Award-winning equestrian champion Bluefields Floreno and his rider, Alexis Hellyer made a pit-stop at Saddleworld on their way to Melbourne where they are scheduled to travel to the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina.

The World Equestrian Games is one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar and are held every four years. 

Floreno has been living and training in Queensland, but is originally from Bluefields Chevaux Parc in Glenquarry.

Bluefields owner J.J. Fuchs said he was delighted how far Floreno had come and the he was “putting his stamp” on dressage.

“We knew he had great potential when he was very young but he continues to go from strength to strength.  We are proud of both Floreno and Alexis and can’t wait to see them compete at WEG,” Mr Fuchs said.

Bowral Co-op CEO Craig Perkins said he was delighted the co-op was able to offer the opportunity for the Highlands community to meet “such an amazing horse and rider and supporting a local breeder from the Southern Highlands all the way to the World Equestrian Games in the USA.”

Monday’s event was also an opportunity to raise funds for the Bowral Co-op Drought Appeal. 

The Bowral Lions hosted a sausage sizzle, with sausages donated by Oxley Butchery, and Kombi Capers donated profits made on the day from their coffee van to the local appeal.

Read more: Here are just some of the organisations running drought appeals in our region and beyond