The second and final day of dressage at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival saw standout performances in the Gillian Rolton Main Arena – from both Aussies and Kiwis – contesting the Horseland CCI4*S and Adelaide International CCI5*L.
There is also a trans-Tasman rivalry unfolding in Adelaide: the Oceania Championships is, for 2026 and 2029, running concurrently alongside the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. Adelaide last hosted the event in 2009.
New Zealander Madison Seivwright demonstrated the power of an experienced partnership, scoring an excellent sub 30 result of 27 with her beautiful Waitangi Pinterest.
“I’m really happy with her. She is very good on the flat and does what she is supposed to do. I was a little disappointed in my centrelines, though – usually they’re pretty solid!” Madison laughed. “But she was brilliant.”
The duo will now look ahead to Saturday’s cross country. “The course looks good! It’s big and long with a lot of efforts, and a lot to do. If I do a good job, she will go well. I get nervous, but should be able to sleep – and then tomorrow, I’ve got to focus on the job,” confirmed Madison.
Oliver Barrett holds second place in his CCI5*L debut aboard homebred Sandhills Briar on 30.6. “I was happy with his test and proud of how he stayed with me,” said Oliver. Regarding the cross country tomorrow, Oliver is confident Briar has what it takes to tackle the five-star level.
“He is really brave and has plenty of scope, so I’m confident he belongs at five-star, but tomorrow we will see!”
Oliver also holds eighth place with Sandhills Gem.
Andrew Cooper and Sharvalley Thunder maintain third position overnight, on a score of 31.5.
Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture lead the CCI4*S
The Oceania Championship for seniors kicked off this morning, with Australia’s A Team member, Shenae Lowings, rocketing to the top spot with her seasoned Paris Olympic and Pratoni FEI World Championship partner, Bold Venture. A score of 25.2 sees them just ahead of New Zealand opponent, Emily Carrock and her Zealand Blue HSH on 27.9 penalties.
The Kiwi was thrilled with her horse’s performance. “I was super happy with him, he’s never been in any atmosphere that can compare to that,” she said following the test. Looking ahead to the cross country tomorrow, Emily is looking forward to the challenge: “I can’t wait to get out there; the course looks amazing,” said Emily.
Andrew Barnett and Oscar Park Deluge hold third place on a score of 30.9 the highest placed for Australia’s B Team. “Deluge really stepped up today. He was very consistent and calm in his dressage,” he shared.
Andrew believes the time will be influential across the country tomorrow: “Clayton Fredericks has built a great track. Go Australia!”
Australia currently leads the Oceania Championship in the Senior division following today’s results – and also leads the Young Rider (Under-25) division following Thursday’s CCI3*L.
Cross country begins Saturday morning
Cross country action begins at 9.30am ACST tomorrow morning, with the Adelaide city parklands coming to life with the best eventing athletes galloping their way around the Clayton Fredericks-designed cross country course.
