Over the past few years many Dressage Clubs have struggled to survive as drought, bushfires, floods and Covid19 brought all things equestrian to a standstill for months and years, eliminating almost all opportunities for Clubs to raise the funds necessary to meet administration costs, maintain grounds and equipment and ultimately reward members.   

Shoalhaven Dressage Club is no exception. It is a non-profit organisation generating income from membership, entry fees from holding regular competitions, and sponsorship. 

Dressage is an Olympic sport and during this time there were many broken dreams as Competitions were cancelled and opportunities lost.

Based at Worrigee Equestrian Common, Shoalhaven Dressage Club has proved its durability over the years, and will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary later in 2024.

Rather than giving up during bleak timeS, then President Alycia Targa and her committee set out to fulfil the dream of having an all weather,  Olympic size Dressage arena at the Club’s home ground.  

Over the past three years President Wendy Collin and her Committee have continued to pursue that dream, applying for grants and raising further funds. They can now proudly announce that the new arena will be completed in July this year. It will be maintained by Shoalhaven Dressage Club but available to the Equestrian Community at large for training and competition use.   

Local Equestrians like SDC member, 13 year old Skyla Parker, who was recently crowned Novice Champion at the Australian Arabian National Championships in Victoria on her horse Iconic Al Sahrac, will reap the benefits of having a first class training facility in their local area.