The final day of the Sydney CDI at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre once again showcased what has affectionately become known as the “Junior Olympics,” highlighting the depth of emerging talent in Australian dressage.
CDI-J Freestyle a standout class
The CDI-J Freestyle proved a standout class, with exceptionally close competition at the top.
Rosemary Heagney claimed victory aboard Sonic K, a horse she has only recently partnered. In their first freestyle at this level, the combination produced a personal best score of 73.235%, a confident and harmonious performance.
Marley Yates finished second with Secret Rose on 72.660%, while Zali Mills and Royal Diamond Jubilee followed closely on 72.015%. The margins were incredibly tight, and the quality of riding and presentation across the class was highly impressive.
International judges were particularly complimentary of the standard, noting the strength and polish of Australia’s junior riders.
Aussie team riders claim top placings in the CDI-Y Freestyle
In the Young Rider Freestyle, Australian Trans-Tasman team rider Tia Rose McKenzie produced another winning performance aboard Phenomenon, scoring 70.940%. The test featured expressive, ground-covering paces and it was a well-constructed freestyle.
Rosemary Heagney – the other Australian Trans-Tasman team rider – placed second with MSJ Nemo on 69.965%, while Angelina Thompson and Arnage Royal Edition were just behind on 69.895%, again highlighting the competitiveness of the field.
Young Horse Finals
The Young Horse Finals took place in the indoor arena, with the top two horses from the previous rounds in each age group presented first by their riders before being ridden by New Zealand guest rider Kallista Field, who assessed rideability.
Five-Year-Olds
Glenhill Quatessence for Riley Alexander opened the class, producing an even and correct test for 80.833%.
Ridden by Jess Dertell, MW Boom stood out as the winner, scoring 87.5%. This striking bay gelding showed exceptional ground cover, expressive paces, and an outstanding canter. Kallista described the horse as a genuine Grand Prix prospect.
Four-Year-Olds
Valdare, ridden by Victoria Luxford, impressed with power and presence, though still developing in its frame. Kallista praised the horse’s energy and future potential; 79.833%.
Stryker K, ridden by Karen Blythe, drew exceptional praise. Kallista awarded 9.5 for rideability and commented she would “take him home at the drop of a hat.” Judges awarded a 10 for submission, noting the horse’s outstanding attitude and willingness, as well as the quality of training without the use of spurs; 90%.
Six-Year-Olds
Hollands Bend Secrets Out, ridden by Lizzie Wilson-Fellows, showed good development and potential in his final outing before being sold; 78.667%.
Glenhill Totil Star, a Totilas mare, showed quality despite some tension and submission issues. The judges still identified the horse as one for the future; 84.833%.
The AEIE 6YO Dressage Futurity, which took into account each horse’s best two scores from across all rounds here at the Sydney CDI, when to Glenhill Totil Star with a total of 169.833. Danielle McMahon and Remi Furstin Hit was the runners-up, with a total of 162.8.
Seven-Year-Olds
BC Memphis, ridden by Sally Rizzuto, produced a solid performance despite some tension in the indoor environment, placing second with 76.333%.
Osaka P, ridden by Jessica Dertell, won the class with 84.167%. The test included both brilliant work and moments of tension, including a reaction to arena decorations. However, Kallista handled the situation expertly and was highly impressed with the horse’s natural ability, particularly the canter, describing it as a very exciting future prospect.
Across the junior, young rider and young horse divisions, the final day reinforced the strength of Australia’s upcoming riders and horses. The quality, depth, and professionalism on display drew strong praise from the international judging panel and provided an inspiring conclusion to the Sydney CDI.
Robbie McKinnon and QS Sierra dance to CDI1* Inter I Freestyle win
The CDI1* Intermediate I Freestyle proved to be a particularly interesting class to observe, both in terms of quality and the variation in judging.
Taking the win was Robbie McKinnon aboard QS Sierra, producing a personal best score of 73.270%. It was a performance that certainly caught the eye, although the judges’ marks were notably varied, ranging from 75% down to 69% from the American judge on the panel.
QS Sierra is an extremely expressive mare who consistently presents in a very uphill frame, creating a striking overall picture. There is no doubt about the natural presence and athleticism of this combination. However, the walk could show a little more relaxation, with greater regularity — particularly within the collected work.
The overall impression is of a highly exciting partnership for the future. That said, the spread of marks perhaps highlights the fine line between positive tension and tension that begins to detract. This mare is clearly keen, willing, and at times almost overly exuberant, yet she still demonstrates the degree of ease and fluency in her work that keeps the performance engaging and effective.
In second place, another personal best went to Celeste Amezdroz aboard Sugarloaf Amnesty, scoring 70.735%. In contrast to the winner, this combination presented a much more relaxed and laid-back way of going. Sugarloaf Amnesty works in a very workmanlike and unflustered manner. It was somewhat surprising to see such relaxation and moderation maintained within a fairly electric atmosphere, and the overall picture was one of quiet precision and harmony. The two placings showed extremely different ways of going.
Third place was well deserved, rounding out a strong top group of combinations, and it went to Rebecca Rooke and BB Niccolo on 69.345% — and what a great test. Niccolo is a highly strung chestnut gelding and Rebecca has not had him at this level for long at all yet he soaked up the atmosphere with great acceptance of his job. What good riding and to see the confidence in his rider was delightful to say the least. A horse for the higher levels for sure.
In fourth place, Emma Sanders riding Quaterbella K scored 68.665%. This lovely bay mare worked with plenty of impulsion and contained energy, presenting a consistent and well-balanced test. It was a combination that was genuinely a pleasure to watch, showing good flow and a harmonious connection throughout.
All in all, the CDI1* Intermediate I Freestyle was exactly as it should be — an engaging and expressive class, with performances well matched to music that suited each individual horse. It provided a fitting and enjoyable conclusion to the class, showcasing both contrast in style and quality across the field.
Tanish Ryan wins CDI-U25 Grand Prix Freestyle
Tanish Ryan and Jembrae Rattle N Hum took out the CDI-U25 Grand Prix Freestyle, scoring 68.560% with consistent marks throughout. Danielle McMahon and Remi Lauries Joy were the runners up.
Mary Hanna claims CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle with Ivanhoe
The Grand Prix Freestyle was the final competition of the 2026 Sydney CDI. The VIP was full and the work that Gail Benson as host and organiser put in was magical to say the least, with sumptuous food and great wine. The ambience was wonderful.
The Big Tour competitions here in Sydney were sponsored by Equidance, the Weel and Potter families, to the tune of $14,000! It is a remarkable level of sponsorship for this country and a credit to those involved.
Unfortunately, only five horses contested this year’s freestyle, but the quality at the top end was undeniable.
A very deserving winner was Mary Hanna aboard Ivanhoe, scoring 73.920%. This was a performance of real quality, with the horse working in a very good way throughout. The canter tour was particularly strong, expressive uphill and off the ground, while the use of music — especially the crescendos — cleverly enhanced Ivanhoe’s natural presence. It was a polished and effective freestyle, well deserving unanimous win.
In second place, Prequel and Tanisha Ryan scored 71.810%, also a unanimous result across the judging panel. This was a very complete performance, with the horse showing some fabulous paces and no obvious weaknesses. The confidence between horse and rider is now quite striking, making this combination a very pleasing one to watch.
Third place went to New Zealand’s Wendi Williamson on 69.165%. There had been some variation in marks for this combination earlier in the competition, but it was encouraging to see both the ride and the scores improve quite markedly over the three days. This final performance was a strong way to finish. Great extended work too, and the passage was a highlight.
Jodie Dunstan also impressed, producing a performance of quality with Hollands Bend Highlander (68.5%), while Rozzie Ryan aboard Bronze Boy once again delivered a beautifully classical freestyle (67.710%). The music selection suited every movement from beginning to end, and Rozzie continues to produce some of the most elegant and harmonious tests in the sport. There was a strong feeling among many that this combination could well have been rewarded more highly.
With Mary Hanna and Tanisha Ryan riding for Australia’s Trans-Tasman Dressage Challenge team — and both young riders on the team claiming the top two placings in Saturday’s CDI-Y Freestyle — Australia took out the title over New Zealand.
The challenge has a long history with prominent dressage riders from our region featured on the trophy. It was last won in 1997 by the Australian Team, consisting of Mary Hanna and Mosaic, Nancy French and Wiking, Rachael Downs and Yardley Charisma, and Matthew Dowsley with Argentille Gullitt.
Open and AOR Advanced classes
The Advanced classes also took place on Saturday, with the 5.3 going to Kaila Simms and Arnage Total Bliss on 70.856%. Victoria Luxford placed second with Revelwood Synergy on 69.685%, and John Thompson with Sicario was third on 69.234%.
In the 5.2, it was Katina Smith and Le Roi De Platinum who won the class with 69.605%. In second was Robert Harrisson Schmerglatt and Hollands Bend Shangri La on 68.947%, while third again went to John Thompson riding Sicario with a score of 68.533%.
Kaila Simms and Arnage Total Bliss were fourth in the 5.2 on 68.246% despite a penalty, and were ultimately crowned the Open Advanced Champions ahead of Victoria Luxford and Revelwood Synergy.
In the AOR Advanced, Sarah Kassulke and Springside Eddison scored 67.588% to win the 5.2 ahead of Jan Mastin with Basali on 64.474%, and Kathryn Janjic aboard Djivin in third on 64.210%.
Sarah Kassulke and Springside Eddison also won the 5.3, scoring 66.621%, to claim the AOR Advanced Championship. Libby Guest was second in this test with Statford Novalia, scoring 65.721% to be named the AOR Advanced Reserve Champion, while Alana Richards and Revelwood Noble Knight placed third on 65.631%.
Successful four days of sport
The CDI competition as a whole has been a very successful four days of sport. The young riders and juniors were a particular highlight, as were the young horses and the Trans-Tasman Dressage Challenge, which added an extra layer of interest and camaraderie.
Australia’s Rosemary Heagney and Jake Parbery performed a Pas De Deux beautifully, while the New Zealand young riders also produced a strong showing. The crowd was appreciative of the effort and quality on display. Their performacnes highlighted good riding, and they were putting back into the sport by stepping in to add to the spectators’ enjoyment.
The event was blessed with outstanding weather, contributing to the overall success. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable competition, with much to celebrate. The sport continues to build, and there is every reason to look forward with optimism to next year’s Sydney CDI.
