Jayden Brown and WillingaPark Quincy B at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Image by Michelle Terlato.
Olympian Jayden Brown has made the difficult decision to leave Willinga Park and is now based just outside Sydney. The Australian dressage rider has traded the picturesque backdrop of Bawley Point for a base that allows him to better manage his coaching and clinic commitments.
“Travelling every week unfortunately just wasn’t sustainable,” Jayden explains. “The distance was the biggest factor. With three hours to the airport, attending clinics around the country was a challenge. I love Willinga Park, there is no venue like it, and I am so grateful to have their continued support with the move.”
Jayden has relocated to Emma Weinert O’Rourke’s gorgeous equestrian centre in Glenorie, New South Wales, bringing with him key members of his team: WillingaPark Quincy B, Leopold, Kasjmir, and two training horses.
Jayden’s move closer to Sydney was in part due to his coaching and clinic commitments. Image supplied.
“They’re all so lovely… it’s a big
bonus having them around…”
The move brings him closer to major transport hubs and events, and offers a collaborative training setting. Emma is a successful Grand Prix dressage rider who was based in the USA for 12 years training with Olympian Steffen Peters and shares her home with an equally impressive group – Denise Rogan, a successful Grand Prix dressage rider and backbone of the equestrian community; young rider Romy Sanna, daughter of Olympian Rachael Sanna, who has successfully competed at FEI and is definitely a rider to keep an eye on for the future (and enjoyed some great results at the recent Hawkesbury Dressage Festival); and pony rider Kristen Lyons. It’s a knowledgeable and incredibly supportive group to be surrounded by.
“They’re all so lovely… it’s a big bonus having them around,” says Jayden.
HORSES & HORIZONS
Jayden remains focused on high performance. Ginette and the late Terry Snow’s Quincy B needs no introduction. The 11-year-old gelding by Quaterback x Desperados, who represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is now tracking towards the Brisbane CDI and ultimately the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany.
Jayden at the 2019 DJWTS with Lyon, now Leopold. Image by Geoff McLean – Gone Riding Media.
“It’s all about the World Championships now,” enthuses Jayden. “Just making sure he’s qualified and ready to go.”
The next upcoming star is Leopold, owned by Karin Gordon. The rising 10-year-old gelding (Livaldon x Fidertanz) was previously named Lyon. Lyon competed as a three-year-old in the Bundeschampionate with Antonia Ohrstam for 7.70 before being purchased by Australian Lauren George, who also imported Quincy. Jayden campaigned Leopold as a four-year-old for Lauren, placing fourth on him at Dressage and Jumping with the Stars in 2019 after only five rides together. Now back in his stables, the pair have their sights set on Grand Prix.
“I’m hoping he will be ready for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He’s definitely good enough and we are training the Grand Prix work now,” says Jayden. The pair have only been together for two months so they are still getting to know each other and will be out at local competitions at Small Tour.
Kasjmir is the other horse that has stayed with Jayden throughout his UK stint. The fiery 10-year-old mare by Jack Sparrow has talent to burn! “I’m chipping away at getting her calmer at competitions. She’s exceptional, it’s just the relaxation,” says Jayden.
“I’m hoping he will be
ready for LA. He’s
definitely good enough.”
Jayden and the talented Kasjmir, pictured here competing at Willinga Park in 2020. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
REMAINING WILLINGA PARK HORSES REHOMED
When Jayden returned from the UK, WillingaPark Sky Diamond (Sir Donnerhall x Don Schufro) and WillingaPark Spot On (Sezuan x Solo Carez) remained abroad and found new homes, with Sy Diamond (Jayden’s 2022 FEI World Championship ride) now with a young rider. WillingaPark Miana (Franklin x Bordeaux) has been sold to young Australian rider Tia Rose McKenzie, and WillingaPark Tito (Top Gear x Florencio) has been sold in partnership to Rose Deo and coach Jenny Gehrke; both are back on Australian soil.
Jayden and WillingaPark Sky Diamond representing Australia at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
“They’re all in good homes
and that’s all you can want.”
“I wanted to make sure that they all had the right kind of home, and they all found stables that they’d do well in,” explains Jayden. “I feel like my job’s done and they’re all in good homes and that’s all you can want.”
TITO STAYS IN THE FAMILY
Tito, a long-time favourite in the stable and now being ridden by Jayden’s coach Jenny Gehrke, makes this transition extra special. “We’re keeping him in the family,” Jenny shares. “Tito was always my favourite at Willinga Park and I never considered that this would be a possibility. It is very exciting that he is mine.”
Tito has always been a bit quirky and more akin to a one-on-one horse, making it extra important that he found the right home – and he certainly has!
Jayden and WillingaPark Tito, who was the Reserve Champion 6YO at DJWTS in 2022. Image by Click Capture Photography.
“I feel like my job’s
done and they’re all
in good homes.”
“When I was at Willinga Park for Dressage by the Sea, Jayden floated the idea. After a couple of rides, I returned from the competition with two horses in my truck! I am very happy that we got the opportunity to buy him and incredibly grateful to my long-time supporter Rose for buying him in partnership with me.”
The combination is now getting used to each other and Tito is settling into life at Jenny’s in Moggill, Queensland. At nine years old with all the Small Tour work well underway, there is definitely an exciting future ahead for this combination.
Alongside WillingaPark Tito, Jenny owns Carool Apollo, a seven-year-old gelding (Ampere x Jive Magic) that she purchased as a rising three-year-old. Together the combination has had countless wins as they’ve progressed from Novice to Advanced. Jenny is in no rush to get Tito out but I’m sure there are many blue ribbons in their future and wouldn’t be surprised if there was a Jayden and Jenny team selection down the track. EQ
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