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, FEI POoy for riders 12-14 years Ponies, the Advanced Tournament and the NSW Young Horse Championships. Jumping competitions feature from time to time on Saturday.
The Judges
It is rare in Australia to find a Dressage Competition that uses more foreign International Dressage Judges and of the calibre, the Sydney CDI 3-Star manages to invite. The Sydney CDI's judging panel normally includes at least one 5* l(Level 4) International Dressage Judge who can issue Certificates of Capability to horse/rider combinations to compete at Olympic or World Equestrian Games.
NSW Young Dressage Horse Championships
Qualifying rounds will be held on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday afternoon, a the final round will be held in front of a panel of judges, who will determine the overall NSW Young Dressage Horse Champion in each age group.
Young Riders CDIY, CDIU25, CDIJ, CDNP
Young riders are catered for in the (FEI Pony) for riders aged 12-16 years, FEI Junior for riders aged 14-18 years, a FEI Young Rider 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
This service is nno longer available. Patrons are encouraged to hire a car
Other information
- Catering and bar facilities available;
- Extensive Shopping Village featuring a wide range;
- Cafe & Bar area 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, no additional charge.
