Remembering Sydney 2000 dressage, all the top competitors in dressage were the first to arrive at the venue, from around the world travelling all the way to Australia to compete. We watched the dressage teams have a first look at the arena…
Anky van Grunsven and Bonfire have a look at the arena, and go through the test
Chacomo and Alexandra Simons-DeRidder, German team members
Coby Van Baalen and Ferro for Holland
Two German Team members, Isabell Werth and Gigolo next into the arena while Nadine Cappellman and Farbenfroh show us what they can do.
Ulla Salzgeber and Rusty with team coach, Klaus Balkenhol
Isabell and Gigolo at the trot-up. One of the shocks before the dressage had even started, was a second trot up the next day for Gigolo, he passed the next morning.
Isabell and Gigolo go for a stroll around what we now call SIEC, interestingly, its one of the few Olympic Games equestrian venues still in use.
Rafael Soto and Invasor amazed the crowds…
Ah,yes, the memories… tickets ranged I think from $19-35 AUD and more. What a chance to see the world’s best on our doorstep and for peanuts! I took in the entire week, it was incredible. From the beauty and theatrics of Farbenfroh, plus the gorgeous Briar to Invasor entertaining us… Looking back it was humbling to see all the greats plus we were eager to see the up and comers, those aforementioned who captured our minds and hearts and would shape the sport for the next decade.
A memorable time…