Southern Steel Attracts Record Numbers

The Tamborine Equestrian Group have partnered together with Eventing Queensland to produce the Southern Steel Group International Three Day Event and are breaking all sorts of records while they are at it!

Presented by Pryde’s EasiFeed this event is the first time the dedicated committee lead by 4* rider Charlotte Price have run a three day event, and if that challenge wasn’t enough, the committee with great support from the event sponsors have pulled together to offer the first three star class in Queensland since 2014.

“Event preparation is always a challenge” says Price, “We always do our best to put on a great event for all involved, at the end of the day we all do what we do because we love the sport”.

The three day event has also received record numbers with 260 horses entered. Among the competitors will be Tim Boland from NSW on both GV Billy Elliot and Napoleon in the CIC3* class.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have a sneak peak at the venue and it looks amazing, it’s a credit to the organisers, they have really left no stone unturned so I am excited to be bringing up my two best horses” Boland said.

When asked what attracted him to the event he replies: “Riding at a new venue is always interesting and with such good footing up there and a great course builder in Ewan Kellett I am really looking forward to riding the course.” “I’ve had some great success in Queensland in the past but I haven’t made the trip in about 10 years. With both horses in red hot form, this event is going to be a great lead up for Adelaide”.

Also in the three star class will be local favourite Brett Cantle who will be piloting Madonna Hedberg’s imported stallion ‘Premonition’ in his three star debut. “It’s is a privilege to ride such a talented of horse, not many can get to 3 star in just three seasons,” Cantle said. “He is certainly capable of producing a competitive score on the flat and has been jumping well at home. I’m hoping for another cross-country session before the event but it looks like the weather mayhave other plans.”

Brett himself has not competed at three star since 2000 and is excited to be able to make his return on a local course. “It’s great for Queensland” he said, “We have some great talent coming up through the ranks both in and under the saddle and it’s fantastic that they will now have the opportunity to go to the next step without having to travel interstate."

When asked his thoughts on the competitors he will be running against he replied “They are all talented riders on very good horses and I am excited to ride with them.” “But it is our first 3* so the focus is on a clear and confident round, anything after that and I’ll be over the moon!”

The event starts next Friday with the dressage phase, the action packed cross country will be on Saturday with the final trot up and showjumping to be held on Sunday.

Spectators are welcome with an extensive trade alley within viewing distance of all the action that will be stocking everyone’s favourite brands of everything ‘horsey’.

For full event details go to www.qld.equestrian.org.au/eventing/3de or follow the event on Facebook HERE.