With clear blue skies, cool temperatures, and no wind, conditions were absolutely perfect for dressage riding. And the standard? Simply outstanding. The first two days of competition were quite exceptional.
From Preliminary right through to Intermediate II, the horses were brilliant and the riding superb. The innovative and tireless efforts of the Hawkesbury Dressage Club Committee have built this event into what many are calling the biggest dressage competition in the country – and it’s certainly now becoming one of the most prestigious.
This year also saw the addition of CPEDI classes, drawing some of Australia’s most talented Para Dressage riders vying for national selection. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation and pride. Virtus Equestrian classes were also incorporated, and you can read more from Amylie Hines on these classes here.
If there was one rider who shone on the opening Saturday, it was Matthew Dowsley. He piloted the beautiful black De Niro mare, Bradgate Park Delaney – in only her second ever competition – to an impressive second and third in the Open Medium tests. Delaney looked every bit the Grand Prix horse she is destined to become, despite still being green and competition-shy.
The Open Medium level was stacked with talent. Sarah Farraway, riding Remi Furstensong (Furstenball x Lauries As) won one of the classes, while Kate Taylor-Wheat took out the other aboard Bloomfield Valton, by Versace. Kate is clearly making her return felt – her horse showed a beautiful frame, uphill movement, and expressive work. Still a little inexperienced in the arena, this is a combination to watch.
Sarah Farraway, no stranger to top-level competition, brought her experience to the ring and delivered a winning performance in the other Open Medium test. The leaderboard shuffle was a true testament to the depth of competition – fierce, close, and of a truly high standard. Perhaps as is the trend nowadays, the scores were tough!
Generally, it feels as if the judges are starting at 5 and working up, rather that starting at ten and working back! A 7 is the new 8. It appears as though they want to remain safe; competitors keep reaching for the stars but with no rewards. The sport is in a tough place, and I feel we need judges to use the scale of marks that are available to them to say what’s good and not good, rather than sitting between 5.5 and 6.5 and staying safe. It’s time to be outspoken and tell riders what they like and don’t like, step up and speak out!
In the Open Novice division, Dianne White delivered a standout performance to win the 2.3 on 72.643% with a tall, elegant, and expressive horse named Si Si Mariachi. Di is well known from her successful show horse days, having ridden the famous Neutral Bay, a multiple champion at Sydney Royal and countless country shows. Her current ride, a beautiful bay gelding, is trained to an international standard and was beautifully presented.
Another highlight was Rachael Clarke from Port Macquarie, who rode Fidelio I, a gelding by Fiji, to a super accurate and fluent flowing test in the 2.3 for second place on 69.858%. Her performance was polished, precise, and full of promise.
A good score also to the Pony Novice winner in the 2.3, Plover Springs Tinsel, who was awarded 68.143% for rider Justin Worthy.
There were so many standout performances on the opening day, and to mention all the winners would take another article – but what is certain is this: the Hawkesbury Dressage Festival is the real deal. A win here isn’t just another ribbon – it’s a statement.
One of the most delightful aspects of the Hawkesbury Winter Dressage Festival is the inclusivity. Ponies, young riders, amateurs, and open competitors all ride in the same class before results are split into their respective divisions. It makes for rich and diverse viewing.
With so many classes running simultaneously, countless sponsors on board, and an abundance of ribbons and rugs to hand out, it’s no small task to keep track of everything happening. But that’s part of the festival’s magic – chaotic, colourful, and full of potential.
Sunday action
Sunday was another full day of competition, and while the talent in the Preliminary classes was undeniable, you wouldn’t know it from the marks. Some of the horses moved like international stars – well-trained, well-ridden, and beautifully presented – yet they struggled to break the 70% barrier. Romany Sanna and MP Dante’s Diamond won both Open Preliminary tests with scores of 73.429% and 71.250% and were the only ones at the level to score above 70%.
Competitors left the arena only to frown at the live scoring app, baffled and disheartened. There’s a growing feeling among riders that no matter how polished or correct their test may be, a decent score remains elusive. After all, 70% at Preliminary level should be attainable – and not a benchmark of greatness if you’re producing a future Grand Prix horse. A score of 70% is only ‘fairly good’ and 80% is ‘good’. Surely, we have some ‘good’ lower-level horses that are ready to go up the grades.
Many of these horses are imports or top-quality Australian-bred prospects with proven bloodlines and natural ability. They’re backed by knowledgeable riders, good training, and skilled coaching. When these combinations are walking away with a string of 6.5s and the occasional 7, it’s discouraging. Some are now questioning whether it’s worth even competing at these lower levels. Increasingly, there’s talk of bypassing Preliminary and Novice altogether in favour of jumping straight into Elementary or Medium, where perhaps the judging is more reflective of quality and intent.
Something that is imperatively important is the fact that the judges contribute to determining a lot of things in the sport: the good horses, the good riders, the good coaches, the price that a horse is worth due to its percentage and placing in classes. Judges have a huge responsibility. There is no question that the judges do the very best they can possibly do. You then question why the marks are low and why the lack of positivity. There is no question that with better education of judges, the better the marking and the better the sport will progress. As much as there are discrepancies between judges it all bounces back to judge education. I believe the judges should really look at making bigger differences between what is ‘good’ and what is not so good. It will help the riders, the owners, the coaches, and all associated in the sport.
That said, the lower levels did offer moments of joy. Watching the harmony, expression, and growing confidence between horse and rider – especially in the early stages of their partnership – was a real treat. If there’s ever a place to give encouraging scores and support the future of the sport, it’s here. But enough about the marks – because there were still highlights worth celebrating.
In Advanced 5.2 and 5.3, John Thompson had a commanding double win aboard the stunning black stallion Sicario, by Secret. Tall, elegant, and expressive, the stallion oozes talent for the higher levels and is clearly destined for Grand Prix. John’s riding was confident and harmonious, with barely a cue visible – just what you want to see at this level.
Hot on his heels in both tests was Tia Rose McKenzie aboard Phenomenon, a striking brown gelding recently returned from a successful campaign at the Boneo Park Winter CDI in Melbourne and their first Advanced tests! (At Boneo, Phenomenon was ridden by Tia Rose in the CDI-Y). The pair showed great promise and poise, and it’s exciting to see their continued progress.
The Inter I was a strong field indeed, and it was QS Sierra for Robbie McKinnon who stole the limelight with 70%. A very expressive mare with so much engagement and impulsion. A treat to see with a very uphill neck and expressive forelimbs. They were just ahead of the talented Revelwood Animation and Victoria Luxford, coming back a level to gain confidence and scoring 68.382%. Olympian Jayden Brown and Qui Well, owned by Gabrielle Tindale (out with a fractured elbow), gained 68.309% for third. A very wonderfully light-footed chestnut imported gelding that makes it all look easy as it should be! A great class in the indoor arena and great competition.
The Grand Prix was won by John Thompson upon MSJ Gatsby with a 66.341%. This brown, short-coupled horse shows plenty of expression and it’s obvious to see that John is riding him gently and positively at the moment to give Gatsby the chance to gain confidence. A well-deserved win. Gordon Pratt and Aberdare MI placed second with 64.457%. This was Gordon and Aberdare’s first Grand Prix ever and a great score. In a snaffle bridle, the horse has so much impulsion and drive and at times it’s too much and he is still a little unsteady into the bridle – but for sure with more miles under his belt, this horse will settle into his work.
In third was Sue Hearn and Galaxy (Barbie, as he is the best palomino!). Usually a piaffe and passage machine, but the marks were not so high for this section where it’s usually a real highlight.
In the Open Elementary classes, it was David McKinnon that wowed the judges with Ellenbrae Tia Vieda to win both classes and be the only Open horse to crack 70%! A chestnut gelding, who in all honesty showed super cadence in the collected trot work but as yet is not strong enough to maintain this in the lateral work and was dropping in and out of rhythm. He is only starting to work through and from behind, and is not yet established and can became quiet short in the neck at times. There is no doubt that David is improving this horse a lot, but really today to the outsider looking in, it appeared short in the neck and a little like a training test; not a flowing and easy test as would have gained the bigger marks. All the same, this horse shows trainability and is one for the future!
The biggest Elementary marks actually went to the Pony 3.2 winner, Broadway De Luxe for Justine Worthy – winning on a very impressive 74%. Top marks also came for the Young Rider/Junior Elementary winner in the 3.2, Jessica Callus and Aber Dior M, who scored 72.938%.
What an amazing day’s competition for the second day and wow, what riding and what fabulously talented horses.
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.
