QLD Festival of Dressage Circa 2013 -2015
For a number of years this was the official website for the QLD Festival of Dressage.
Content is from the site's 2013-2015 archived pages providing just a small glimpse of the type of information and news this site offered its readers.
Check out the most up-to-date information on their facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/qldFOD/
The Queensland Festival of Dressage is an event, quite literally, like no other. Originally born in 2007 as a fundraising day, the Festival has since gained enormous popularity as a day not to be missed on the calendar. Festival goers purchase tickets months in advance to enjoy a full day of live training demonstrations, masterclasses with International coaches, and equine health presentations. Included is the annual fashion parade and the live Stallion Parade with silent auction of the Stallion service fees. Everyone also saves as much as they can for the famous trade village, the largest equestrian trade village, in Queensland! This is a day for all horse lovers to come together to learn, grow and celebrate the beauty of the horse, and the beauty of the sport. We welcome all to come join us.
Saturday 20th July 2015
QLD State Equestrian Centre Caboolture QLD
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The following pages are designed to give an overview of how the Festival came to life, and how it has successfully grown from year to year. Also, as a fundraising event, the Committee pushes every single cent raised from the event back into the equestrian industry, or more specifically, the sport of dressage. Ensure you take the time to read our History and Contribution to the Sport pages so you too, know the incredible Festival story. |
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The QLD Festival of Dressage program is once again jam packed full of educational and entertaining demonstrations and seminars for dressage enthusiasts of all levels!
Learn and be entertained by our very own QLD State Dressage Squad members as well as international dressage specialists, Australia's top dressage gurus plus too many other well respected equestrian professionals to list! Be educated, be entertained, be inspired by our 2015 program... |
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2015 Program |
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Gates open 8:00am! 8:25am - Opening Address in the Main Arena Early Morning Session (8:30am - 10:25am)
Late Morning Session (10:25am - 12:45pm)
12:45pm - QLD Hire Fashion Parade & 1st Raffle Draw 1:30pm - IHB Stallion Parade & 2nd Raffle Draw Early Afternoon Session (2:10pm - 3:20pm)
Late Afternoon Session (3:20pm - 5:00pm)
Evening Entertainment in the Main Arena (5:00pm - 6:20pm)
* Please Note: Our 2015 program is is subject to minor changes. |
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Amongst the abundant action that is the QLD Festival of Dressage, sometimes you will just need a break! There's plenty to enjoy in the main arena when you’ve absorbed all the knowledge you can, such as the Stallion Parade and demonstrations from our other celebrities. Check out the Batman gear by MoonAtMidnight.com. They're running a Batman t shirt giveaway along with a fund raiser for the sponsorship program. You don't have to be a Batman fan to like these shirts. Whether your tastes run toward classic Batman t shirts, or whether you prefer the super brilliant sublimated prints, they've got your Batman wearables. Enter the sweepstakes for the awesome Batman hoodie, and help sponsor a young equestrian. Laugh out loud at our comical acts, sit back and celebrate the beauty of the horse with the freestyle demonstrations or take a stroll and check out the range of other entertainment we have on-hand outside the main arena, like the Fashion Parade or you could even meet the stars of the dressage world! |
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We’ve lined up some of the very best riders and trainers from the QLD State Squad, as well as carefully selected interstate AND international guests, to conduct our educational demonstrations and interactive sessions. They'll be sharing their skills and experience, so you can benefit and get the most from your horse in the Dressage arena! The Main Arena offers a fantastic array of world class guest speakers with the major draw card being the multiple Masterclasses throughout the day with our international guest presenter. The Equine Interactive Zone is the place to be for expert advice and information covering many different riding and general equine management topics. |
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Saturday 20th July 2013
QLD State Equestrian Centre Caboolture QLD
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The 2013 QLD Festival of Dressage program is once again jam packed full of educational and entertaining demonstrations and seminars for dressage enthusiasts of all levels!
Learn and be entertained by our very own QLD State Dressage Squad members as well as international Dressage specialist Annemieke Vincourt, international FEI pony Nobis Jules, international sensation Harold the Horse and other Australian equestrian professionals such as cross discipline experts Shane and Mattea Davidson, National A Level Grand Prix judge Irene Bakels-Noreen, leading sports psychologist Jonah Oliver, equine nutritional therapist and herbalist Antoinette Foster, plus so many more! |
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2013 Program |
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8:25am - Opening Address in the Main Arena Early Morning Session (8:30am - 10:30am)
Late Morning Session (10:30am - 12:30pm)
12:30pm - Horsezone Fashion Parade 1:10pm - IHB Stallion Parade in the Main Arena Early Afternoon Session (1:50pm - 3:30pm)
Late Afternoon Session (3:30pm - 5:25pm)
Evening Entertainment in the Main Arena (5:25pm - 7:00pm)
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. : Latest News : .
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More Background on QLDDressageFest.com
The Queensland Festival of Dressage, for many years showcased and supported via QLDDressageFest.com, stands as a pivotal event in Australia’s equestrian calendar. To understand its significance, this article presents an in-depth overview of the festival’s origins, growth, organizational structure, program highlights, cultural impact, and the pivotal role its official website played in connecting the wider community.
1. Overview and Purpose
The Queensland Festival of Dressage was inaugurated in 2007 as a small-scale fundraising event. Its evolution has been remarkable, as it rapidly grew into the largest and most celebrated dressage-specific gathering in Queensland. Rather than simply serving as a competition, the festival is a true celebration—uniting horse lovers, competitors, coaches, breeders, sponsors, and enthusiasts for a full day dedicated to the beauty and sport of dressage.
Mission and Goals:
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To elevate the sport of dressage in Queensland through world-class education, masterclasses, and demonstrations.
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To create a welcoming social hub for equestrian communities.
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To raise funds supporting development programs, education, and welfare within the state’s dressage scene.
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To inspire newcomers while supporting the ongoing elevation of skill and standards for riders at all levels.
2. Administration and Ownership
The festival operates as a not-for-profit initiative within Queensland’s equestrian community. Governance lies with a passionate volunteer committee, working closely with Dressage Queensland (a division of Equestrian Queensland). This ensures professional organization each year, transparent allocation of proceeds, and a mission-driven approach focused on long-term growth and inclusivity. All surplus funds are funneled into training, competition support, equine welfare, and expanding access to the sport.
The festival is supported annually by numerous sponsors ranging from equine nutrition brands and tack companies to horse insurance and fashion retailers. Industry support not only sustains the festival financially but strengthens its ties to the broader equestrian network.
3. Venue and Location
The Queensland Festival of Dressage takes place at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre (QSEC) in Caboolture. This facility offers:
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Multiple indoor and outdoor arenas
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Well-equipped stabling and warm-up zones
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Extensive trade and exhibition spaces
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Comfortable seating and amenities for large audiences
Caboolture is positioned about 44km north of Brisbane, making the event highly accessible for visitors from metropolitan and regional Queensland, as well as interstate travelers. This location situates the festival at the heart of the state’s horse sport community, ensuring accessibility and ease of attendance.
4. Festival Program: Features and Innovations
What sets the Queensland Festival of Dressage apart from typical horse shows or competitions is its holistic, education-forward program. Each annual festival offers a rich roster of events, blending technical learning opportunities with showmanship and entertainment:
Highlights from Recent Festivals
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Masterclasses: World-class trainers—including both local stars and international experts—lead instructional sessions, with live demonstrations using elite horses.
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Demonstrations: Specialized clinics and skills workshops, e.g., “How to Improve Your Marks,” “Dressage for Hot Horses,” and “Developing the Ability to Collect.”
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Equine Health and Management: Seminars with veterinarians, saddle-fitters, and nutritionists covering topics from anatomy to hoof care.
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Stallion Parade: A dazzling showcase of leading dressage stallions, offering breeders and owners opportunities to assess bloodlines firsthand. This is coupled with a silent auction of stallion service fees, supporting the festival’s fundraising goals.
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Trade Village: The event hosts Queensland’s largest equestrian trade village. Vendors offer everything from saddlery and horse feed to apparel, art, and novelties, making it a hub for shopping and brand discovery.
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Fashion Parade: An annual catwalk event blending equestrian and mainstream style.
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Entertainment: Comedic acts, carriage driving displays, Grand Prix freestyle performances, and celebrity horse guests.
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Youth and Community Engagement: Activities for children, meet-and-greets with equine stars, autograph sessions, and games to involve every age group.
Sample Program Structure (From 2013–2015)
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Early morning addresses, opening performances, and educational blocks
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Parallel sessions split between main arena and interactive zones
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Keynote masterclasses from renowned dressage coaches (e.g., Annemieke Vincourt from The Netherlands)
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Showcases such as Pas de Deux, reining vs. dressage displays, and quadrille performances
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Seminars by sports psychologists about riding under pressure, trainers on bitting and saddle-fit, and nutritionists introducing cutting-edge feeding programs
Every aspect is curated to ensure attendees are educated, entertained, and inspired.
5. Awards, Recognition, and Media Coverage
The Queensland Festival of Dressage is widely acknowledged as a trailblazing event within the Australian dressage and equestrian communities. While not structured as a competitive show, its innovative format has drawn praise and attention:
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National and international trainers regularly cite it as a model for educational outreach.
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The festival is regularly mentioned in equestrian press roundups, trade publications, and specialist magazines for its unique blend of learning and glamour.
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Awards for riders and participants are presented, with a particular emphasis on youth and developing athletes.
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News coverage often highlights the festival’s community spirit, fundraising achievements, and positive impact on the sport’s growth within Queensland.
6. Audience, Popularity, and Social Impact
Audience Profile:
The festival attracts a broad demographic:
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Competitive riders (from junior to Grand Prix)
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Horse owners and breeders
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Enthusiasts and newcomers interested in horses and the performance arts
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Industry professionals: coaches, farriers, veterinarians, equestrian brand representatives
Popularity:
Tickets for the festival are often purchased months in advance, with the event regarded as unmissable by the local dressage community. The day’s atmosphere is warm, festive, and inclusive, fostering social connections and knowledge-sharing.
Social and Cultural Significance:
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The festival acts as a social anchor for the Queensland equestrian community, providing networking, mentorship, and a shared celebration of achievements.
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It champions causes such as horse welfare, accessibility in sport, youth development, and support for riders overcoming adversity.
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Special features, e.g., returning pony “Elf” who won hearts after surviving adversity, foster emotional bonds and collective inspiration.
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Charitable tie-ins, such as fundraising with branded merchandise, support both sporting and broader community goals.
7. Website: QLDDressageFest.com
Between 2013 and 2015, QLDDressageFest.com was the digital heart of the festival. The website provided:
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Full event schedules, speaker and performer bios, and advance ticketing.
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Announcements and news articles highlighting year-round achievements, guest appearances, and new features.
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Detailed vendor and sponsor directories.
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Donation portals and silent auction access.
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Archival galleries and post-event recaps.
This centralized information hub played a crucial part in the event’s growth, accessibility, and community engagement. Even after its closure, archived pages remain a valuable resource reflecting the festival’s scope and spirit.
8. Notable Guests, Presenters, and Alumni
The festival has featured numerous international and national stars, including:
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Annemieke Vincourt: Netherlands-based Grand Prix rider and master trainer.
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Sheridyn Ashwood and Rebel Morrow: Australian international representatives, with Morrow sharing Olympic insights.
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Clinicians in sports psychology, biomechanics, nutrition, and fabrication who provide depth beyond mere riding instruction.
Special guest horses, like the diminutive celebrity pony “Elf,” and demonstration horses with world-class performance records, add excitement and draw crowds.
9. Festival Legacy and Community Contribution
A core part of the event’s ethos is reinvestment:
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All earnings support Queensland dressage through scholarships, training, infrastructure improvements, and broader equestrian causes.
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The festival has helped launch new development programs for young riders.
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Ongoing educational material circulated post-event helps extend the festival's impact, with training summaries, tips, and contact points for further learning.
10. Enduring Significance
The Queensland Festival of Dressage is a triumph of community, passion, and professionalism. With its innovative format, legendary hospitality, top-tier educational programming, and an unwavering commitment to both social and sporting ideals, it is much more than just a horse show.
While its official website was a key force from 2013 to 2015, the festival’s true legacy endures each year in the inspiration, learning, and joy it fosters among Queensland’s equestrian community. Its model—combining inclusive education, high-level sport, entertainment, and social good—stands as a guide for other events seeking to build vibrant, empowered sporting cultures.