While the ongoing cost of living and general expenses may be discouraging large entry numbers, the fields remain packed with quality combinations — ensuring a high standard of competition across every level.
Small Tour stars
Competition kicks off early on Thursday 15 October from 8:45am, with several strong classes. One of the most exciting to watch will be Vilaggio, ridden by Lisa Martin, who comes off an impressive win at the CDI in Brisbane. Lisa, a Paralympian, is competing in open company and would have to be considered one of the favourites, scoring consistently over 70% in recent outings. Another to watch will be Bluefields Dankeschoen OLD, the elegant stallion ridden by Lisa Janke, a consistent performer who, with a touch more energy and self-presentation, could easily feature among the top few. From Coopernook on the NSW Mid North Coast, Katina Smith brings two talented horses: Le Roi de Platinum and BC Chilli Pepper. Both horses are still developing at Prix St Georges level but are producing work of impressive quality. Chilli Pepper — a bright chestnut with expressive movement — is particularly eye-catching, despite occasionally being a little spooky, and his recent success at Tamworth should give the pair a positive feeling coming into this event.
Ambitious riders pushing the boundaries
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Kaila Simms enters both Desiree and Total Bliss in the Small Tour. Desiree is a stunning imported mare with a proven record for producing outstanding offspring and is already showing great promise at this level. Her son Total Bliss, a compact, short-backed brown gelding by Totilas, is full of energy and presence — truly spunky — and likely to push the boundaries under Kaila’s determined riding. How exciting to have mother and son competing in the same class under the same rider!
Talented young horses and fresh faces
After a fabulous win at Brisbane CDI in the Intermediate I, Robyn Smith and her horse Lord Larry will be keen to produce another polished, expressive test. Equally exciting is BB Niccolo, a striking chestnut ridden by Rebecca Rooke, a rider who is recently back from a successful stint overseas. They will also be contesting the Kohnke’s Own Prix St Georges. This combination has been turning heads with their balance, power, and harmony — and could well make a strong impression here despite lacking the experience of others in the class. Rebecca, a patient and empathetic rider won’t be pushing Niccolo out of his comfort zone, but looking for a calculated, polished performance.
Another promising pair to follow is Hollands Bend Rococo and David McKinnon, who has taken over the ride from his wife Robbie. The pair will be competing in the Medium Tour championship. Rococo is an expressive, uphill-framed black mare, and whilst still young at the level shows great potential and could score well with a clean and confident test.
One to watch in the Bell Partner’s Finance Intermediate II is TS Firestorm, ridden by Matthew Dowsley and owned by Cheryl Smith. This imposing gelding is only making his second start at Inter II level, yet his improvement in recent months has been remarkable. His previously tricky one-tempi changes have become far more reliable, and his piaffe–passage transitions are really starting to come together. He’s already achieved strong marks, and if he can deliver a clean, mistake-free test, he will be very much in the top spot.
Seven-year-old class – one to watch
Though the Australian Equestrian Incentive Events Seven-Year-Old class this year has a smaller field, it promises impressive quality and development among the young horses. The standout remains Osaka P, a recently imported bay stallion ridden by Jessica Dertell. This talented horse has been in excellent form, taking multiple wins at the Brisbane CDI with strong marks across the board. His combination of suppleness, cadence, and rideability makes him a serious contender again here. The canter is quite amazing and the ease of collection is incredibly effortless.
Also competing is TS Soulmate, guided by Victoria Luxford. This large black gelding is a powerful, big-moving horse with a particularly impressive trot. He has been steadily developing over the past season, growing strength and confidence in his canter work and this championship could see that progress rewarded.
The Grand Prix controversy continues
There is still no official decision on who holds the title of national Grand Prix Champion in 2024. The controversy over the ruling decision continues, casting a shadow of uncertainty but adding no shortage of intrigue to the national scene.
Looking ahead
While entry lists might be slimmer than in some previous years, the 2025 Australian Dressage Championships are shaping up as an exciting showcase of depth, talent, and resilience in Australian dressage. The performances at SIEC this week will no doubt give a strong indication of the combinations to watch heading into next season and FEI World Championship selection and perhaps even who deserves to finally lay claim to that elusive Grand Prix Champion title.
For those unable to be there in person, ClipMyHorse.TV will be streaming all the action from the indoor on Friday and Saturday and Arena 1A on Sunday.
