Roger Fitzhardinge reports on Round 1 of the Five-Year-Old Dressage Horse class
Today’s five-year-old class was sponsored by Mulawa Performance Horses. While the super four-your-old class yesterday was about showing very good, natural, wonderful paces, when it comes to the five-year-old class it’s about also starting to see the beginnings of collection, more sitting trot, and the greater engagement really starts to begin. There is lateral work with leg yielding left and right in trot. Of course, there is still the stretching circle to prove the relaxation and the contact, the reaching to the bridle, and the continuity of the trot – from the working trot on the bit, to the long rein, the trot rhythm and tempo should stay the same, simply with the horse breathing out, relaxing and showing a more supple and natural swing on the circle.
The judges are encouraging a very natural way for the horses to move and show self-carriage and confidence. They are seated on the side, and today included Patricia Wolters from Holland, an FEI 4* judge who will be the president at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Verden (5-10 August, 2025). The other two judges were Maria Schwennesen, who has judged at the World Young Horse Championships four times previously, and Sue Hobson from New Zealand – so a truly experienced and world-renowned panel!
Aber Fashion MI wins Round 1
One of several horses to really catch the eye of the judges today was a beautiful black mare ridden by John Thompson, Aber Fashion MI (Aber Hallo 29 x Florestan 1) and bred and owned by the Farrell family. She was also very successful at Willinga Park’s Dressage by the Sea in February. The trot was very elegant, but sometimes not totally consistent to the bridle and working from behind taking the rider honestly forward, and sometimes gave the impression that she was perhaps a little behind the leg. This delightful mare shows great enthusiasm and attitude towards her work. The canter was fluent in a good rhythm, with a lovely way of going in an uphill way with good cadence. It was interesting to note in the stretching circle, a little difference in the trot: the work on the bit at times, showed a little too much cadence, creating the odd hesitant step. There was great purpose in the walk, and a super mare! Aber Fashion MI won the class on 84.8.
It was the grey gelding Mayfield Vibrance (Vitalis x Florencio) ridden by Justine Greer, that also captured attention. This horse is bred and owned by Kerry Mack at Mayfield farm; Kerry trains this horse at home and absolutely loves riding him. She says with a laugh that he’s probably a little big for her, but he gives such a good feeling to ride she hasn’t been able to give him up!
Vibrance is a very attractive, forward-thinking and well-balanced horse, and was beautifully presented by Justine Greer. He had plenty of airtime in the canter and produced a beautiful five-year-old test; he was nicely over the back and reaching to the hand showing good adjustability. The judges were glowing in respect to the potential for this wonderful gelding, and another super horse for the future. Watch this space! Mayfield Vibrance placed second on 84.6 – so very close to Aber Fashion MI.
Robert Schmerglatt guided Total Impact CBM (Total Hope x Jive Magic) through the test. This chestnut gelding was bred by Christine Crawford and is owned by Megan McEachern. The judges gave good marks to this horse, and the walk was a highlight with elastic steps and a big over-track. The judges did comment that he was a little short in the neck and tight in the gullet, and at times was showing inconsistency in the contact. There was also a lack of flexion to the left. However, very good marks with plenty of room for improvement, which is exciting. Total Impact CBM placed third on 81.
The first horse to catch the judges’ eyes was a horse ridden by Deon Stokes, MP Phoenix Rising (For Romance 1 x Furstenball). This mare was bred by Mondomil Park and owned by Leigh Richardson. She showed elasticity in the trot, an uphill feeling in the canter, and the continuity to the bridle throughout the entire test was praised by the judges. A wonderful horse for the future, showing good trainability. Perhaps she could show a little more ability to collect, but being a fairly long mare that just needs time to develop more strength over the back and a super horse for the future. MP Phoenix Rising placed fourth on 80.4.
There was plenty of quality seen in this class indeed, and to see the second round when it is individual test riding (rather than two in the arena at once) could easily see the placings changing around as the submission, continuity and self-carriage will have more of an impact.
Six-Year-Old Dressage Ponies – Final
Today’s final rounds of the pony classes took place on the outdoor arena, and first place in the six-year-old class went to yesterday’s Round 1 winner, Glenhill Mr Hollywood (Movie Star x Aester El Niño). Ridden by Alison Gill, the flashy bay stallion scored 75.8, with 7.6 for trot, 7.5 for walk, 7.6 for canter, 7.4 for submission, and 7.8 for perspective. Mr Hollywood is owned by Christan Trainor of Glenhill Sporthorses.
The win marks three DJWTS age championships in a row for ‘Nacho’, who also took out the 5YO Young Dressage Pony Championship here last year and the 4YO Championship in 2023. He is also the first pony to claim three age championships in a row at DJWTS.
Speaking previously to Equestrian Life, Christan said she never set out to have a pony stallion as part of her stud. When she sourced an embryo in utero by Movie Star and from imported Dutch mare Nobis Juliette, she had no idea if she’d end up with a colt or a filly: “I never intended to have a stallion, but ‘Nacho’ was just always so laid back and I thought I’d keep him as a colt as long as he wasn’t being colty, just to develop his body type… and then he never got colty!”
Christan decided to put him up for licensing with the Westphalian Stud Book and figured that if he didn’t pass, it’d be a good excuse to geld him. He did pass, and he’s now one of the very few Australian-bred fully licensed GRP stallions. He’s the epitome of the German Riding Pony. He’s treated like a normal horse at our place, and now that he’s proven himself both in competition and in temperament.”
Georgina Ray’s mare, Miss Holly Golightly BHI (FS Mr Right x Fidertanz), secured second place with rider Steph Hann on a score of 73.
Four-Year-Old Dressage Ponies – Final
Nevermore (Neverland x Timberland) again claimed victory today for rider Serena Ireland and owner Kylee Chandler, posting another outstanding score of 86, with the Walk (9.5) and Perspective (9) the highlights for the judges.
Second and third also mirrored Round 1, with Kristin Lyons and her own Uno Vivace (FS Numero Uno x Roseglen Cracker Night) bred by Diamond Performance Ponies next on 77.7, and then the mare Penmain Double Dutch (Triple Trees Prince Perfect x Aester El Nino) third for rider Louisa Smith and owner Rossanne Mason with a score of 72.8.
Five-Year-Old Dressage Ponies – Final
It was another big score and win for Freemans Lodge Global (Numerus Clausus x Dreidmensional) today, with Toni Webb’s gelding scoring 78.8. The 2024 Champion of Champions, Glenhill Divine Classic (Numerus Clausus x Classic Dancer I), again placed second with a score of 76.6 for rider Alison Gill and owner Freemans Lodge. The mare Dance On Air (Numerus Clausus x Classic Dancer I), bred by Brockhurst Stud, was third for owner Anna Bridge and rider Lily Diss; she scored 73.4.
Australian Young Pony Champion of Champions: Freemans Lodge Global and Toni Webb
Roger Fitzhardinge reports on the CDI-W Grand Prix
The Grand Prix was held outside in great weather conditions with the surface damp from the rain and in great order. Rising nine-year-old MSJ Gatsby (Grey Flannel x Fidertanz) for John Thompson put together a convincing test with no mistakes to win on 66.891%. This horse has only done a few Grand Prix tests in his life, and this time the piaffe and passage was the best it’s been. No mistakes in the canter tour, but one would like to see a little more groundcover and cadence in the canter work. John certainly showed his experience when it comes to riding Grand Prix.
In second place was Jayden Brown with Chemistry, recently returned from overseas. Jayden and Chemistry have not been together very long, and Chemistry was previously trained and ridden to international level with John Thompson and then current owner Kate Kyros – who at the moment is competing overseas with her other horse Intro K. Jayden and Chemistry put together a well-rounded test as well, but lacked energy and sometimes looked a little behind the leg.
In third place, Bronze Boy R for Rozzie Ryan showed some really beautiful trot work and no mistakes. Rozzie is the consummate rider, riding every corner and making every preparation line and positioning for all the movements so well. A very well deserved third place.
In fourth was South Australian Fiona Guthrie-Smith on the stunning black stallion Bluefields Denoir (Dark Fire x Florencio), scoring 65.543%.
In fifth place was Ibicus for Caroline Wagner, with a few moments of inconsistency in the bridle and a little lack of honesty in front of the leg spoiling the chances of expressive movements. A very well rounded and ridden test as well, and no question that when it comes to the Freestyle any one of those first four horses or some others could well come up and take the lead.
It was very interesting to see that Maddie Vallender, winner of the CDI-J here today, completed her first CDI Grand Prix and scored a very respectable 64%.
Four-Year-Old Dressage Horse – Final (full report to come for this class)
Remi Victoria’s Secret (Remi Vigneron x Lauries As), ridden and owned by Daisy Fielding and bred by Remi Stud, took out the Four-Year-Old Dressage Horse Final today on a score of 80.6 after finishing second yesterday. Highlights were the canter (8.5) and walk (8), as well as an 8.2 for Perspective.
Glenhill Quatessence (Quaterhit x Don Schufro) ridden by Riley Alexander for owner Karma Wilson and bred by Glenhill Sporthorses, placed second. Again, the canter was a highlight (8.5). This chestnut gelding scored 80.4 today.
Third place went to MW Boom (Benicio x Sarkozy) for owner and rider Heather Currie. This very big, elegant bay horse, bred by MacArthur Warmbloods, has very elastic paces with the canter again a highlight today (8.3). This gelding finished on a total of 80.2.
Seven-Year-Old Dressage Horse – Final
The seven-year-old final saw a shuffling of yesterday’s results, and it was Axel DC (AC/DC x Florestano) who claimed the win for rider Deon Stokes and owner Hannah Shippen. A very impressive bay gelding, who was a little bit tense in the environment yesterday with Deon riding a cautious test; more comfortable in the atmosphere today, for a big score of 78.215% and a highlight being the Walk (9).
Yesterday’s winner, the big and powerful Senzation (Sezuan x Lauries Crusador), finished second today on 75.8% for rider Harvey Besley and owner Nicole Magoffin. A highlight for this horse was the trot (8.5).
Sicario(Secret x Rousseau) for rider John Thompson finished third on 72.3%. This stallion was bred by M Hageman and is owned by Luke and Sarah Wells-Smith. Sicario is a very elegant long legged black stallion; the canter is active and uphill, and that was a highlight (8). Certainly a busy and successful day for John!
Six-Year-Old Dressage Horse – Round 1
The six-year-old class went to Exact (Escamillo x Sandro Hit) for rider and owner Alex Vodermair, scoring 88. This Hanoverian gelding was bred by Thorsten Hogrefe. In second place was MI Toto (Toto Jnr. x Apache) with John Thompson the saddle. John and the Farrell family won this KWPN stallion, and a score of 80.6 today. Mary Warren rode her own Mindarah Park Rupert (Mindarah Park Ramadan x Promise R) to third place on 80.4.
Roger Fitzhardinge reports on the CDI-J Team Competition
The CDI-J class showed some very talented riders. Maddison Vallender and Rubinell came out the winners on 71.21% from Tia Rose McKenzie and Phenomenon on 68.384%. These two outstanding riders always have an epic battle and are fierce competitors in the arena, but best of mates in the stables. Maddie is ranked #4 on the FEI CDI-J rankings behind riders from Germany, Denmark and Great Britain; a remarkable feat from this side of the world when there aren’t that many CDI competitions to gain FEI rankings. The junior riders are really showing the way and with this amount of talent in these ranks, it’s a bright future for our sport.
Prix St Georges Cup – Intermediate I: Alexis Hellyer and Fidibus, 72.708% (full report to come for this class)
CDI-Ch Children Preliminary Competition B: Milla Greenaway and SPB Robert Redford, 72.982%
Showjumping
Today the all-star jumping judges – Chris Burton, Chris Chugg and Julia Hargraves Lynch – had the pleasure of again casting their eyes over Australia’s top young jumping horses, as Round 2 got underway on the well-groomed turf of Werribee Park.
Seven-Year-Old Young Jumping Horse – Round 2
Today’s second round once again found that yesterday’s Round 1 winners are inseparable! Neil Diamond VBT (IM Special De Muze x Berlin) and Benjamin Franklin Be (Tulara Colmine x Caracas) both finished the round clear and with perfect scores across the board from the judges – meaning they both finished in the lead again today on 100.
Neil Diamond VBT was ridden by Rachael Lee for owners Tarraleah Performance Horses Pty Ltd, and was bred by M J Van Bergen-Tolner. Benjamin Franklin Be was bred, owned and ridden by Brooke Hickey.
Who will claim the final? Saturday is going to be thrilling viewing in this class.
Six-Year-Old Young Jumping Horse – Round 2
Today it was Tulara Karash (Karajan x For Fashion) who topped the six-year-old class for young rider Jack Barker. This horse was bred by Tulara Warmbloods, and is owned by Fiona Barker in conjunction with the late Mark Fraser and his wife Anna. The winning score was 91.33.
Yesterday’s Round 1 winner, Kentaur Alba (Absolute Ego Z x Noblewood Park Cougar), was third today on 89.17 with Frida Lindgren in the saddle, while second went to TM Christiano Ronaldo (Christian x Escudo I) and rider Riley Mackillop on 90.33.
Five-Year-Old Young Jumping Horse – Round 2
Today saw another win to the bay gelding Glenara Argyle (Diamant De Smilly x Conquistador), who jumped clear and scored 92.5 for rider and owner Jess Kiernan. This horse was bred by Glenara Park’s Melissa Froesch.
Four-Year-Old Young Jumping Horse – Round 2
LT Holst Eva (Conthargos x Kannan) won today’s round, jumping clear and scoring 93.2 for rider and owner Sam Whale. The mare was bred by LT Holst Sporthorses and received a perfect 10 today for scope. Yesterday’s winner, Ultimate Cera Z, scored well but unfortunately had a couple of rails and time faults around today’s course – reducing their overall score.
In other classes, the Chatham Park Open 145cm (Art 238 2.1) saw a win to Jamie Winning-Kermond and Tulara WAT Colblensky who produced the quickest clear of the 12-horse field ahead of Saturday’s CSI-W World Cup qualifier. That’s two out of two classes that these competitors have dealt with a little rain – let’s hope for sunshine in the World Cup tomorrow!
