Return of the Horse equestrian series already breaking records

It's Australia’s largest equestrian event since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games – and already The Return of the Horse equestrian series is breaking records.

Entries have now closed and over 12 days more than 880 riders and 1,000 horses will compete in the key disciplines of showjumping, eventing and dressage at the world-class Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park.

The Return of the Horse, which starts on Thursday, April 17, also includes the last Olympic qualifying/selection events to be held in Australia – the Bates Sydney International Three-Day Event, the ISS EFA Australian Showjumping Championships and the Sydney CDI 3 Star Dressage Event.

Olympic hopefuls, including Shane Rose, NSW; Heath Ryan, NSW; Rachael Sanna, NSW; Vicki Roycroft, NSW; Megan Jones, SA; Wendy Schaeffer, SA; and Sonja Johnson, WA, will be vying for the hotly contested berths to represent Australia at the Beijing Olympics.

Event director, Rose Read, said following the devastating Equine Influenza crisis and with just over 110 days to go till the Beijing Olympics, The Return of the Horse would be "one exhilarating competition".

"With multiple gold medals in eventing, Australian equestrian competition really does cut it on the global stage, and having such an elite list of equestrians competing at The Return of the Horse confirms the international quality of the Sydney International Equestrian Centre," Ms Read said.

"The cross country course, arenas and stables are truly world class and are equal to or if not better than most world-leading events like Badminton and Kentucky."

An exciting field of horse and rider combinations from around Australia will be competing for the top places, joined by riders from Canada, Japan, Indonesia and New Zealand.

The Return of the Horse will also give Australia’s up and coming young riders a chance to hone their equestrian skills at the EFA NSW / Mitavite Interschools Championships as they prepare for the National Championships.

"Rarely do all equestrian competition disciplines come together in one major event," Ms Read said.

"We’re celebrating the eradication of EI and I encourage everyone to come along to see the horses and cheer for the riders of all ages and abilities."

The Return of the Horse will be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Saxony Road, Horsley Park.