Polished performances and promising partnerships in the CDI-W Grand Prix
Olympian Jayden Brown and WillingaPark Quincy B produced a beautifully harmonious test — expressive, fluent, and balanced. Their one-tempi changes were straight and confident, the piaffe and passage showing a new level of power and rhythm. A small lapse in the two-tempi sequence prevented an even higher mark, yet the test was a model of polish and quiet confidence for a score of 70.025%.
D’Esperanza, also with Jayden Brown, was last to go and did not disappoint. The black imported mare is elegant, elastic, and increasingly at ease with the Grand Prix work. Her transitions into and out of piaffe have improved enormously, and her overall frame and energy reflected excellent recent training. They finished second on 66.935%.
Fellow Olympian Mary Hanna piloted CJP Sir Dragonfire II in his first CDI debut at Grand Prix, producing a test full of Mary’s trademark polish and quiet determination. The expressive bay showed some elasticity in the trot work, though the heat perhaps left him lacking a little forward desire, making it difficult for Mary to show him at his best. A few moments of tension in the canter tour and small errors in the two-tempi changes prevented a higher score, with the pair finishing on 64.717% for third place. Despite the mistakes, the test displayed genuine Grand Prix quality, with Mary’s experience and precision in every line.
Jodie Dunstan and Hollands Bend Highlander gave a bold, uphill performance full of expression. Errors in the two-tempi changes cost dearly, but the canter pirouettes were balanced and accurate. The hot, humid Sydney conditions made it tough going for the big horses, and Highlander felt that heat. They finished fourth with a score of 64.022%.
Emma Flavelle-Watts and Scarlatti Mio VSR made an impressive picture as they entered the arena, the horse’s grace, power and presence immediately drawing the eye. The trot tour was elastic, ground-covering and full of swing, with Scarlatti showing a naturally uphill frame and wonderful cadence. The contact was light and refined, though perhaps a touch too light in the piaffe, where he momentarily halted and grounded. Emma managed the moment calmly and with great tact, guiding him forward again without tension or loss of rhythm. The combination finished on a score of 63.956%.
Scarlatti is a horse of flair, sensitivity and expression, still building confidence in the arena atmosphere. He already shows a strong understanding of the Grand Prix movements, and with Emma’s experience and feel, this partnership is poised to fulfil its considerable potential. A combination of genuine international quality, they simply await the maturity and self-assurance to match their talent.
Fiona Guthrie-Smith rode Bluefields Denoir with empathy and softness, producing a harmonious, accurate test. Although a touch more expression in the passage could have lifted the overall impression, it was thoroughly correct and a well balanced performance, reflecting the clarity of the training. They finished on a score of 63.283%.
Caroline Wagner as always gave her all on the elegant Ibicus. Again there were small rhythm mistakes in the piaffe and passage and a mistake in the canter zig-zag did not help. They also looked a little fatigued on the last centreline, lacking the bounce that Ibicus can show. They finished on a score of 63.130%.
Heather Currie and Wunderbar Black 59 presented a test with an unmistakable air of elegance. The horse’s extended trot was a particular highlight, showing plenty of expression, reach, and balance. Heather’s precision and accuracy was evident throughout, with well-prepared corners and thoughtful transitions. Despite many good moments, the passage work proved the weaker link on the day, lacking sufficient engagement and lift. As a result, the overall marks fell away, especially through the piaffe-passage transitions where the connection and rhythm were not yet fully established. Once the passage becomes more confident, there is clear potential for the future, with Wunderbar Black 59 having quality uphill movement and elastic ground covering steps. The pair finished on a score of 60.935%.
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Judging, accuracy, and reflection in the Intermediate I
The second day of competition in the Small Tour Championship was one of mixed emotions. It is time to think seriously about where Australia stands on the international stage. There were some outstanding performances, yet marks often felt conservative — frustrating for riders and spectators alike.
The Dressage Queensland Intermediate I was again dominated by Katina Smith and the charismatic chestnut gelding, BC Chilli Pepper, continuing their purple patch with a 69.412% to win. Three of the five judges had the combination above 70% but a single low score of 65% pulled down the average and cost them a deserved 70-plus total. The test was expressive, rhythmic, and mistake-free — showing confidence and connection throughout.
Second place went to Lisa Janke and Bluefields Dankeshoen OLD on 69.235%, very close behind, producing a fluent and balanced test.
Celeste Amezdroz and Sugarloaf Amnesty claimed third with 67.323%. They were rewarded for consistency and correctness.
Despite the quality of the field, the spread of marks remained tight; judges were cautious, clustering around the mid-60s. The sport needs to reward brilliance while marking down genuine errors, thereby delivering a wider spread of marks. Riders, too, must take responsibility for line accuracy, preparation, and positioning to give judges no reason to doubt.
Brilliance in the Advanced Championship points to a promising future
The day’s most exceptional performances came from the Advanced ranks, where several combinations looked well on the road to Grand Prix.
Matthew Dowsley and Bradgate Park Delaney, the elegant black mare by De Niro, were outstanding! Their test was uphill, fluent, and expressive, earning 71.802% to take the win in the 5.3. Judges placings varied — one as high as 75%, another down at 66% — but overall, Delaney’s scope, rhythm, and suppleness stood out.
In second, Lisa Martin on Vilaggio finished just 0.1% behind on 71.712% with all scores over 70%. The combination showed wonderful energy and precision, proving again why they remain one of the sport’s most polished partnerships.
Third went to John Thompson and Sicario on 69.189%, their test bold, uphill, and beautifully presented.
Matthew Dowsley’s success didn’t stop there. In the 5.2, he and Delaney were unanimous winners with an impressive 73.991%, with individual marks of 72.7%, 74.7% and 74.4%.
Lisa Martin and Vilaggio were again second with a score of 70.395%, with John Thompson and Sicario only a whisker behind on 70.351%.
The depth of quality in the Advanced ranks was remarkable. The first sixteen horses in the 5.2 all scored over 66%, with the top three above 70%. Likewise, in the 5.3, several combinations exceeded 70%, and thirteen more achieved 66% or better. This strength in numbers bodes extremely well for the future of Australian dressage.
Matthew Dowsley and Bradgate Park Delaney were the Advanced Champions, with Lisa Martin and Vilaggio the Reserve Champions.
Promise and quality define the Five-Year-Old class
The A.E.I.E. Five-Year-Old Championship brought freshness and promises, showcasing Australia’s breeding and training depth. It was certainly a day for Remi Stud, whose horses filled the top placings with quality and consistency.
Remi Braveheart, ridden by Matthew Lord, took the win on 83.4%, presenting a mature, elastic frame and remarkable balance for such a young horse.
Close behind, Daisy Fielding and Remi Victoria’s Secret scored 83.1%, just a fraction shy of the lead. The elegant mare impressed with her uphill tendency and confident way of going — a clear reflection of correct training and top breeding.
Fabulous work from both combinations — and congratulations to Remi Stud, whose breeding influence on Australian dressage continues to shine.
Emerging Grand Prix talent in the CDI-U25 Intermediate II
In the EBM Rent Cover CDI-U25 Intermediate II, victory went to Jess Dertell riding the eye-catching chestnut stallion, Kilimanjaro. Jess has enjoyed excellent recent form, and this talented horse continues to develop presence and confidence at the top level. Although Friday’s test included several major mistakes, the work between the mistakes was outstanding. Their highlights — particularly in the passage, piaffe, and canter pirouettes — were rewarded with 65.490% for the win.
Second place went to Talia Coleiro and Hercules MI, who achieved a personal best of 63.677%. Their test was consistent and forward-thinking, showing real progress toward Grand Prix readiness.
Horseland CDN Grand Prix
There is no doubt that when it came to the CDN Grand Prix and also the CDI-W Grand Prix, a ripple of disappointment swept through riders, coaches, and spectators alike. The overall percentages were on the low side, leaving many feeling deflated.
Grand Prix is never an easy test — the culmination of years of training and perseverance — yet it is difficult for riders to know what is truly being sought when the spread of marks is so great.
Of course, every test contained mistakes, but there were also genuine highlights. It is unfortunate when those positives are overshadowed by a focus on faults rather than the broader picture of progression. Constructive critique is essential, but constant negativity risks discouraging riders and stifling confidence at a time when Australian dressage needs optimism.
The Horseland CDN Grand Prix was won by Fiona Guthrie-Smith from South Australia, riding Verondina Artomous, scoring 63.652% and placing second with every judge. Sharon Potter on Bradgate Park Amadeus was second on 63.435%, the heat and humidity taking their toll, and Jayden Brown on Legendary was third on 63.217%, with one judge placing them first on 62.609%.
It would be easy to say the ground jury delivered an almighty half-halt to Australian riders — a reminder that standards must continue to rise — but the commitment is there. What the sport needs now is belief, education, and judging that nurtures development as well as discipline.
Promising young rider performances in the CDI-Y
In the EBM Rent Cover CDI-Y Young Rider division, Felicity Sutherland shone with a personal best of 67.059% aboard Estee to win the Team Test. Her accurate, confident test reflected maturity and poise.
Emma Sanders was close behind on Quaterbella K with 65.882%, also a personal best, while Shiva Wiedemann and Hollands Bend Regalite scored 65.392% for third.
It was a classy field of young riders who demonstrated the skill, dedication, and professionalism that promise a bright future for Australian dressage.
Other results from Friday:
Dressage NSW Intermediate B: Matthew Lord and Remi Vigneron, 70.135%
Dressage Queensland Intermediate I Pony: Sophie Artup and Charlie Sheen 5, 63.912%
Palm Beach Motor Yachts Advanced Pony Champion: Christopher Brunton and Freeman’s Lodge Denim N Lace
A.E.I.E Four-Year-Old Young Horse: Stacey Willis and HF No Questions, 83.600%
Full results from Friday at the Australian Dressage Championships can be found here.
Tune in and watch the action
Watch the Australian Dressage Championships live and free with Equestrian Life, or on-demand with ClipMyHorse.TV.
Timetable:
Saturday, 18 October:
10:00am EBM RentCover CDI Young Rider Individual Test
11:00am EBM RentCover CDI Under-25 Grand Prix
12:00pm Leader Equine CDN Grand Prix Freestyle
1:30pm Break
2:00pm Equestrian NSW CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle
3:39pm Finish
Sunday, 19 October:
8:15am Assistance Dogs Australia Medium 4.3
9:51am Break
10:15am Assistance Dogs Australia Medium 4.3 (continued)
11:51am Break
1:00pm Assistance Dogs Australia Medium 4.3 (continued)
2:30pm Finish
