Boneo Park is state-of-the-art

Athan Dolduris — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:48:36 +0000

Let me just start by saying that we’re massive animal lovers at LTP. However, when it came to this story, loving a horse and riding a horse are completely different propositions. Let’s just say that our unstinting love of horses is directly opposite to our ability to ride them. For the purposes of this story and to let LTP readers know, we’ll never let a “small” detail like lack of horse riding skills get in the way of a great story – certainly one that involves the Mornington Peninsula and one of its greatest assets – Boneo Park.

A few weeks back we were very fortunate to gain access to what was the years biggest equestrian event – The Credit Suisse Boneo Park CDI. Over the past three years, this event has become one of the major tournaments in the Australian Dressage calendar, receiving enormous support from sponsors and Olympic level riders. Serendipitously, and for the past three years, I would drive past Boneo Park, I would admire the pristine grounds, the perfectly lined and painted fences, the manicured horse paddocks and always wonder – is there more?

My invite into the core of this facility certainly answered this question. Boneo Park is set amongst tranquil wetlands (850 acres to be exact) and is home to some of the country’s most aspiring dressage riders and events. The venue has been designed to be eco-friendly and to provide the perfect equestrian setting with the aim to increase the standard of Australian Dressage. The facilities are of the highest quality, and on the day we met competitors from all parts of Australia and the world – the dedication and commitment shown by the competitors and their support teams on the day left us flabbergasted.

Stefan Edselius (Director, Credit Suisse Private Banking), Peter Horobin (Director, Peter Horobin Saddlery, Fiona McNaught (Director, Boneo Park) were on hand to congratulate Rozzie Ryan and her horse GV Bullwinkle (they were the reserve combination at the London Olympics last year) This year they were the winners of the Peter Horobin, Grand Prix Freestyle prize – well done!

The McNaught Family need to be congratulated for providing the energy and drive for this event, but also for their vision and investment in what can only be described as an incredible facility. From what we were lead to understand – from numerous competitors and their support crews – an event like this in Europe would attract hundreds of thousands of spectators. Boneo Park prides itself on being a state of the art dressage facility, providing the Australian equestrian community with a taste of Europe. It’s a big call but we believe it and we encourage horse-riding enthusiasts in the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne to visit and to learn more about this facility and sport.

Boneo Park offers a wide range of services year round, including clinics, competitions for all levels with purpose built, state of the art facilities, full service agistment, resident instructors and if the need arises, top quality dressage horses for sale. They have it all.

For more information on the facility or the events held at Boneo Park throughout the year please visit boneopark.com.au

Meet Redskin, one of the many characters we came across on the day.

Steph Spencer was a breath of fresh air (so too was her mum Deb from Perth, W.A.) and helped us to understand more about the sport, the competition, their horses and the commitment and dedication required to pursue their passion. Thank you.

Nothing like a heartfelt lick after a day out – Well done Redskin, you’re on the right track with Steph and well done for your third overall place.

Did you know that dressage horses like humans prefer warm showers? Uncanny.

Boneo Park facilities are purpose built and state-of-the-art. This is like the MCG, Wimbledon and Monte Carlo of dressage and located here in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula.

One of the many outdoor competition paddocks. It was effortless to move from one event to another. The atmosphere was super relaxed from an attendees perspective – it really was a great day out – with plenty to see and do. Too easy and will come again with kids and dog this time.

Meet Terry Ashwood (Gold Coast) and Ferrero Chocolate Box. Ferrero was as handsome as his name and loved the photo shoot. Thanks big time Terry (and Lauren) for your grace and time – your insight into the sport was priceless.

If reincarnation does exist then I want to come back as one of Terry’s horses! He can call me anything because he looks after his horses as if they were human. Good man.

Meet Sheridyn Ashwood (Terry’s daughter competitor) and her beautiful stallion, Prestige VDL. The horse was originally imported from Europe. This was a pre-competition warm up and the serious side of the competition. You could feel the tension in the air. It’s an amazing experience watching a rider and their horse connect before their big moment. There is a process and like humans horses like structure.

These animals are truly beautiful, smart and so emotional. One moment they’re intense and focused on their duty, the next they’re playful and cheeky – amazing. Deep down they’re softies and need to know who’s the boss. For such large creatures there’s something noble in the trust they place on their owner.

Really; it’s all about me, and me, and me, and me…

The day proved to be super relaxed. The environment was very friendly and you could walk and talk your way round the facility easily. Every one was helpful and provided plenty of insight. If you have kids or are interested in horse riding then this is the place to come to.

Plenty to see and do. In this case, Equissage are providers of the worlds best Equine Therapies and have been helping people and animals since 1949. What you see is a horse sized CVT vest – Cycloid Vibration Therapy vest – which helps relieve muscle stress and soreness in animals. They also have these mats for dogs. If your beloved canine is suffering hip disorders etc this technology is the “ants pants” in automated therapy.

Just when we thought we’d seen it all, along came a super sized treadmill for horses from Horse Gym Australia. The treadmill is designed to assist with tendon recovery and muscular (re) development, strengthening and movement patterns and improvements in cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Nothing is left to chance.

We couldn’t resist this photo of a QLD blue heeler pup. Lots of dogs on the day, lots of families, excellent environment to stroll around the grounds, talk to people, see the events and have a bite to eat.

Introducing David Shoobridge from Secret Men’s Business. He was joined by Tor Van Den Berge and Brett Parbery. They teamed up in an effort to teach enthusiasts their system of training. We were privy to a masterclass of horsemanship that simplified the way in which they trained dressage horses. These guys were fun and made riding a horse look simple.

An incredible indoor arena – World Class facilities abound at Boneo Park

David again only this time with Tor Van Den Berge behind him. They made it look so easy.

There was tremendous support on the day and will only get bigger. The Credit Suisse Boneo Park CDI is the biggest and most prestigious event of the year at this facility.

More Secret Mens Business…

Attendees were very appreciative of the high standards on show. The main arena allows for all to be close to the action.

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Boneo Park is state-of-the-art