Aus3de wins national AIS Sport Event of Year

The Australian International Three Day Event (Aus3de) has received national recognition by winning the prestigious Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Event of the Year. The AIS Event of the Year is given to an event that achieved the highest standard of excellence across all areas of event management at the Equestrian Australia Sport Achievement Awards.

Aus3DE Event Director Gillian Rolton said it was an honour to receive such a high accolade for the Australian International 3 Day Event, proudly held in the City of Adelaide annually.

“The Australian International 3 Day Event (Aus3DE) is the pinnacle of horse sports in Australia and is one of the six top level Federation Equestre International (FEI) Classic Series events held around the world annually,” Gillian said. “To receive this AIS Event of the year award is highly rewarding.”

“This award not only recognises the event itself, it also recognises the hard work, dedication, and endless hours from the event management staff, volunteers, committee members, and the passionate people behind the scenes, who without them, the event would not be possible.

“It is truly an honour to receive this award as recognition for the Aus3de, equestrian sport in general and our wonderful location in Adelaide which is what makes our event so special. We strive year on year to improve and expand the event and engage the people of Adelaide who mingle with equestrian enthusiasts from around Australia and the world.

“The 2015 event was the biggest yet with the inclusion of the popular Equestrian Grand Final - World Cup Showjumping, Carriage Driving, and Dressage to the program. Watch this space for details of the new and exciting events we will be adding to the program in 2016,” Gillian said.

The awards were presented at Melbourne Cricket Ground & National Sports Museum as part of the 2016 Equestrian Australia Sport Achievement Awards on Friday 10 June 2016.

This awards evening also included the Equestrian Sport Hall of Fame, induction and Aus3de Event Director Gillian Rolton OAM and Peppermint Grove were inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the 1996 Olympic team.

The other members of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic team who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame included;

• Wendy Schaffer OAM and Sunburst  
• Phillip Dutton and True Blue Girdwood
• Andrew Hoy OAM and Darien Powers

Gill was a trailblazer for women in equestrian sport by being the first Australian female equestrian to win a medal at an Olympics with Gold at Barcelona 1992 and again in Atlanta in 1996. Atlanta saw 21 year old South Australian Wendy Schaeffer and her Pony Club ex race horse, Sunburst, win Gold in Atlanta with Gill. Andrew Hoy and Phillip Dutton (who now resides in America and rides for the US team) comprised the team of four.

The finalists for AIS Event of the Year included:

• Australian Interschool Championships
• Glen Haven Park Sunshine Tour
• The Australian International Three Day Event
• Equestrian Tasmania Dressage Championships
• Dressage & Jumping with the Stars
• WA State Showjumping Championships & FEI World Cup Qualifier