Cup Finals later this year.
Day 1- Indoor Dressage
Junior, Novice and intermediate competition commences with the graceful dressage phase taking place in the 1000-seat undercover indoor arena. This phase demands the exhibition of elegance, skill and harmony between both horse and rider.
Day 2 – Indoor Dressage
The first day of competition begins for Australia’s elite horse and rider combinations begins with the CCIThree Star and CIC-W Three Star World Cup Qualifier. The challenge for these riders is to execute demanding and graceful movements whilst maintaining control of their fit and fiery steeds.
Day 3 – Cross Country
Cross country is an adrenaline rush testing the fitness and athleticism of the horse. The Ewan Kellet designed cross country course challenges even the most experienced combinations with a 5,800 metre course featuring over 40 jumps and taking over 1600 man hours to build. Starting in the indoor arena, the course runs through the National Equestrian Centre before heading into the magnificent gardens of Werribee Mansion.
Day 4 – Indoor Showjumping
After yesterday’s gruelling cross country contest, horse and riders’ must back up and demonstrate supreme skill and control in the indoor showjumping competition.
Indoor Trade Village
Not all the action is on the course. The 900 square metre indoor trade village is a horse lover’s delight featuring over 35 trade stalls of equine products and services. Wood fired pizzas, espresso coffee, dutch pancakes and other delectable delights are also on offer!
Event: Melbourne 3 Day Event
Date: Friday 6 – Monday 9 June, 2008
Time: 9am
Location: Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre 170 K Road, Werribee
Bookings: Tickets on sale now through GPAC - Tel: 5225 1200 or www.gpac.org.au
Tickets: Day Tickets from only $15.00. Season passes and family tickets also available
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Michaela Hall 0419 113 633 / Lisa Ricketts 0403 092 403
E:mikkih@netstra.com.au
For more information click here www.m3de.com.au.
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