18 april 2016
Very successful first edition of the The Southern Classic in Australia
Witwood, owned by Doug and Dot Willcoxson, hosted The Southern Classic Australia last weekend. Many events were hosted in Witwood over the last 22 years, including National Australian Championships, State Championships and Club Events having purpose built obstacles and dressage arenas on the property.The Southern Classic included 4 events, the FEI 1*, FEI 2*, Equestrian Australia Participation Event and the Australian Carriage Driving Society Level 2 Event. This was the first time this type of competition had been attempted in Australia and it was a great success.
Over thirty competitors started across the 4 events, enjoying challenging cones and marathon courses. Section A was on neighbouring properties across typical Australian bush tracks as was the transfer section. Section B was around the outskirts of the property and then into challenging obstacles designed by Peter Harkness (FEI 2* Course Designer).
The Organising Committee turned out the property to an extremely high standard, as has been the case over many years. The weather was kind to the competitors with the only rain being overnight Saturday, which assisted in keeping dust to a minimum. The volunteers in the canteen did a great job in feeding officials, volunteers and competitors.
FEI Level 3 Judge Françoise Thiry and Philippe Lienart of the renowned Scoring Programme celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at Witwood, where the Southern Classic was being held.
