Sydney CDLite - Welcome back!

As the countdown ticks to the 2021 Sydney CDLite, it really is a welcome back to what many of us think of as ‘Dressage Central’ at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, 21 years after the fabulous Sydney Olympic Games.

Parochial? Maybe, but just the thought of the Sydney CDI can automatically generate great memories, special performances of champion horses long retired or gone, and the special camaraderie of riders, judges, volunteers and spectators that comes with being together again, especially in an Olympic year.

We can’t forget 2020 - so many lost opportunities for competition that impacted not just riders and owners, but our officials, clubs and event organisers.

Many of us had no chance of officiating for over 12 months and, while ‘virtual dressage’ filled a gap, it didn’t really cut it as far as using our skills and experience. Zoom is fine, but no substitute for ‘first horse on course’.

As we return to a full competition calendar, the Equestrian Australia Dressage Committee (EADC) is keen to encourage everyone back into the team environment that is our sport. When our major events bring us together again, across the board we will be supportive and encouraging of each other.

Some of us haven’t seen each other for over 12 months, so whether it’s on the ground, in the stables, in the gazebos or cars around the arenas, let’s make our 2021 Sydney CDLite special for everyone.

Great memories are ready for the making and taking.

Good Luck all round!

On behalf of the EADC,

Prue Spurrett, Chair

Virginia Creed

Gillian Botten

Julie Ely-Jones

Maree Tomkinson