Adelaide Hills Dressage Club (AHDC) is a sports club located in the Alexandrina Council, specifically at the Strathalbyn Polo Grounds on Callington Road, Strathalbyn. The club caters to all levels of dressage competition, ranging from beginners to FEI competitors. They organise various types of competitions, including Competitive, Participation, Closed Unrestricted, and Closed Restricted events. Those interested in learning more about these levels can find an explanation on the Calendar page of the AHDC website.
The club also hosts an annual Combined Training Day during the February competition, which combines dressage with a show jumping component. This event has gained popularity over the years.
AHDC prides itself on being a friendly, comfortable, and welcoming club for individuals interested in dressage and horsemanship. The club is led by a dedicated committee that ensures the club operates at the level expected by competitors. The committee aims to provide a safe, friendly, and competitive environment for all participants, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that everyone enjoys their dressage experience. New members, along with their horses, friends, and family, are always welcome to join the club.
Competitions are held once a month, specifically on the second Sunday of each month. Occasionally, AHDC organises competitions that span an entire weekend. These events are advertised well in advance, allowing competitors to plan ahead. The format typically involves a Club day on Saturday, followed by Competitive and Non-Competitive competitions on Sunday.
AHDC offers a range of facilities to meet the needs of its members. The club has ample space to set up between 8 and 16 arenas, all of which feature a well-maintained and regularly mown kikuyu lawn surface. The entire facility is fully fenced, ensuring the safety of competitors and horses. Additionally, there are spacious areas allocated for spectator cars, horse trucks, horse floats, and camping.
The clubhouse, which is partly owned by the Strathalbyn Polo and Showjumping Clubs, provides excellent amenities for members and participants. The grounds have even been utilised for the National Dressage Championships of Australia.
AHDC also has approximately 64 stables available for use, with plans in place to upgrade them in the future. Moreover, there is a sand menage that members can utilise for lunging when necessary.
Membership with AHDC is valid from January 1 to December 31 of each year. To become a member, individuals can visit the AHDC website and follow the instructions provided. Membership fees for the year 2023 are available on the website as well.
For further information or to contact the club, members can reach out to the club's President, Wendy Brown, at 0412 831 720 or the Vice President, Cathy Kluske, at 0400 289 481. General enquiries can be directed to the Secretary and Treasurer, Sally Wells, at 0429 190 653. There is also a contact form available on the club's website for those who prefer to communicate via email.