WINS FOR PAIR COULD HELP DELIVER ‘ULTIMATE DREAM’
A LEADING Gold Coast equestrian says there is a growing reason to develop facilities in Queensland to match NSW rivals.
Renowned dressage coach and competitor Nicole Tough added weight to her “ultimate dream” this month with victory at Dressage By The Sea at Willinga Park on the NSW south coast.
Tough was joined by promising young rider Daisy Fielding in winning their respective divisions at the event, the first of its kind held in Australia as it was recognised by the world governing body of equestrian sports, the FEI.
The star rating comes from a variety of factors, including the number and level of judges, the entry standards and prizemoney.
Tough and Fielding and their horses, Ferragamo and Fairbanks Davinci, travelled via truck for two days to attend, with Tough winning both the medium and advanced competitions.
Now, an even loftier goal awaits.
“The Queenslanders travelled 16-18 hours down to Willinga Park and whilst we don’t have the grounds and facilities that they do in NSW we proved we can mix it with the best,” said Tough, chair of Dressage Queensland.
“The ultimate dream is to have an equestrian facility of that standard right here on the Gold Coast.
“Competing at a worldclass facility like Willinga Park is an unforgettable experience.”
Fielding, 18, won the young rider (under-21) class.
“This was the highest level, most prestigious competition I’ve ever been to and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity without the need to travel to Europe,” Fielding said. “I am pumped to have started the year with such a massive win and can’t wait to get stuck back into training with Nicole for the upcoming season.”