Boneo Park Equestrian Festival 'Featuring World Equestrian Silver Medalist Laura Bechtolsheimer'
Press Release
Boneo Park hosted its annual Equestrian Festival on Saturday 19 February 2011 at the prestigious Boneo Park Equestrian Centre on the Mornington Peninsula.
The Equestrian Festival, which was proudly supported by Credit Suisse Private Banking, featured an evening Masterclass with World Equestrian Games Silver Medalist Laura Bechtolsheimer.
Equestrian activities ran throughout the day for the whole family, comprising of demonstrations, a stallion parade and extensive trade village.
In addition to enjoying the full equestrian experience, the attending locals and holidaymakers had the opportunity to taste a selection of local wines.
The focal point of the evening's program was World Equestrian Champion Laura Bechtolsheimer's Masterclass. This was Laura's first and only appearance in Australia and her short visit generated much anticipation. During this Masterclass Laura gave demonstrations and also taught other elite dressage riders from across Victoria and interstate.Spectators with gold tickets enjoyed the display whilst seated at tables around the arena.
'It is so exciting to be in Australia, even though it is only a short visit. The facilities, here at Boneo Park, are truly first class. The arena fits so perfectly into its surroundings. I hope to return again soon,' said Laura Bechtolsheimer.
Boneo Park will next host it's inaugural CDI 3* to be held Thursday March 17 to Saturday March 19 2011.
As a first, the FEI has permitted Grand Prix Riders to ride all 3 tests. This makes for an exciting competition with overall champions decided by combining results from all test ridden at their level of competition. There will be championships for the Big tour (Grand Prix level), Small tour (Prix St Georges level) and Novice tests.
Members of the Ground Jury are Olympic Judge Minako Furuoko from Japan, Annette Fransen-Jacobaeus from Sweden, Alison King from Hong Kong and Susie Hoevenaars and Ricky McMillan from Australia. This makes for a true international event.
For future event information go to www.boneopark.com.au
For further information regarding this press release please contact Sarah Campbell from MWC Media on (03) 9912 6891 or email sarah@mwcmedia.com.au
The Boneo Park Equestrian Festival 'Featuring World Equestrian Champion Laura Bechtolsheimer'
Backgrounder
Boneo Park
Boneo Park, set amongst tranquil wetlands and just minutes from beaches and wineries, is home to some of the country's most aspiring dressage riders. The 800-acre property, located on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, will continue to strive to provide the best and most comprehensive facilities over the coming years to rival some of the best equestrian facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.
The facilities have been described as state of the art, world class, and a must see for all competitive riders. The facilities are used to host clinics with both local and international coaches, and are available for hire for training or competitions.
Boneo Park hosts regular clinics with international quality riders including Olympian Lone Joergensen from Denmark and Brett Parbery. Boneo Park is also fast gaining a reputation for setting new standards in running equestrian competitions, which they hold throughout the year. Boneo Park also provides a second to none agistment service and training of horses and riders.
Fiona McNaught- Managing Director of Boneo Park Equestrian Centre
Fiona is a previous winner of the prestigious Victorian Young Dressage Rider of the Year and is now competing successfully at Grand Prix level. Together with her imported Trakehner gelding, Sachsenkoenig, she placed 6th in the 2009 National Dressage Championships and also 10th in the 2009 Pacific League World Cup Final.
Fiona has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and is currently balancing the management of Boneo Park and her riding whilst also completing a Masters of Business Administration at the Melbourne Business School. With a passion for both business and dressage Fiona looks forward to help in the development of Australian dressage.
Laura Bechtolsheimer
At only 25 years of age, Laura has already gained extensive experience in the International Dressage Arena. Laura's International debut was at only 21 years of age when she was selected to represent Great Britain at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen 2006. Since then she has been a member of the British team for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and now a Silver medallist at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, 2010.
In 2005, Laura became the youngest British dressage champion at only 20 years of age! Since then she has also been named as British Dressage's Rider of the Year in 2008.
Upcoming Events
With Australian Dressage getting stronger on the international scene, the need for more internationally recognised events is essential. To help fulfil this requirement, Boneo Park is proud to announce they will hold their first ever CDI-W on the 17 - 19 March, 2011. Being only a week away from Dressage with the Stars, one of the biggest events on the Australian Dressage Calendar, local and interstate riders will have the opportunity to have two back-to-back performances in front of International judges.
