Dillon hot to trot into Sydney International Horse Trials
Shaun Dillon is no stranger to performing under pressure. As a seasoned equestrian athlete, he has long competed in the spotlight. For the last two years, that spotlight has also taken him to the nation’s most colourful festival – the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Dillon organised “Hot to Trot”, a float to celebrate gay and lesbian members of the equestrian community. “I came out five years ago,” Dillon said. “It wasn’t as confronting as I thought it would be. We have a really accepting culture in our sport and I want to get promote that message out to everyone in equestrian sports.” The float, which was in its second year, was one of a number that led out the parade with a strong focus in 2015 of equality in sport. “Our sport supports diversity and we have had really good feedback since the parade,” Dillon said. “I think there is definitely a change for the better in sport. So many sporting groups are getting behind and supporting the LGBT community.” With the parade done, Dillon has returned his focus to competing and ultimately, his dream of representing Australia at the Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games.
The next step in his equestrian journey will take him to the Sydney International Horse Trials. Dillon will compete on his horse GV Anzac in the 3* eventing category, the highest class on offer at the Trials. “I’m really hoping to put in a good performance,” Dillon said. “I’m not just there to make up the numbers. I want to achieve a qualifying result for the Australian International [in Adelaide in November 2015]".
In addition to competing and promoting diversity, Dillon also runs a successful business, Baroona Sport Horses in The Oaks in Western Sydney. “I produce top quality event horses and also teach. Teaching is a passion for me and I really enjoy it. I’m building this side of my business. It’s a big juggle to find time to focus on my own horses but this year I have been ensuring that I am spending the time to get my horses ready.”
The Sydney International Horse Trials will take place from 1 – 3 May at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, home of the 2000 Olympic Games competition.
Update after the event : In the CCI3*, Shaun Dillon arrived second after the Dressage test with GV Anzac but sadly got eliminated after the cross-country test. He also competed with younger horses, Kinnordy Rubino and TS Fantasia in the CCI1* and finally won the competition with TS Fantasia.
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