The EBM CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle was the undisputed highlight of the day, with Jayden Brown and Quincy B producing a phenomenal test for a personal best score to a soundtrack featuring iconic Australian classics. The covered arena was filled to capacity as the combination showcased harmony, power and confidence throughout the entire test.
Quincy’s quality canter work was rewarded with a string of 9.0s, including both canter pirouettes, the two-time tempis, and the music and music interpretation. The freestyle, expertly produced by Tori Stuckey of Sand Dancer Freestyles, helped propel the pair to an impressive winning score of 78.500%.
Emma Flavelle-Watts and Scarlatti Mio VSR claimed second place on 72.800%, continuing their upward trajectory at Grand Prix level. Scarlatti again showed clear talent in his extended paces, expressive changes and half passes, along with soft, confident transitions in and out of passage. Despite a small hiccup in the extended canter, the overall quality of the test stood out.
“He tried his heart out for me,” Flavelle-Watts said. “I’m just so proud of him.”
The combination also marked a milestone moment, becoming the first to compete in a snaffle bridle since the new rule allowing riders the choice of snaffle up to and including CDI3* level came into effect on January 1.
Third place went to Jayden Brown with his second mount, Legendary, who finished on 72.075% in an exciting and confident CDI Grand Prix debut.
In the Construction Control CDN Grand Prix Freestyle, Matthew Lord and Remi Vigneron continued their impressive weekend, taking the win with 70.075% in their first-ever Grand Prix Freestyle.
“I’m so proud of Vino,” says Matt. “We took a couple of risks in our choreography to match our bold music and they paid off with Vino doing an amazing job!”
Fiona Guthrie-Smith and Levade This finished second on 66.575%, while Susan Elekessy and Callum Park Geneva claimed third with 62.290%.
The Mulawa Performance Horses CDI2* Intermediate B saw Maddison Foster and Revelwood Desmond dominate the field, winning by a clear four per cent on a strong score of 70.540%. Susan Elekessy and Callum Park Damascus finished second on 66.595%, narrowly ahead of Megan Keir and Revelwood Queens Country on 66.541%.
Competition in the Dressage NSW classes remained exceptionally close, with Robbie McKinnon and QS Sierra edging out the win on 71.853%. Jayden Brown and Grets followed closely on 71.176%, while Lisa Martin and Vilaggio once again secured third place with 69.882%. With the top seven combinations all scoring above 67%, the depth of the field continues to impress.
The Motion Equine Centre Advanced Freestyle delivered another tight contest, with the top three combinations all finishing on 71%. Kaila Simms and Arnage Total Bliss secured the win on 71.942%, just ahead of Sydney Evans and U Beauty Queen on 71.817%, less than 0.1 per cent behind. Bianca Veneziano and Windermere Integro rounded out the top three with 71.059%.
The Mulawa Performance Horses Elementary 3.1 also proved fiercely competitive, with the top three combinations separated by less than one per cent. Harvey Besley and Birk Van De Josjes took the win on 70.714%, narrowly ahead of Nicole Tough and Everdeen on 70.572%. Denise Rogan and Frealyn rounded out the top three with 69.929%.
In the EBM CDI U25 Grand Prix, Jessica Dertell and Kilimanjaro continued their consistent form, taking another win with 68.718%. The Rockwell Information Services CDI Young Rider Individual Test saw Tia Rose McKenzie and Phenomenon claim first place on 70.735%, with the top six placings changing positions — highlighting just how open and competitive this class has become.
Marley Ara Yates and Secret Rose backed up their Team Test success with another strong performance, scoring over 70% to win the 4CYTE CDI Junior Individual Test. The Future Farms CDI Pony Team Test was won by Maria Hopwood and Clare Downs Arian Lledrith with 65.270%, while the Shepherd’s Electrical CDI Children’s A Preliminary Competition saw Lily Diss and Butterfly DS take top honours on 71.625%.
Young horse competition also commenced on day three, producing some standout scores across the age groups. In the County Saddlery Australia Four-Year-Old Young Horse Round 1, Robbie McKinnon and Verstappen DS impressed the judges with a massive 89.600%, earning 9.5 for canter, 9.0 for submission and 9.3 for perspective.
The Federation Bulk Haulage Five-Year-Old Young Horse Round 1 was won by Matthew Lord and Remi Braveheart with 78.400%, while stablemate Remi Furstin Hit, ridden by Danielle McMahon, claimed victory in the Balgowlah Dental Clinic Six-Year-Old Young Horse Round 1 with 79.400%. In the Willinga Veterinary Hospital Seven-Year-Old Young Horse Round 1, Jessica Dertell and Osaka P were victorious, scoring 80.400% for paces and 71.250% for technical to finish on a combined score of 75.825%.
The evening concluded with an informal riders’ forum featuring the FEI 5* Judges Panel — an initiative driven by the event riders’ representative, Deon Stokes, was embraced by riders, coaches and supporters. The panel, consisting of Maria Schwenneson, Peter Storr, Susie Hoevenaars and Eva-Maria Vint-Warmington, with Deon Stokes facilitating discussion, provided valuable insight and discussion into judging priorities and the future of the sport.
Key themes centred on harmony, with judges emphasising the importance of happy athletes working in a classically correct frame under light aids. The panel reinforced that judges share riders’ concerns for the future of dressage and are committed to working collaboratively with both FEI and competitors. Score discrepancies were also discussed, with the takeaway being that small margins — often 0.5 to 1 mark — accumulate to make the difference. Riders were encouraged to engage in open discussion, with or without coaches, to seek clarification and understanding.
With dressage firmly under the microscope, these open forums present a positive step towards unity, education and a harmonious future for the sport.
