The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDN Event Wrap

Once again COVID-19 disrupted the organising of The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI and Queensland State Dressage Championships which unfortunately had to be downgraded to a CDN however that didn't stop Anita Barton and her team from making it the best event yet!

Rider bags with event branded face masks and caps, ringside riders lounge, happy hour in the evening after presentations, trade village and livestreaming.   It was a fabulous few days and all dressage riders from Queensland were so appreciative to have the opportunity. 

Saturday's Masterclass sessions featured Improving Lateral Suppleness & Self Carriage with Nicole Magoffin (NMDressage) and Horsemanship with Knights Equestrian.  

We were truly blessed to have Kathryn Sullivan-Butt 'The Saddlefitter' be able to attend this year as our principal sponsor.  Kathryn is creative, innovative, supportive, grounded and has a vision, direction and much, much more.  If you are looking for a new saddle or a refit of your existing saddle, The Saddlefitter can help you with all your needs.

On behalf of The SaddleFitter Brisbane CDN, Equestrian Queensland would like to thank all investors, sponsors, service providers, trade, officials and all volunteers for your support in making this such a fantastic event.

Thanks to Equestrian Life's coverage of the 2021 The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI (CDN) brought to you by principal live stream sponsors Interpath 4CYTE and Hygain.

Congratulations to all riders, horses, owners and prize winners, see below for more details or click on the button below for the full results. 

Thank you to all the wonderful event photographers at this year's The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDN, not only do they take photos of your wonderful moments but they put in an enormous amount of work behind the scenes to bring you their work.

Stephen Mowbray - Event Official Photographer

Sue Crockett - Sue Crockett Photography

Averil Crebbin - Picture The Moment Photography

Sam Dawson - Flash Pony

Chris Seen - Chris Seen Photography

Paige Wilson - Paige Wilson Photographer.

2021 The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDN Livestream Replay

2021 The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDN Results

Pictured Above: Victoria Welch and Bellagio 11 with major sponsor Kathryn Sullivan-butt (The Saddlefitter)

Photo Credit: Stephen Mowbray Photography

Hygain Grand Prix Freestyle

The final event on the program of the 2021 Saddlefitter Brisbane CDN was the Hygain Grand Prix Freestyle. Being the last event and being the class everybody has come to watch it’s always a hard class to ride. This year it was Victoria Welch and Bellagio 11 (pictured above) who shone through with a score of 68.083, second was Julie Bland and Jordan with 65.850%, third Elizabeth Owens and Revelwood Starlite on 63.875% and in fourth place Justine Dean and Sharellen Gadabout receiving 62.633%.

After three days of competition for the Hygain Big Tour Championship it was Victoria Welch and Bellagio 11 who came out on top and Justine Dean and Sharellen Gadabout as reserve champions.

FEI Childs Championship

This is only the second time in Australia the FEI Childs Championship has been conducted. It came about after former Olympian and EA board chair Dr Ricky McMillan suggested to Anita Barton chair of Dressage Queensland the opportunity an FEI Children Championship would provide to our youngest riders.  To be eligible a competitor from the beginning of the calendar year of their 12th birthday to the end of the calendar year of their 14th birthday. Ponies or horses are eligible for CDI competitions but must be six-years-old or over.  This championship consisted of two tests, a technical assessment and a rider assessment in terms of degree of difficulty and the tests are equivalent of a difficult Novice/Easy Elementary test.

Well done to Mai Doogue and Delon Park Hilkens Shadow (pictured above with Nikki Doogue and Lorraine Johnson, photo credit Stephen Mowbray) winning the 2021 The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDN Children Championship .

The County Saddlery Ray Roe Star Fish Award

This is truly a very special award it is not just about the riding of a horse but the person and the character within. The award is in memory of Ray Roe. ‘The General’, who together with wife Kaz, supported the development and sustainability of equestrian sport in Queensland.  Ray tragically passed away from a stroke in September 2019. 

This Year the Ray Roe Starfish award has been awarded to two of our Young Rider Squad members Danielle McMahon and for a second year in a row Jayden Donald (pictured below, photo credit Stephen Mowbray).  In addition to being skilled young riders with a willingness to be coached they are also caring and sensitive to their horses needs.  Off the horse both have shown equally a desire to help and support others with a willingness to step up and take on any job.  Danielle and Jayden both show leadership skills and are wonderful role models.

Racing Queensland Best Performed Off The Track Thoroughbred Award 

Racing Queensland's Best Performed Off The Track Thoroughbred Award this year went to Alistair Schramm and his 18yo thoroughbred Zero Degrees! What an amazing story it is... Zero Degrees raced as 'Sweet Win' in Hong Kong, barrier trialed but broke down and never made it back to the track.Alistair acquired Zero Degrees in 2012 and took him eventing but developed his dressage at the same time to Medium. In 2015 the decision was made to focus on dressage and the combination progressed through the grades and the rest is history.

Well done Alistair and Zero Degrees!