Jayden Brown and WillingaPark Quincy B. Image by Boots & Hooves Photography.
Australians line up for the All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead
By Equestrian Life
Two Australian rides are set to compete at the I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead (7-12 May).
Fresh from competing at Royal Windsor Horse Show, Jayden Brown is entered for the CDI3* Grand Prix with Willingapark Quincy B and Willingapark Sky Diamond. With Quincy in particular vying for Paris Olympic selection, Jayden will be hoping to put his best foot forward at when the Grand Prix gets underway Friday (local time). With qualifying scores already secured, it’s now all about raising the bar and building upon previous results.
Jayden Brown and WillingaPark Sky Diamond. Image: Boots and Hooves Photography.
With three days of CPEDI classes in the mix, Australia has another representative in Melissa Cannon, who has two horses competing: her own six-year-old black Australian Warmblood mare Duchess DS (first international level event) in the CPEDI1*, and 10-year-old chestnut Oldenburg gelding Quentino 43 (whom Melissa owns in conjunction with Vicki Macdermid) in the CPEDI3* (Paralympic qualifier).
Australian Paralympian Sharon Jarvis was entered on Furst Crusador in the CPEDI3*, however unfortunately had to make the decision to scratch from the competition.
“On my recent trip home to Australia I had to have an urgent surgery and treatment on my ‘bad’ leg. The recovery has not been as quick as I hoped. I thought I could push through and be ready on time but my body has reminded me that I need to listen carefully to it sometimes, not my forte in life!
“Flying back to the UK has not been the best for it either but I am back in the UK and have had a ride on Shroomy, but at the top end of this sport you really must be able to produce your very best work.
“We now focus on the recovery and focus on the performance we need at Wellington CPEDI3*. I am very grateful of the team and support that that surround myself and Shroomy. And I’ll be cheering on our other Aussies here.”
Both the CDI and CPEDI classes are filled with big-name combinations, setting the stage for a thrilling few days of competition. Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester are set to headline the CDI, with Charlotte saddling up her European individual bronze medallist Imhotep (Everdale x Vivaldi) and rising star Alive And Kicking (All At Once x Fürst Piccolo). Carl will be competing with his Olympic hopeful Fame (Bordeaux x Rhodium).
Also entered in the CDI classes are Royal Windsor Grand Prix winners Gareth Hughes and Classic Goldstrike and two-time Olympian Emma Hindle with both Rosmarin and Zippo M.I.
The CPEDI is set to feature British Paralympic medallists, including Georgia Wilson, Sophie Wells, Sophie Christiansen and Natasha Baker.
Draws will become available via Equipe.
Published 5 May 2024.
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