The weather at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre has been absolutely glorious – a typical winter in the outskirts of Sydney! Crystal blue skies, no wind, and crisp mornings warming into 18°C days. One could say it’s perfect riding weather.
There were many exceptional classes and standout performances, none more so than in the two Open Novice divisions. The stunning young mare MP Dante’s Diamond, ridden by Romany Sanna, impressed with her compact frame and elegant movement – a truly charming mare with plenty of promise.
The competition in these classes was intense, with noticeable differences in placings between the Open Novice 2.1 and 2.2, a testament to the strength and depth of the field. Deon Stokes won the 2.1 on 74.808% with Hollands Bend Millennia, a spirited black mare with a lovely, expressive trot, showed great potential, although she’s still developing a more uphill tendency in her canter work.
In the Novice 2.2, John Farrell Thompson took the win on the black gelding Zaire Mi with 75.704%. While perhaps not the most extravagant mover in the class, the horse demonstrated three correct, solid paces and was very well trained. The judges no doubt appreciated the clear, uphill way of going – a true nod to thoughtful, classical training.
It was such a delight to see judges throwing some marks around at last! Horses were gaining much higher percentages in the Novice tests, being a harder format than the Preliminary. In the 2.2 the top 10 Open horses were all over 70%, and so they should’ve been. The quality was truly wonderful and being recognised by the judges.
What was so nice to see – which was a big difference and will create better competition amongst the riders – is the way they attacked the test as far as transitions, accuracy, concentration and focus on every movement, as simply a small glitch like a few jog steps in the walk or a few unbalanced corners was enough to put you down the list.
First and second (John Farrell Thompson and Romany Sanna) in the 2.2 both scored over 75%. It is also worth noting in this exciting class the beautiful, imported bay gelding Everton Vitality. This horse has good paces and a naturally wonderful uphill way of going, ridden by Linda Foster and owned by Cathy Cupit… one to watch!
A glorious bay gelding by Furstenball, ridden by Caroline Hooper and owned by Rebecca Skinner, named Furst Sir, was another to watch. Rachael Clarke from Port Macquarie presented two beautiful geldings in CJP Qudos by Quaterback and Fidelio I by Fiji. These two horses showed fluency, balance and fabulous transitions and accurate riding again.
Had the Open Novice been presented for a third test, the places could well have been more than likely completely changed around yet again! To write so much on a Novice class with excitement is really good for the sport. Competitors went home with a grin on their faces, thinking at last there were some percentages they’d really worked hard for. The whole vibe amongst the Novice riders after this competition was one of positivity. What was seeming to be an elusive score of 70% was no longer a dream, but a reality and totally and utterly deserved.
The Open Medium class was one of exceptional quality. John Farrell Thompson aboard Franka MI impressed in the Medium 4.1, scoring over 70%, a well-deserved mark for an elegant and accurate performance. In the 4.2 it was Justin Worthy on Benjamin Britten who led the field with a score over 71%, confirming their dominance in the class.
Amelia Kristan and Everton Dantino won the AOR Medium 4.1 with 67.986%, while Brooke Gatt on Celestial earned 67.431% to win the Young Rider/Junior Medium 4.1.
The Prix St Georges was won by Deon Stokes on the bay gelding Axel DC, with a final score of 68.529%. One of the judges saw fit to award them a standout 70.735%. This charming bay, with a fabulous work ethic, showed no glitches in his performance. With just a bit more strength and expression, he’ll be pushing for even bigger marks.
Second place went to Alicia Targa on Zoolander TPH, a very expressive bay gelding scoring 67.304%. This horse is just moving into this level and shows much potential, and with a better balance and more elastic suppleness, his scores too will improve – as will Axel DC’s. Both have a very exciting future ahead.
It was Serena Ireland who stole the show in the Intermediate II on Royalty R, scoring 66.519%, just ahead of Megan Keir on Riverwood Queens County, a delightful bay mare who’s recently stepped up to the Big Tour. This mare shows plenty of potential and is certainly one to watch going forward. Already gaining admiration as a future Grand Prix horse, Royalty R delivered a strong, clean test. A few minor glitches and small mistakes took the edge off what was otherwise a beautifully ridden and presented test from Serena Ireland.
On Tuesday in the Open Elementary 3.2, Rachel Clarke and Fidelio I delivered a fabulous winning performance with a strong 69.188%, another victory for this highly consistent combination. However, the top score in the 3.2 actually went to the winner of the Pony division. The 2025 Dressage with the Stars Champion of Champion pony, Freemans Lodge Global for Victorian Toni Webb, wowed the judges for 71.375%.
In the Open 3.1 it was a win for Greg Smith riding for Mulawa Stud and this time on Panegro MI with 68.215%; this impressive chestnut gelding has a great uphill way. The improvement over the past few shows is connected to the consistent and progressive training that seems to be a standout now with the Mulawa team. Their results across the show have been nothing short of excellent. The top score in the 3.1 went to the AOR division winner, Hannah Scott and Cupido II, who scored an impressive 69.858%.
In the Small Tour Intermediate I, it was Floriade for Romany Sanna who won with 66.520%, narrowly ahead of Aston MI, ridden by John Farrell Thompson on 64.412%. John’s skill across multiple horses for the same stud has stood out; he brings consistency and empathy to each ride, producing clean and composed tests. Romany rode Floriade positively forward with plenty of purpose, but still room for bigger marks with a better degree of lateral suppleness. A good win in a tightly, contested field.
And of course, the highlight event – the Grand Prix – went to none other than Susan Hearn on the eye-catching palomino gelding, Galaxy, affectionately known at home as ‘Barbie’. Scoring 66.304%, this combination delivered a strong and polished performance. Serena Ireland on Royalty R followed on 64.85%, with Sara Quigly on 63.768%. The judges were unanimous in their decision, and Susan’s experience and international flair shone through. Her ability to ride such a competent and composed test, with soft expression and forward fluency, was an absolute joy to watch with highlights in the passage and piaffe and the clear transitions in and out!
After four full days of competition, a well-deserved rest day followed (you can catch up on day one and two here). Riders, owners, and supporters soaked in the Sydney and Hawkesbury atmosphere, helped by perfect winter weather.
This festival has so far been outstanding, with exceptional tests, wonderful riding, and the judges beginning to reward quality with marks that reflect performance. It’s a turning point. The conversations amongst judges seem to be resulting in a more aligned appreciation of the horses’ talents and the riders’ efforts.
As has often been said, judging determines the direction of the sport. It affects owners’ investment decisions, the reputation of coaches and riders, and the livelihoods of everyone connected to this community – vets, physios, farriers, and beyond. To see the judging finally reflect the standard of work presented is heartening and vital for morale and progression.
The overall standard has lifted in Australia, and while we’re still climbing, it’s clear that the hard work is starting to bear fruit. Riders are developing better training systems, building horses with more strength and expression, and creating increasingly impressive performances.
Let’s hope the weather continues to cooperate, and that the positivity seen so far in judging and competition continues to grow. In times when the dressage world faces challenges, it’s crucial that we all rise above the noise, and focus on our horses, their welfare, their training, and the joy of the journey.
Success is the icing on the cake – and there’s been plenty of icing at this show. With four more days of championship competition to come – complete with rugs, trophies, and prize money – it’s only going to get better.
The Hawkesbury Dressage Festival is far from over! Competition continues until Sunday, 22 June – stayed tuned for more.
Full results from the 2025 Hawkesbury Dressage Festival can be found here.
