CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle – Sponsored by The Equidance Partnership, S&J Potter & The Weel Family
First to go was Rozzie Ryan and Bronze Boy R. A very consistent test; not flamboyant but correct, with beautiful music. As always Rozzie is the consummate equestrian. Her attitude and harmony between horse and rider is quite amazing and her feeling for musical rhythm and choreography is also quite fantastic. A score of 66.595%
Next out was Serena Island on Royalty R, a horse by Regardez Moi, and relatively new to the Grand Prix level, being very successful in Small Tour. Perhaps his collected work could show a little more cadence and balance, but considering his experience, he did a super job in this atmosphere where there’s a big crowd this evening. The canter was quite impressive as was the balance in the pirouettes, and a canter pirouette to piaffe to finish was very clever. Perhaps the changes were becoming a little high behind, but overall, a good impression and a very nice freestyle. A score of 68.385%. Confidence continues with this relatively young horse. I’m sure he’ll have benefited from the experience and he’ll come back a little bit more confident.
Next in was Bloomfield Vegas and Janet Secull from Victoria. Vegas is by Versace. A super beginning with lots of expressive and active collected trot work, and the half pass was regular and forward thinking. Unfortunately for Janet, Vegas becoming quite spooky and becoming quite tight and not really listening to her, but this is a young horse at this level with plenty of potential. There was quite a big atmosphere in the indoor at Sydney International Equestrian Centre at night under lights, and in by yourself it is not so easy. A beautiful horse with huge potential. The music certainly suited this beautiful chestnut horse. A total of 63.115%.
Now Del Piero ZF can be quite opinionated, but he’s a very talented chestnut gelding by De Niro and ridden by Alexis Hellyer. It’s very interesting to know that Alexis changes her positioning of her rein contact between snaffle and curb between her trot work and canter work. In the trot work the curb is held to the bottom of her hands and in the canter, she works with crossed reins. One thing for sure is that Del Piero is very forward thinking and sometimes a little overambitious in his stride. For a horse that gets quite hot and quite strong at times, it’s so wonderful to see this horse listening to Alexis this evening in the atmosphere and probably doing the best performance of the competition for this combination. She will be very pleased with that test; the choreography was designed by her late partner, Elliot. For sure an emotional time with a horse that he rode that she is now converting into a very beautiful ladies’ dressage Grand Prix horse. Alexis is always a consummate competitor and trainer giving her all, and what a great performance for 65.48%.
The next horse in arena was the big bay gelding Hollands Bend Highlander by His Highness for Jodie Dunstan. A very huge and impressive horse; calm in his temperament, yet powerful in his movement. A big degree of difficulty for Jody; a 9 degree of difficulty effort if achieved. A score of 68.665% for fourth place.
Next to go was Wendi Williamson from New Zealand on the beautiful Don Vito MH. She had a degree of difficult of 9.7, so there’s the potential of a big score. Piaffe and passage were much better than in the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special, a little lighter in the forehand and a little bit more uphill. Maybe the atmosphere is actually helping their performance. By the same token, the front leg still comes a little bit backward and under the girth not so much out and forward in front of the shoulders. Super trot work and much better regularity in the trot half pass. Perhaps a little bit less exuberance and expression created in the trot resulted in producing a much more regular and flowing half pass. As always, exceptional expression and push in the extended trot. It’s clear that the adjustability within this horse and Wendi, from her other two classes, she’s looked at marks and scores and comments and she’s adjusted the way she’s riding him a little this evening. He’s more forward and more ground covering with a little less upward expression, and it really has made a big difference. Great balance in the canter pirouettes. The atmosphere has really lifted Wendi’s spirits, and this horse’s desire. Such a confident look when her aids are imperceptible and with Don Vito seriously on the aids, and the best we’ve seen. No wonder she brought him over here from New Zealand to compete at the Sydney CDI. What a super test; the best we’ve seen this weekend for sure. What an achievement to bring a horse across the ditch from New Zealand to Australia for this competition. It shows you how much respect for Australian competitions the New Zealanders have. It’s a huge effort. It’s a huge expense. To produce a test like that is so worthy of great applause. A win on 73.3%.
Next was MSJ Gatsby, a black gelding with two white socks behind, and short and compact, ridden by John Farrell Thompson. This is a relatively inexperienced horse that has plenty of blood and an electric attitude. Provocative music, with lots of words about ‘good tonight’! And that he is. The walk was perhaps a little tight over the back and not relaxing and enjoying an elastic stride with a clear in rhythm. A fabulously expressive little horse with so much pizzazz and bounce, it’s a delight to watch. Very clear transitions within the canter with adjustability. That’s what it is all about in the sport! Very balanced and controlled in the pirouettes. It is clear he knows all the Grand Prix movements; he just needs to learn to let go a little more, take a breath, and relax into the suppleness. No holding back in the degree of difficulty, with double pirouettes very well executed. Unfortunately, he was a little rattled at the judges’ end of the arena before the tempi changes and a few mistakes crept in and spoilt the marks – but wow, what a horse! What is evident is that John has learned all about empathy and feeling; his connections with his horses are really quite wonderful. It’s about encouraging your horse to feel the best and most confident underneath you, and John’s riding is certainly producing this with all his horses, especially this one. A score of 68.725% for third place.
Next, we had D’Esperanza, ridden by Robbie McKinnon and owned by Alinta Veenvliet. Robbie is showing this mare in a really good way. Passage half passes were strong, elastic and forward thinking. A big ground covering extended trot; a very elegant combination for sure. A purposeful extended walk with plenty of reach to the bridle; perhaps a little more reach forward and downward with the foreleg, but certainly strutting her stuff! The canter to not always this horse’s strongest point but here it was better in rhythm. There were a few mistakes in the canter, becoming a little bit disconnected with the hind legs at times, but a work in progress and obvious improvement. There is no doubt that this mare’s pirouettes have improved out of sight; she really sits, keeps it quicker, and with better canter within them. The flying changes are always a highlight with this mare; she has better quality in the canter in the changes then in the basic canter! However, there was a little unfortunate mistake in the one tempis. Robbie was certainly not holding back in the extended paces. She was keeping her very in front of the leg and giving her a good job to do, so her distraction was limited. A very clever choreography within the canter, never allowing the mare to get backward thinking. A second line of one tempi changes were beautifully done; Robbie cleverly chose to use her joker line to repeat the one tempi changes. The passage down the centreline to the finish was a highlight, and the crowd very appreciative of such a fine performance. The mare was totally relaxed in the walk on the long rein. What a treat. Second on 71.655%.
Greenaway CDI-Y Freestyle
If there was a competition truly worth sitting down and watching it was the CDI-Y Young Rider freestyle. It was absolutely sensational riding, sensational music and horses, and the outstanding win went to the chestnut stallion Kilimanjaro and Jessica Dertell. The peak of health and fitness with amazing rideability and talent. The trot is fluent, expressive, expansive and very regular. The canter work was totally clean with beautiful changes and choreographed to the music. They’re totally suited, this pair. It was in fact spellbinding to tell the truth, and the crowd that were here to watch this class were hushed. It was an exceptional performance and rather exceptional percentage being 75.02%. The scores of the weekend have been very low and somewhat negative, but certainly not here today. The performances here were fabulous, and the judging unanimous for first, second and third.
Second place Franzisco RW ridden by Tia Rose McKenzie. A very expressive big horse with great extended paces and well ridden by Tia Rose for a big score of 72.235%. In third place was Heather Snape on the wonderfully expressive Woodside Lady Loxley, a chestnut mare who is spicy and peppery; full of expression and what a good ride. This mare is not always the easiest to keep round and stable in the contact, but super work for 67.69%.
This CDI-Y competition was a big highlight for the weekend with probably some of the best riding and most beautiful horses.
CDI1* Intermediate I Freestyle
It was so fabulous to see Vellvit, ridden by Brett Parbery, way more expressive in this test. The two tests in PSG and Inter I saw the horse a little behind the leg and as a consequence making mistakes. The atmosphere with the crowd, the music and the feeling excited Vellvit; this excitement was able to be contained between the hand and leg of Brett, who has not had the ride for long and had been cautious riding her a little conservatively. In the freestyle Vellvit was way more alive and Brett gave her confidence to make the movements with expression. A very well-deserved win on 73.340%, and unanimous amongst all judges.
Alexis Hellyer and Fidibus were second on 69.520%. This bay stallion produced a very smooth and clean test for Alexis. For the bigger marks, he could perhaps be a little bit rounder and in better self-carriage. All the same, no mistakes and a delightful test.
In third place was Celeste Amezdroz and SF Austin on 69.440% and then Sugarloaf Amnesty again for Celeste on 69.140%. Celeste rides in a very passive and easy manner. Both of these horses made correct and clean tests. It would appear with a little more encouragement, forward-thinking, and collected desire, the marks could be higher. However, there is nothing wrong with correct, easy-going, and harmonious riding.
Developing these horses to Grand Prix will for sure create the realisation that more engagement and enthusiasm is required to produce piaffe and passage, good canter pirouettes, and more expressive changes. Needless to say, very good performances from both of them.
Another combination that proved that a little more for desire and encouragement from the atmosphere can produce a better test was Callum Park Damascus for Susan Elekessy. This horse came alive, and the enthusiasm was proof that there’s a lot more in this horse to come. A great class full of talent, with horses for the future. It was nice to see some better marks being awarded for good work.
The Tupper Family CDI-Ch Team Test
A percentage of 72.225% saw a fantastic win in the CDI-Ch Childrens class to Milla Greenaway on SPB Robert Redford. A simply stunning combination; a pretty as a picture chestnut with white stockings, and a really wonderful pony just pipping the ever successful Isla Oxley on the beautiful brown horse in Enbarr (72.1%). There was very little between the first two horses. In fact, point one of a percent. A wonderful competition and in third place was Taylor McMaster and Adloo Reeba on 69.65%.
There is no question this child’s class is really gaining in popularity and it is so fabulous to see such good riding and good competitive tests. A big congratulations must go to Milla and her delightful chestnut pony. The competition between Milla and Isla throughout the CDI was exceptional and what better way to start competitive dressage then with children’s classes like this.
Motion Equine Centre Intermediate A/B Freestyle
This hotly contested class was won by Hollands Bend Rococo for David McKinnon, having been the bridesmaid in the Inter A and Inter B to be to the chestnut stallion Remi Vigneron, ridden by Matthew Lord. The tables turned today. It was a very close competition with Vigneron having an unfortunate moment during the test… being a stallion, they can be like that! All the same, a beautiful test that was well ridden and presented.
David and Rococo received a percentage 69.605% with Matthew and Vigneron on 66.210%, and just literally a whisker behind was Gordon Pratt and Aberdare MI on 66.005%. Impressive horses and tests, and I don’t think it will be long before we see them at Grand Prix and fairly fancy at that as well!
EBM Insurance & Risk CDI-U25 Grand Prix Freestyle
It was a win to Beaumont Diorella for Hannah Rockwell. This cute little bay horse danced its way through the freestyle with plenty of pizzazz and activity. It perhaps could’ve been a little bit more uphill in the frame at times, but a very active and energetic freestyle for sure to win with the score of 70.85%. In second place was Maddison Vallender on 67.510%, with a very different type of freestyle. Very smooth and easy choreography, beautifully put to the music. There was lack a little in the marks in the extended walk and collected walk, as simply by nature he doesn’t have a big walk. The passage is really getting better and better. Also a very good test in third place from Queenslander Danielle McMahon with Remi Lauries Joy, a horse out of a very good mare called Joy who was ridden and competed here for Kaz Roe. A delightful test, but perhaps a little hurried in places! Three very nice freestyles presented to the judges, all different and wonderful in their own way.
Randwick Equine Specialists CDI-J Freestyle
It was Millie Fletcher and the beautiful Amsterdam who took the win ahead of a very very classy field of horses and riders. Nothing better on her birthday, after owning this horse for only three months and riding her first Medium test and flying change only very recently. The talent this junior rider shows is quite incredible. The horse was beautifully trained prior to her buying it, but all the same not an uncomplicated ride. She’s done a fantastic job in a short period of time and a rider, like so many in this class, worth really watching. A winning score of 71.355%. In second place was Jake Parbery with the wonderful Just Dance. As always very centred riding in good balance and exuding confidence, and so smoothly and empathetically ridden. A great job for Jake and a percentage of 70.8%, just ahead of Shiva Wiedemann on 70.425% on Hollands Bend Regalite on 70.425%.
It just goes to show you how competitive this class is with the placings varying around from class to class. A great competition and truly great riding, fresh and fearless!
Equestrian NSW CDI-P Freestyle
Abby Weel nailed three out of three to win the freestyle on the beautiful bay pony Reitlands Obama, with the score just over 70%. Other than the pony spooking at tyre marks on the freshly-graded arena, it was a very faultless test. Super simple changes, and great choreography – including 10 metre circles in counter canter. Abby was super pleased with her pony’s performance. Second went to Mr Buckmeister, ridden by Marley Yates, a beautiful buckskin pony. Generous and genuine in the paces and well ridden and presented. These CDI classes for the younger riders are full of talent and are really exciting to watch.
NSW Young Pony Championship – Final
Glenhill Mr. Hollywood, the six-year-old, was named the Champion. This a short-coupled bay stallion with a wonderful baldie face and stockings behind. A very attractive pony with very uphill by conformation. Ridden by Alison Gill, an absolute professional producing pony rider. Perhaps not always steady in the contact but as the test progressed he became more and more settled and more and more cadenced and developed in the paces. This pony is owned by Christan Trainor of Glenhill Sporthorses. A score of 79.6%.
The judges were glowing in this pony’s report and a highlight for them was the collected canter. They think he has all the looks of a superstar, as his name suggests, and he has a bright future.
Alison Gill and five-year-old Glenhill Divine Classic, also owned by Christan Trainor, was second on 79.4%. The judges enjoyed it. It was a very pleasant test with a loose and fluent trot. A ground covering and adjustable canter. Could show a little bit more uphill tendency, but a very nice tempo and the walk was outstanding. It was a really good pony with plenty of expression and a lot to like.
Third place was Dream Dancer BHI, the four-year-old, with Kaila Simms in the saddle; they scored 76.4%.
NSW Young Horse Championships – 4YO Final
Jye Thurgate, originally from Wagga Wagga and now living in Germany with his partner Stefan Wolff, rode each horse individually. His comments, combined with the judges, decided the winner.
Remi Braveheart ridden, in the classes by Matthew Lord from Queensland and bred by Remi Stud, won on 77.333%. A very beautiful black stallion. Remi Braveheart is a heavier type, well developed and good fronted but a little tense in the indoor arena understandably for a four-year-old. Due the tension it was really difficult to give big marks, but the moments where there was a little relaxation he excepted the aids well. Jye said he felt nice in the canter and when he relaxes and learns to stretch to the bridle a little more and become more supple, he’ll make a very nice horse
Rosetta December, an absolute delightful chestnut with two white socks and a flaxen mane and tail, was second on 77%. She is by Desperados out of a Royal Classic mare. The judges the day before gave her a big score. They were very excited by her and what they liked the most was her being a fresh and delightful four-year-old in every way; they were most impressed.
This mare was really quite relaxed, with Jye letting her find her own balance with very little rein contact at all and as a consequence, maybe not feeling quite into the bridle and the old irregular step and inconsistent head carriage. All the same, a very forward-thinking mare and delightful to watch. Jye felt that she should perhaps reach more to the bridle and as a consequence he gave him 7.2 for his rideability score.
NSW Young Horse Championships – 5YO Final
The first one in the arena for Jye to ride was Glenhill Totil Star, shown by Riley Alexander. This horse is by Totilas out of the mare New Star (Negro X Di Maggio)
A very interesting horse, just a little bit tight in the neck and not really over the back at this stage, but again with little quickness and hotness in the bloodline the breeding lends itself to this a little bit. But for the future to Grand Prix, you need some of this action.
This mare has only had four competitions and appeared to give Jye a very good ride. Jye felt the horse had great perspective and the more her worked with the horse the more her good character came to the party. Jye gave her 7.7 for rideability.
The judges felt they didn’t see the best of this horse today because of the atmosphere and the neck tends to come back and up towards the rider instead of reaching downwards and forwards. A total of 74.66%.
MP Phoenix Rising, ridden by Deon Stokes, is a very elegant bay/brown mare by For Romance out of a Fürstenball x Don Schufro mare. A very active hind leg.
This mare draws the eye and has a very active way of going. A very active hind leg and a very beautifully-fronted horse with a beautiful head. Jye gave an 8.2 for rideability; he enjoyed the contact and the regularity, and he found this horse. was always under the centre of gravity.
The judiciary enjoyed the canter and gave a 9, saying it had a very good ability to collect. They enjoyed watching the guest rider ride the horse and loved the willingness and trainability.
NSW Young Horse Championships – 6YO Final
Hollands Bend Francine for Sophie Redenbach and Rodney Martin on Emillio made the final. The first house to be ridden was the beautiful elegant black gelding Emilio, who has the most stunning front. Such an elegant horse, just at times a little green and tight in the arena but totally understandable. When speaking to Rodney, this is the horse’s second ever competition and he only started working on the flying changes two months ago.
Jye’s comments in regard to his ride on this very elegant horse were that he thinks the gelding has a huge perspective and a great future. He was very complimentary of the training, as were the judges. A great walk with big steps and they were complimentary about all paces. They really loved the way of going and were very positive about so many things with this horse. He certainly has the most beautiful look through the bridle, with a wonderful front, and a good brain considering this is his first time indoors and at his second ever competition. The Champion with a score of 83.167%.
Hollands Bend Francine for Sophie Redenbach is by Franklin out of a Royal Classic mare. This is a very short-coupled horse in comparison to the other, with a very active hind leg. Unfortunately, also looking a little tight and tense in the environment and as she is a very short horse, it’s difficult to show elasticity and real suppleness when they get a little tight The judges loved the canter, which was uphill, active and a highlight. They thought it was a lovely horse, but the submission today was a little tight and as a consequence it affected the paces
Jye’s comment was he loves black mare! Today he wasn’t happy with the contact and felt it wasn’t equal into both reins and so that develops a little problem in the throughness. He gave a 7.6 for rideability, and a total of 73.333%.
Hollands Bend Francine was crowned the Australian Equestrian Incentive Events Futurity winner.
NSW Young Horse Championships – 7YO Final
The first horse ridden by Jye was Bloomers Sundance, by Bloomers Simply The Best x Fidertanz.
This horse has such a beautiful attitude towards his work and looks such a pleasure to deal with. Maybe a little bit difficult in the contact at times in the trot work and can at times come a little too high in the neck.
Jye said the gelding was well-ridden by Zanna Northam, but today he felt the rein a little more and could have been a little more forward into the bridle and show more ability to be over the back in the canter. It was a little bit difficult to keep him in front of the aids. He has a nice perspective for the walk, trot, and the canter and gave 7.5 for rideability
The judge just felt it should be more forward into the bridle with more activity in the collected trot and was not really balancing well enough for the big medium trot. The canter needs to develop more ability to collect and show suppleness through the back. All the same a very elegant horse with a lovely attitude.
The next horse was Senzation, ridden by Harvey Besley. Jye obviously like riding this horse as he was on it for a long time! The canter left and right didn’t always mirror one another, with the the right being more supple and arrhythmical than the left. Jai was saying that the horse shows all the fulfilment for the training scale and shows great relaxation and is very straight between leg and hand. He listened to half-halt and was really pleasant to ride; 8.5 for rideability. The judges liked the walk very much and gave a nine. They really like the canter and gave it 8.7.
They liked the generosity of this horse. He was very willing and was a real workmanlike horse. The general impression was he needs to develop a little more power and collection. Very good marks for a total of 84.333%, and the 7YO Champion.
