Australian vaulter Ginger Kennett has achieved exciting results at LONGINES PfingstTurnier Wiesbaden in Germany, posting very competitive scores in the Individual Female division over the weekend.
Partnered with her World Championships and World Cup partner Goldjunge, Ginger was fifth in the Individual Female Round 1 (Technical Test), scoring 6.718, and then in Round 2 (Free Test) she was again fifth with 7.104.
With the winner from Germany, Jolina Ossenberg-Engels, scoring 7.558 and 7.838 respectively, Ginger was certainly not far off the pace!
Goldjunge was once again lunged by owner Jacqueline Schönteich, who performed the same role with Ginger and her equine partner at the 2024 FEI World Vaulting Championships and 2025 FEI World Cup Final.
Wiesbaden was of course a happy hunting ground for another Australian, with Alexandra Vodermair and Exact finishing on the podium in the CDI Young Dressage Horse Six-Year-Old class.
“Absolutely incredible” World Cup experience
Ginger was the first Australian vaulter ever to contest an FEI World Cup Final earlier this year and says that it was an absolutely incredible experience.
“The atmosphere was electric, and the indoor arena in Basel was nothing short of spectacular. It was truly a career highlight — not only because of the competition itself, but also due to the beautifully orchestrated opening ceremony. I felt so welcomed by everyone, from fellow competitors to the organisers. The FEI did a fabulous job coordinating the event, particularly with the integration of jumping, dressage, and vaulting together — it was executed to perfection.”
Ginger says it was also a pleasure to connect with fellow Australian Mary Hanna in Basel, who was there to contest the dressage with Ivanhoe.” She’s a true legend of our equestrian world and even though we come from different disciplines, we had a fantastic and encouraging conversation. Mary was incredibly supportive, and we were both cheering each other on throughout the event. She’s truly inspirational — a shining example of dedication and longevity in equestrian sport.”
Ginger has been partnered with Jacquie and Goldjunge for some time now, and it’s clear the partnership is going from strength to strength.
“Goldjunge handled the World Cup environment like the seasoned professional he is. Despite the long journey and having just competed at CVI Saumur in France the week before, he remained calm, focused, and completely in his element throughout our time in Basel. I’m incredibly grateful for our enduring partnership — Goldie adapts effortlessly to any environment and always gives his best.
Ginger has long been a lover of Freestyles and explains that her routine from the World Cup Final – which she also used at Wiesbaden – is a contemporary and expressive piece that explores the journey through life’s challenges and personal struggles.
“It’s about mental health, navigating the tough moments, and finding hope and strength to come through them — and ultimately becoming stronger and more self-aware on the other side. The routine is set to the beautiful vocals of Yebba, whose emotional depth and artistry perfectly reflect the message I’m trying to convey. This piece holds deep personal meaning for me, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to bring that message to life through movement.”
Eyes on Aachen
Now back in Europe, Ginger has a string of shows following Wiesbaden. “This trip is jam-packed with back-to-back competitions, and we’re focusing on spending quality time with our developing horses at several CVIs and German shows. Recently, we competed with our horse Djebel de Hus at CVI Sentower in Belgium — and celebrated the first-ever all-Australian vaulting podium finish, taking second place in the CVI2*. It was a proud and emotional milestone for our team!”
“Djebel is full of personality — energetic, expressive, and always up for a challenge. We’re taking a step-by-step approach to help him gain confidence and familiarity with the international competition environment.”
Ginger’s horses are currently based in Germany, which allows for consistent training in a stable environment. “Flying horses back and forth from Australia simply isn’t feasible, so this setup gives us the best foundation for long-term development,” she explains.
“This European tour is also about continuing my training and development together with my mum with our own horses, and coaching and supporting our Australian juniors’ first campaign. It’s action-packed and, as always with horses, full of highs and lows — but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
CHIO Aachen is an immediate goal for Ginger, but looking a little further ahead the 2026 FEI World Championships at the famed Germany venue is very much the goal. She hopes that Djebel de Hus could be the horse to take her there.
“Absolutely — this is the big dream!” says Ginger on the topic of the World Championships. “It’s a long-term goal that requires patience, persistence, and a lot of heart. Only time will tell, but I’m fully committed to the journey and I’m very grateful to have the support of my family and all of my friends here in Germany.”
