THE 15th Margaret River Wine Region Dressage Spectacular is ready to canter into the community on October 24 and 25.
The Margaret River and District’s Horseman’s Association and Pony Club organised event has gained the attention of the dressage world since its inception, club secretary Penny Lee said.
“We were lucky when we started out. Dressage was just starting to gain in popularity in WA in 2001 and the number of entries almost caught us out even in the first year,” she said.
“Within three years we were getting over 400 test entries. It meant we had to take the competition to a new level right from the start.”
The club recalls a tumultuous first year due to a violent storm at Cowaramup Oval.
The change of date from May to October meant this was less likely to occur again, with the change of venue to the Western Oval at Gloucester Park ensuring more room for further entries, Lee said.
This year’s entry list shows the usual strong contingent of horses competing, with Lee noticing an increase in the quality of Australian bred dressage horses improving year after year.
“We’ve seen a big upswing in junior memberships in the last couple of years so are meeting the needs of our younger riders and encouraging them to have a go,” she said.
“It can be quite challenging riding at such a major event but this is such a great venue and a very friendly competition. We have so many talented young riders and ponies in the South West we are sure they will have a great time.”
Entry is free and there will be freestyle routines to music happening on both days.
With food and coffee on tap all day both days, Lee said it’s a “great way to watch some talented riders and their beautiful horses right in our own back yard.”
The event will commence at 8.30am at Western Oval, Gloucester Park.
