The 2025 Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI began Thursday at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre in Caboolture, with the first Big Tour class of the competition – the CDN Intermediate II – a highlight.
While absent from the CDI3* competition this year with her Paris Olympic reserve horse Ivanhoe, Mary Hanna is enjoying success with another equine partner: CJ Park Sir Dragonfire, known around the stables at Elliot.
The pair took out Thursday’s Intermediate II on 68.471%, and will next contest the CDN Grand Prix from 2:50pm on Friday.
Tune in and watch the action live and free via ClipMyHorse.TV and Equestrian Life here.
Roger Fitzhardinge caught up with the Olympian following her winning test:
Mary, can you tell us a little about CJ Park Sir Dragonfire’s breeding and how you came by him?
Dragonfire was bred by CJ Park and Christopher Ardron. He is by Sir Donnerhall II. When my horses were being agisted, as our property was being moved, I had the chance to ride him. I immediately enjoyed the feel he gave me — there was no question he was Chris’s favourite at the time. I started him at Medium, and he surprised me with his willingness and attitude towards training. He went from Medium all the way through to Grand Prix.
I was very lucky — there was a client, Audrey Riordan, looking for a horse at the time. We tried Dragonfire, and she loved him. It turned out to be the perfect win–win situation: Audrey purchased him, and I have had the pleasure of continuing to ride him for this fabulous owner.
How did he feel in Thursday’s test?
He has always had a tendency to be a little lazy behind the leg. [Thursday], I suddenly realised I wasn’t allowed to carry a whip in the Intermediate II, as [although it was a CDN] it was also a State Championship. At the very last second, I had to go into the test without one. I thought, “Oh my goodness, will he stay up in front of me?” But bless him — he gave me everything, and I was thrilled with how he went.
You’ve ridden many tricky horses in your career, but Dragonfire looks very extravagant and expressive. How do you see his future at Grand Prix?
I sometimes wondered if the energy level and interest needed for Grand Prix would come to the fore with him. But after the Inter II, he was absolutely fabulous. He is becoming lighter, more impressive, and really growing in confidence.
The older I get, the more I realise horses need time — time to gain strength, time to build confidence in the movements. Dragonfire continues to impress me as he develops, and the partnership I have with Audrey makes it all the more fun.
I adore riding this horse. With the support of my overseas trainers and a focus on polishing him to be light and expressive, I’m genuinely excited about his future. After [Thursday’s] test, I believe he’s showing us just how much more he has to give.
Catch up on all the results from Thursday at the Brisbane CDI here.
Tune in and watch the action live and free via ClipMyHorse.TV and Equestrian Life here.
Re-watch the action on demand via ClipMyHorse.TV subscription here.
