Another glorious day of competition at the Brisbane CDI

Saturday of The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI dawned mild and comfortable, with a gentle breeze and temperatures in the low 20s. Slightly overcast skies created near-perfect conditions for both horses and riders. With Freestyles to come in the evening, anticipation was high, and the day opened with strong performances across the CDI Pony and CDI Under-25 divisions.

CDI Pony Individual Test

Once again, it was Abby Weel and Reitland’s Obama who rose to the top. The experienced pair delivered a polished and flowing test, an improvement on their performance Friday, and this time without spooking. Their score of 67.73% put them ahead by more than 4%, with individual marks ranging from 64% to 70%, reflecting the subjective spread of judging.

Second place went to Isabella Anderson and Boronia Applause on 63%, with Matt Hopwood and Clare Downs Arian Lledrith third on 61.27%.

It was a class that showcased promising young combinations, with Abby and her experienced pony again confirming their place as one of the most consistent forces on the CDI Pony circuit.

CDI Under-25 Grand Prix

The CDI Under-25 Grand Prix brought together the future stars of Australian dressage, and the standard was impressive.

Victory went to Jessica Dertell on Kilimanjaro, the striking liver chestnut stallion. Elegant and free-flowing in his paces, Kilimanjaro showed brilliance in many movements, though there were still moments of slight resistance that cost marks. Nevertheless, this was a stronger, more harmonious performance than Friday, and their score of 67.538% (spread 65%–69%) was well deserved but no question there are plenty more marks in the wings. The horse’s natural talent and presence make him an exciting prospect for international stages.

Close behind, Danielle McMahon on Remi Laurrie’s Joy delivered a beautifully produced test to earn 64.333%. Danielle, who has trained the horse herself from the beginning, impressed with her finesse and correct use of positioning for balance. She shows a good feel for the sport with empathetic and intelligent use of the aids. Their work shone in the more complicated elements, including passage, one-tempi changes, and pirouettes.

Both combinations demonstrated not only technical skill but also the potential to mature into serious Grand Prix contenders for the future.

Jessica Dertell and Kilimanjaro won the CDI-U25 Grand Prix. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.

Elementary standouts

From one international-looking stallion in Kilimanjaro to another, it was the imported Osaka P who shone brightest in the Open Elementary classes, taking out both tests with scores just under 75%. This elegant, leggy stallion impressed with his scope, presence, and, above all, his canter. His uphill transitions from canter to walk and back again were exceptional, showing the natural balance and ability of a horse bred for the bigger arena. While his Elementary work showed consistency and class, there is still plenty of development in the trot work to come as he grows in strength and polish—making those bigger marks well within reach.

It was not just Osaka P who impressed the judges and spectators. Darius, a striking chestnut with white stockings, ridden by Hannah Giblin, produced eye-catching moments. Nicole Tough presented the well-trained Everdeen with her trademark precision, and bling colour coordination, while Daniel Keogh on CBM President’s Daughter also delivered strong performances aboard the impressive black mare. From interstate, Denise Rogan brought the small compact and good moving Frealyn from New South Wales, finishing sixth in both tests and showing glimpses of quality work.

The Elementary classes were brimming with quality combinations, with Osaka P setting the benchmark and several challengers not far behind. Nicole Tough Everdeen were the Reserve Champions.

The AOR Elementary Championship went to Linda Janse van Rensburg and Stonefox Zara, while the Pony Championship went to Nicole Tough and Kingsfield Dior.

Daniel Keogh on CBM President’s Daughter. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.

Small Tour

The balmy evening at Brisbane saw the CDN Inter I Freestyle and a clear win to Jayden Brown and Leopold with scores from 71% to 75% (total of 73.305%) and an outstanding performance for this imported chestnut gelding. He is expressive and uphill in a very good frame, especially considering this is his first Inter I Freestyle competition.

In second place was Jacqueline Huppert on Cognac Diamond, a little stallion that made a great effort around the entire test. Perhaps just needing a little bit more submission and suppleness over the topline, but 70.015% was a super score. Ellenbrae Jeniro for Phoebe Morley was third on 69.575%, and then closely behind was Robyn Smith on Lord Larry with 69.205%. Robin was the winner of the Inter I test on Friday.

It’s apparent that this level is very competitive, and a few mistakes can make a big difference in the placings. Lord Larry was a little bit open in the frame in the beginning of the test in the trot work and a little against the bridle, with a little more atmosphere on Saturday compared to the Inter I. A good class; enjoyable and a good crowd of people watching!

Jayden Brown and Leopold, winners of the CDN Inter I Freestyle on Saturday. Image by Derek O’Leary.

Medium Tour Freestyle

The Inter A/B Freestyle was won in fine form by the beautiful little chestnut stallion Remi Vigneron, ridden by Matthew Lord. A total score of 72.050%, with scores ranging from 68% to 75%, highlighted his impressive performance.

This Australian stallion showed all the composure of a future Grand Prix horse. To be honest, he still needs to become a little more through from behind and show more push upwards with the forehand. His technique in all the movements – from flying changes to piaffe and passage – is already well established. Now, it is simply a matter of time, strength, balance, and confidence to improve these movements. He is certainly a horse for the future.

Grand Prix Freestyle wins for Jayden Brown

The class that was most anticipated was no doubt the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle. Unfortunately, only a small field of four horses faced the judges. The winner was D’Esperanza, ridden by Jayden Brown, with a grand total of 73.185%. This was a very encouraging percentage for this black mare, especially considering Jayden has had her in his care for only a few months.

Despite several mistakes, the percentage was impressive. Desi has come on in leaps and bounds in suppleness and self-carriage, but still needs to give the impression of sitting more behind in the collection work and raising the forehand. The canter tour has improved remarkably, though the right canter still requires more time and development to fully showcase her strength and carrying capacity.

When looking at the standards at the European Championships, 73.185% is a very encouraging result for Australian sport and horses at this level.

In second place was Caroline Wagner on Ibicus, who scored 71.130%. All the judges had her at essentially the same mark. This combination reflects training, patience, and the confidence between horse and rider. The test included expressive piaffe, extended trot, clean changes, and balanced pirouettes. It was a clean, mistake-free test, though more thoroughness, over the back, and balance over the hind leg will further improve her overall performance. Caroline rode a high degree of difficulty with great accuracy, making this a standout test and deserving of the score.

These two horses were outstanding in this field, with great marks also to Breanna Tillitzki and BZ Rafael on 68.795%, and Tanisha Ryan with Prequel on 68.395%. By the same token, it was a little sad to see only four horses in the Freestyle at an Australian CDI. The question remains: is it the distance to travel, the expense, or the lack of prizemoney and incentives that keep the numbers low? Regardless, seeing dedicated riders producing such strong performances is very encouraging for the sport.

The CDN Grand Prix Freestyle also went to Jayden Brown, this time riding Legendary; the pair scored 70.435%.

Jayden Brown and D’Esperanza, winners of the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.

Caroline Wagner on Ibicus. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.

Reflections on the standard

Dressage is one of those sports that encourages dreams to come true. It is only through hard work, perseverance, and listening to judges’ comments that riders improve their skills and gain better marks. There is no question that the standard in Australia could be higher.

Too often, the basics at lower levels are not given enough attention. International trainers and judges constantly emphasise the importance of basics, yet many still rush into performing movements without first consolidating rhythm, suppleness, balance, and confidence. The movements are easy to learn – it is the quality of the basics that makes the difference. Focusing on these foundations will be essential for producing more top Grand Prix horses in the future.