The CDI and Grand Prix trot up was at 12.00 and the first competition - the Intermediate 11 - scheduled to begin at 2.00 pm.  The weather could not have been more perfect ... crisp, clear Melbourne Autumn weather, just perfect for horse and rider comfort and 'picture book' perfect for the spectators.

The Werribee Park grounds looked wonderful.  The dazzling green grass belies the drought which holds most of the country in it's grasp.  The DF organising committee always hold a working bee just prior to this event each year and the final touches and beautifying make a great difference to the presentation of the venue. Congratulations must go to all concerned for a job well done.

Australia has come a long way in staging these big events and the Victorian Dressage Festival is truly a wonderful equestrian extravaganza which is now recognised as a highlight on the National Dressage calendar.  Competitors from NSW, Queensland, WA and SA made the trip to join the Victorians and share the competition and friendship that this event offers.  Again, the hard working committee should be congratulated on the excellent  and well balanced programming of competition, entertainment and education.

For FEI riders it was not until right up to the trot-up and vet inspection that the issue about top hats versus crash hats was resolved.  Negotiations between the EFA and the insurance company have been ongoing in order to satisfactorily resolve the contentious issue of whether the traditional formal attire of top hat and tails would be part of this competition.  An '11th hour' decision was reached and it is now possible for all FEI tests to be ridden in top hat and tails.  However this dress can ONLY we work in practice and competition arenas which means that to and from these special areas a crash hat must be worn or the horse lead in hand to these designated areas.  Throughout the 4 days FEI competitors were reminded of this ruling (it was easy to overlook the issue of getting to the warm-up arena and forget the hat) as non compliance would mean elimination.  This ruling is now in place for all FEI competitions run under EFA rules in Australiaa.

The Trade Village is always a favourite and this year I was taken by the quality, variety and quantity of the fabulous equestrian clothing.  I get the feeling that we Aussies are closing the gap and becoming more like Europe where equestrian fashion tends to follow the more mainstream trend of seasonal colour changes,  style variations and outfit concepts.  The fabrics and colours were sensational and all of the traders said that they had been pleased with the interest and sales activity at this year's event. 

The offering of saddlery, rugs, veterinary products, artworks and horse feeds was not only comprehensive ... but much could be learned from the experts who spend 4 days talking to people about their specific horse related questions.

The soul of the 2003 Saddleworld Winergy Dressage Festival is the competitors and their horses.  It was apparent that everything was geared to make it possible for them to do their best.  With over 500 horse and rider combinations entered for all levels from Novice through to Grand Prix.  

This year the committee welcomed the participation of the Pony Club movement (PCAV) and the Adult Riders who are members of a club affiliated with the strong Victorian body - HRCAV.  Their involvement in the 2003 Victorian Dressage Festival was warmly welcomed and provided great interaction and the opportunity for spectators to watch some new horses and riders performing their tests.   We all recognise that the only way for Dressage to prosper is for everyone who is interested to work together to grow the numbers. Congratulations to Tricia Wanklyn who was a driving force in this pro-active move.

By late Thursday - the weather looked set to change and deliver some of the rain that the weather man had promised.

CLASS:01    TEST:INTERMEDIATE II FEI   Max Points/test  410

Place  NUMBER  HORSE                 Rider Name                   
                                                                  
   1  044 CENTAUR                   SERRAO, ANN   NSW             
   2  191 SNOWY RIVER BLACKWOOD     JENKYN, DIANE   QLD           
   3  030 BELCAM GAUCHO             BARREY, GLENNIS   NSW         
   4  143 NEVERSFEIDE KUDU          BRUCE, JANE   NSW             
   5  156 OCTAVIUS OF NEIKA         BOYES, KATE   VIC             
   6  084 GV STIRLING STILTON       RYAN, HEATH   NSW             
   7  092 H.P. FINAGIN              TAYLOR, LESLEY-ANNE   SA      
   8  018 AVOCA BLACK SAINT         WILLIAMS, LEANNE   VIC