Riders adapt to ‘new normal’ in Tatura series

Riders saddle up to compete under strict COVID rules as equestrian sport makes its way back.

Switch pace: Dressage judge Luciano D’Elia is back in the saddle. Picture: Sue Terry

MORE and more equestrian clubs are off and running with events, such as the Hygain Tatura Dressage Classic’s second of four listed competition series, progressing easily under COVID conditions.

“They are strict COVID requirements which must be obeyed, but the riders and judges have dealt with talent, flexibility and understanding,” event organiser, Sue Terry, says.

“The judges Moya Jess and Sue Nevett were as always, professional, encouraging and extremely flexible to our new way of doing things and Shepparton City Council and Tatura Park Manager Jeremy Roberts worked with us for months to streamline a safe and productive and efficient plan for the venue.”

The smaller events are important, as it gives competitors the chance to get used to the “new normal” which will be necessary when massive entries have been received for The Victorian Dressage Festival happens at Werribee Park on December 10-15.

At Tatura, in the preliminary section, Emmalee Weston and Holland’s Bend Danseur took out the 1B with 73 per cent and Jess Dertell continued her good form with Bella Mirelle SBA taking the one B with 70.3 per cent. Buckwell Park Delusion and Melanie Ford starred in the Pony one A and B winning both classes. Champion in the four A and four B classes was Amanda Hocking Flintstone B, and Jess Dertell gained more blue sashes in the five A and B classes on Gladstone MH.

The talented young rider rounded out her day by winning the FEI pony teams and Individual with Kizashi.

The three A and B level champion was Melanie Ford’s Gorserella Let’s be Frank, the two B win went to Hayley Gears on Nightmoves and popular dressage judge Luciano D’Elia took a break from judging to ride and win in the Prix St George and Inter 1 on his promising, Flowerdale Florencierre.

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