Mackenzie Walch rode 15-year-old gelding Eliva Corduroy to victory in the CCI4*-S, climbing from third after dressage with two clear jumping phases and just 2.8 cross-country time penalties added to their score. The pair finished on an impressive total of 39.6.
It was a double celebration for Mackenzie, with Sunday marking not only her first FEI victory but also her 21st birthday.
“It was definitely a pretty special way to spend a birthday,” laughs Mackenzie. “It was such an incredible feeling to get my first FEI win, and even more special for it to be with Eliva Corduroy and at CCI4*. We’ve had some really big results together over the years, but somehow a win had always managed to escape us, so to finally get one together was pretty special.”
Mackenzie and Eliva Corduroy have been partnered since 2021, with the gelding becoming her first FEI-level horse. Together, they have progressed through the ranks from CCI2* to CCI4*, and 2025 is proving to be their best season yet at the level. After finishing second at Ballarat in May and sixth at the Melbourne International Three-Day Event in June, their 39.6 at Spring Horse Trials stands as their best CCI4*-S finishing score to date.
“Will and I have a really special partnership,” continues Mackenzie. “We’ve worked our way up through the levels together and know each other incredibly well now. He’s taught me so much and has been such a huge part of my career. He definitely has his quirks and keeps me on my toes, but he has so much heart and when it counts, he always gives me everything. I trust him completely and feel very lucky to have a horse like him.”
Sam Cesnik and her five-star mare Graftango finished second on 52.6, while Molly Lines and off-the-track Thoroughbred Tadpole placed third on 56.2 in the seven-horse field.
The CCI3*-S saw an off-the-track Thoroughbred rise to the top, with Impulsive Ways claiming victory for Molly Barry on a score of 36.9. The combination sat sixth after a strong dressage test before adding nothing to their score across the jumping phases to take out the 13-horse class.
Emily Anker and Highfields Croatia finished second on 42.9, while Jayden Coates and Balou Du Cuba claimed third on 52.5.
In the CCI2*-S, Bronte Bravo and Global La Pomme produced a faultless performance to finish on their dressage score of 29.9 and secure the win. Courtney Fraser and November Raine placed a close second on 31.3, while Yona Lloyd and Ballahowe Erised finished third on 32.2 from a 23-horse field.
EA class winners:
CCN1*-S Division 1: Nina Clarke and LP Quantum Connection (28.3)
CCN1*-S Division 2: Sarah Clark and Legacy JH S (24.3)
CCN1*-S OTT: Wilhelm Enzinger and Innaminny (OTT) (32.3)
EvA 95 Division 1: Pearl Hodson and Chacco Red (27.9)
EvA 95 Division 2: Sophia Anderson and Animado Altanero (24.7)
EvA 95 Grass Roots: Allanah Fernance and Zamperini (29.2)
EvA 95 OTT: Billy Mahoney and Fun Fact (OTT) (24)
EvA 80 Division 1: Jaimie Stichel and HDR Maid in Manhattan (28.1)
EvA 80 Division 2: Lili Taylor and VEH Somerset (29.1)
EvA 80 OTT 1: Georgiana House and Carlisle (OTT) (24.1)
EvA 80 OTT 2: Jenni Hodgins-Smart and Lambourne Park Mister Will (OTT) (25.3)
EvA 80 Grass Roots: Imogen Hewitt and Straughton Vale Belmiro (22.8)
EvA 65 Division 1: Rohan Luxmoore and Mack (29.7)
EvA 65 Grass Roots: Jayde Coady and Weston Park Minardi (POP) (25.9)
EvA 65 OTT: Lily Weatherhead-Cohen and Lambourne Park Scholar (OTT) (32.8)
Full results from EV Spring International Horse Trials can be found here.
