A shared passion for riding brings a mother and her daughter to the Sydney CDI

Each year the Sydney CDI3* attracts hundreds of competitors of which some share more than just a passion for riding.

As well as attracting riders of all ages and abilities, Australia’s most revered dressage competition often has family members lining up to compete at the same event.

While 19 year old Victoria Stuckey is competing in the Young Rider CDI this weekend, her mother Dr. Kerry Mack will be contesting the Grand Prix. 

The duo regularly travels from their home base in north east Melbourne to compete at major events, which gives them a chance to spend quality time with each other.

“We have a lot of fun competing and travelling to and from shows together, it gives us time to chat.”

"I’ve been coming to this event for many years but having Victoria here offers an extra level of enjoyment, although any mother will tell you it’s not easy to be your own kid’s coach, I try not to be too hard on her,” Kerry said.

Victoria hopes to one day get the chance to go head to head against her mum in the Grand Prix.

“We’ve competed against each other at some local competitions and that’s been a lot of fun, it does add a bit of pressure, but I enjoy the feeling.”

“It’s pretty fun, having her not only supporting me but also having her as competition.

“When I ride into the arena she will tell me to have fun, I think that’s a pretty valuable message, I do have a lot of fun out there,” Victoria said.

In related news, the horses that Kerry and Victoria will compete on this weekend also share something in common.

“We’re riding siblings this weekend. My horse is the little brother of one of Victoria’s,” Kerry said.  

The Sydney CDI begins Thursday and concludes on Saturday evening with the staging of the Grand Prix Freestyle. This event offers an evening of class entertainment showcasing Australia’s most talented horse and rider combinations performing their routines to music and a capacity crowd is expected.  

This year’s Sydney CDI will also see Australia and New Zealand will also go head to head in the first ever Dressage Duel Down Under – a friendly Team style competition. Young horse jumping competitions will also make a return to the CDI in 2013.