2014 QLD International Three Day Event

QI3DE Inc. is proud to announce a major revamp of the Qld International Three Day Event in 2014.Through negotiations with the National Eventing Committee, the High Performance arm of Equestrian Australia and the FEI, Queensland has been granted a prime position in the National Eventing Calendar for the 2014 QI3DE.

The 2014 event will be held from 28^th to 31^st of August at Morgan Park Warwick. This places the event in a logical sequence of 3DEs in Australia. Sydney will be in April, Melbourne in June, Qld in August, Adelaide in November and Camperdown in December.

This new arrangement maximises and expands the opportunities for riders to gain qualifications to progress to higher levels of competition with Adelaide being the Holy Grail. With the QI3DE now ideally placed in the middle of the competition season it is anticipated that further interest will build for this event from both competitors and sponsors.

The organising committee have been working towards this new concept since the completion of the 2013 event and planning is well advanced. A new organisational structure is now in place with core units identified and managers appointed to organise and supervise each core unit (refer to “Contact” area of website for details). This organisational model will serve to ensure an efficient and successful presentation of the event.

Riders

In keeping with a quality event prize money will be attractive with cash being offered down to at least 6^th in most classes to spread the rewards of participation

In line with the post 2013 event FEI recommendations successful negotiations have been completed with the new Warwick Horse Trials committee to review and improve the competition surfaces. WHT has been most cooperative and has undertaken to reconfigure the horse exercise area into a much larger and functional space. Warm up areas will also be reconfigured to allow greater space and more time for individual riders to prepare prior to dressage tests. A program of resurfacing these areas has commenced in line with a soil consultant’s advice and it is expected that WHT will have these areas in prime condition for the competition. The soil consultant has also advised on processes that will further enhance the going on the cross country course. The course should be a picture come August.

Our course designer will disclose surprises as preparations proceed and new jumps are constructed. A new trot up track has been agreed to with WHT.

The Eventing “State of Origin” will once again be contested. With Qld still smarting from its loss by a fraction of a point to NSW in the inaugural contest in 2013 it is expected that the competition will be hard fought once again. At this stage it is anticipated that the “State of Origin “ will be contested at 2* Level.  We will be looking to the Qld and NSW Eventing committees to source the best teams for this event.

Olympian Rebel Morrow is our selected rider advocate on the organising committee and her sole responsibility at this stage is rider satisfaction. Talk to her!

Social and Entertainment

The social aspect of the event has not been neglected and we have a dedicated party team considering how to demonstrate true Qld hospitality   -  more later after their suggestions have been tempered!!

The aim of the organising committee is not only to present a top class competition but to provide an exciting and enjoyable experience for competitors and spectators. There are plans for a trade alley to be constructed in a new dimension to provide maximum exposure for businesses and ease of access for shoppers. Food and beverage services on ground and from the clubhouse will be a priority organisationally. Plans are afoot for entertainment through the event during breaks in competition. The success of the Puissance showjumping last year has ensured its return in 2014.

With WEG Eventing coinciding with the QI3DE we hope to be able to announce in the near future an initiative which will not only allow attendees to view the WEG Eventing in real time but enjoy this in comfort.

Support

Finally the successful evolution of the QI3DE to date has brought it to a point where we have now successfully applied for and been granted significant funds from the Tourism and Events Qld Regional Fund and the Southern Downs Regional Council. We thank both these organisations for their demonstration of confidence and support. With continued support from riders, supporters and businesses and with hard work there is no limit to the success that the QI3DE can achieve.

Finally a new website has been constructed and is now functioning at www.qi3de.org.au. Visit the website regularly and follow us on Facebook to keep up with news about the event as it rolls out

Make the Qld International Three Day Event a MUST for 2014 and plan ahead