Jayden Brown and D’Esperanza shone in the Grand Prix at Dressage@Willinga. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
The 2025 edition of 4CYTE Dressage@Willinga would have to be one of the most outstanding competitions ever held in Australia — whether you were a spectator, owner, groom, rider, or judge, the experience was unforgettable.
A total of 117 horses entered this smaller-scale show of extravagance organised by Willinga Park and expertly directed by Cathie Drury-Klein. It was smooth as silk!
Willinga Park, often described as one of the world’s most beautiful and modern, purpose-built equestrian venues, lived up to every expectation and more. The late Terry Snow’s dream of creating a facility that enabled and encouraged top-class competition has truly come to life. He firmly believed that world-class performances required a world-class setting — one that inspired both horse and rider to achieve greatness. Words cannot do Willinga Park justice, nor can photos; it is a venue that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.
Willinga Park was once again looking a picture for its latest event, Dressage@Willinga. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
From the award-winning architecture to the immaculate arenas, premium stabling, and meticulously maintained horse facilities, Willinga Park continues to earn the highest accolades from Australia’s top riders, grooms, officials, and international visitors alike. Terry Snow’s vision was always to create a space that honoured the dedication and talent of Australian equestrians, and to ensure it was a place of enjoyment and excellence. Without a doubt, he would be enormously proud of what was achieved at this most recent event.
Although Terry was sadly not here to witness it, this year’s Dressage@Willinga was one of the most beautiful and professionally executed competitions Australia has ever seen. The property continues to evolve each year, and even in the heart of winter, the gardens, expansive lawns, and surroundings — maintained with absolute precision in true “Terry style”— were breathtaking.
The incredible sculptures add to the ambiance of this beautiful venue in the NSW south coast town of Bawley Point. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
“The property
continues to evolve
each year.”
The competition itself was world-class. Performances were extraordinary, with scores reaching international standards and some results among the highest ever seen in Australian dressage. There’s something about Willinga Park that draws out the very best in everyone who participates. It’s more than just a venue — it’s a place that fuels passion, camaraderie, and excellence.
Adding to the magic of the weekend was a festive “Christmas in July” celebration held in the venue’s spectacular convention centre. Complete with a visit from Santa, fabulous door prizes, and a beautifully curated fine-dining experience for 150 guests, the event was full of warmth, laughter, and joy. The food was exceptional, the mulled wine flowed, and the spirit of the evening perfectly complemented the spirit of the sport.
Christmas in July was a hit. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
For those who experienced Dressage@Willinga 2025, it was a reminder that Australia not only has the talent and dedication to match the world’s best — but also has the venue to host them. This competition wasn’t just memorable — it was a benchmark for excellence in every way.
SHOWCASE OF QUALITY & PROMISE
Every class was brimming with talent, excellent horsemanship, and future stars of the sport. It’s worth noting the depth of talent in the lower levels — Novice, Elementary, and Medium — with an average of 25 riders per class, all contributing to very high-quality fields.
The Novice classes saw some brilliant performances, including a win by a Willinga Park horse WillingaPark Animation, ridden by Nina Boyd, who scored 69.688% in the 2.2. In the 2.3 class, it was an outstanding win for Caroline Hooper aboard her imported horse Furst Sir (by Fürstenball), who posted a commanding 76.714%.
Judge Sue Cunningham awarded many 8s across the movements for this combination, and a 9 for the transition from canter to trot on the diagonal. The test was highlighted by high marks for submission and rider effectiveness. ‘Paris’, as he is named, shows all the hallmarks of an exciting future FEI horse — elegance, flair, and readiness for advanced work.
Caroline Hooper and Furst Sir, owned Rebecca Skinner. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
“Every class was
brimming with talent.”
At just eight years old, with a strong training foundation and a rider of Caroline’s calibre, this combination is clearly on the path to big things and is well and truly established in the Medium work — but still taking time to gain experience and confidence at competitions.
In the Elementary classes, the standout was Emillio, ridden by Rodney Martin, who convincingly won both tests. Scoring 73.375% in the 3.2 and 70.793% in the 3.3, Emillio — an elegant gelding by Escamillo, owned by Sharon and John Potter — was only at his third-ever competition. He is already training the Medium and Advanced movements. Asking Rodney, he says the horse shows a good ability for piaffe and passage, demonstrating a wonderful uphill frame, expressive trot work, impressive lengthenings, and the aptitude for collection. Rodney’s international experience was on full display, producing another exciting young prospect with great poise and harmony.
EXCITEMENT FOR THE MEDIUM
Driving into Willinga Park, the excitement was tangible and it was clear that the Medium class was going to be one of the most hotly contested of the show — almost like watching an Australian Olympic trial. In the Medium 4.2, Matthew Dowsley shone with Bradgate Park Delaney, earning a massive 74.459%, a clear 3% ahead of the field.
Matthew’s ride on this impressive black mare was textbook precision. Every movement was prepared and polished, transitions expansive and yet ably collected, the frame steady and powerful. Delaney is by De Niro out of a Ferro x Weltmeyer mare. She is quite closely related to Bradgate Park Delilah, a mare competed to Grand Prix by Sharon Potter who is also by De Niro and out of a Reggazoni x Ferro mare. Delaney was bred by Sharon and John Potter and is owned by the couple in conjunction with Bev and John Healey. With changes and piaffe/passage already established, this mare is undoubtedly a horse for the future.
Matthew Dowsley and Bradegate Park Delaney. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
“Matthew Dowsley shone
with Bradgate Park Delaney.”
David McKinnon followed in second with a superb test aboard Divine 18, an impressive black gelding. While the flying changes still need development, the horse’s elasticity and presence suggest a big future ahead.
Abby Weel took third in her debut ride on the imported Espe with 70.878%, showing real skill and feel. The mare, formerly campaigned in the UK by Annabella Pidgley, is hugely expressive with massive paces, and Abby’s calm, confident ride speaks volumes about her talent.
John Thompson was fourth on 69.797%, piloting the chestnut gelding MI Toto — an expressive stallion by Totilas — with strength and elegance, presenting a trot tour that was especially impressive.
John Thompson and MI Toto. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
Robbie McKinnon was fifth on Felicity with 69.730%; and Millicent Fletcher was sixth on Amsterdam with 69.595%. It was a sensational class — a true reflection of the sport’s inclusivity — with riders aged from 14 to over 60, men and women, all riding at the top of their game.
DOUBLE WIN FOR MATTHEW & DELANEY
In the 4.3, Matthew Dowsley delivered another phenomenal ride, scoring 76.282% and finishing 3% ahead of his student Abby Weel on Espe, by Escolar out of a Dimaggio mare. Matthew’s test was again harmonious, expressive, and mistake-free, featuring many 8s and even a 9 for a half-pass. His De Niro mare maintained a beautifully balanced, uphill, and rhythmical movement with particularly impressive sideways steps.
Interestingly, Abby was in fact placed first by one of the judges — just 0.2% ahead of her coach Matthew. It was quite some test! John Thompson placed third with MI Toto on 73.462%, followed by David McKinnon on Divine 18 with 72.628%, Robbie McKinnon on Felicity with 71.410%, and Millicent Fletcher on Amsterdam scoring 70.705%. Abby also placed seventh on Atterupgaards Franz with 70.192%.
Abby Weel and Atterupgaards Franz. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
Franz, another first-time ride for Abby, is a charming, expressive gelding by Franziskus FRHs out of a Bon Bravour mare with a wonderful uphill way of going — definitely a partnership to watch.
The Advanced 5.1 saw 14 riders compete in front of judges Jodie Dunstan and Sue Cunningham, and once again, Bradgate Park Delaney delivered a stunning performance for Matthew Dowsley, scoring 75.203%. This black mare posted three tests with not a single mistake — a testament to her consistency, balance, and enthusiasm. In second was Abby Weel on Espe with 71.824%, another exceptional ride for this young rider in what was Espe’s first Australian competition. Third went to Katharine Farrell on Picasso MI on 69.865%.
In the 5.2, Abby Weel once again showcased her talent and versatility, coming out on top with Espe. Abby has already made a name for herself in the pony ranks through to FEI level, with countless wins on her beloved pony Reitlands Obama. Now transitioning to horses up to 17 hands, it’s remarkable how seamlessly she has transferred her skills to these larger, more powerful rides. Her talent, poise, and passion for the sport are evident in every test. She is truly a credit to her coaching, dedication, and love for dressage.
Abby Weel and Espe. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
Kate Farrel rode the great chestnut gelding Picasso MI into second place in the 5.2, scoring 65.921%. This upstanding chestnut gelding by Quaterhit is one of the many quality horses bred and produced by Mulawa, and he performed beautifully at Willinga Park.
In the Preliminary, David McKinnon won the 1.2 and 1.3 riding Furst Figaro MSH with scores of 73.839% and 74.792% respectively.
MOMENTUM CONTINUES IN FEI CLASSES
The momentum didn’t stop at the national classes. In the Prix St Georges, it was Robbie McKinnon who claimed victory aboard QS Sierra with a score of 74.314%, closely followed by Jayden Brown on Qui Well with 73.480%, and John Thompson on Aston MI with 69.118%. Robbie’s mare, by Stedinger, is simply outstanding in both frame and extravagance. While still green and excitable at this level, the changes are becoming more established, despite the occasional swinging change. She’s a horse ready for the future and an Australian-bred star who has progressed up through the ranks from Novice. A seriously exciting talent.
“Robbie’s mare, by Stedinger,
is simply outstanding in both
frame and extravagance…”
Robbie McKinnon and QS Sierra. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
Jayden Brown’s chestnut gelding, imported and owned by Gabrielle Tinsdale from WA, is expressive and correct. There is still room for more lateral suppleness, but the talent is undeniable. In the Intermediate I, the tables turned, with Jayden Brown and Qui Well taking the win on 67.794%, just ahead of Robbie McKinnon and Sierra on 67.647%, and John Thompson on Aston MI with 66.985%. Sierra became a little overexcited, which led to some low marks and a hit to her overall impression score. As always, Jayden rode a correct, beautifully prepared test, with John also showing finesse and polish in a very strong Small Tour class.
In the Medium Tour, Susan Elekessy and Callum Park Damascus won the Intermediate A and Intermediate B with scores of 69.755% and 68.784% respectively. In the Intermediate II, Jayden Brown rode Legendary to a win on 66.863%.
JAYDEN BROWN WINS THE GP
The action continued in the Grand Prix tests, where Jayden Brown took top honours aboard D’Esperanza with a commanding 70.362%. Second was John Thompson on MSJ Gatsby with 69.420%, and third went to Sue Hearn on Galaxy with 66.232%.
Jayden Brown and D’Esperanza. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
Jayden’s recent partnership with D’Esperanza has flourished; the mare now works with more confidence, softness, and overall balance. The canter tour had greater quality, and the piaffe showed more engagement. This horse continues to improve and inspire, and it’s thanks to all who have trained her along the way to this stage that Jayden says makes her a pleasure to ride.
John Thompson’s ride on the compact and elegant gelding Gatsby was a true highlight — light, easy, and confident. The horse showed improved definition in the piaffe and passage, with clean, well-ridden transitions. The canter could use a touch more cadence and ground cover, but there were no mistakes, and the test was beautifully executed. Gatsby is a true credit to John and to Australian dressage and the hard yards that the Mulawa team and Farrell family excel in.
Olympian Sue Hearn rode the Palomino gelding Galaxy into third place. She clearly enjoyed the competition and the world-class facilities at Willinga Park.
In the second Grand Prix test held the following day, Jayden Brown again won aboard D’Esperanza, scoring 69.819%, with Sue Hearn second aboard Galaxy on 66.739%.
There were plenty of happy competitors! Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
John Thompson returned for the Grand Prix Special with Gatsby and danced his way through the difficult test without error. Bigger marks are on the horizon with further improvement in balance and preparation before the pirouettes. John was part of a brilliant Mulawa team alongside Kate Farrell and Greg Smith, each showing great style and ability.
“Bigger marks are
on the horizon…”
In the top-level FEI Para Dressage classes, the Grade III Grand Prix A and B went to Amylie Hines and EA Exquisite on 65.75% and 66.333%; the Grade IV Grand Prix A went to Helen Batson and MSJ Tia Fortuna on 69.444%; and the Grade V Grand Prix A and B went to Heidi Ford and Rikaardt H with scores of 63.397% and 64.868%.
Roger Fitzhardinge behind the lens. Image supplied.
“The consistency and
quality of performances
across the board made this
event one to remember…”
What a venue. What a competition. What incredible scores. The consistency and quality of performances across the board made this event one to remember. There’s no question that the top-tier facilities, the friendliness, and the supportive environment of Willinga Park bring out the very best in riders, judges, and horses alike. Every rider echoed the same sentiment — the Ebb & Flow arenas at Willinga Park are the best surfaces they’ve ever ridden on. Expertly prepared and beautifully maintained, they provide the foundation for world-class sport. Everyone left excited to return. EQ
Full results from all classes at Dressage@Willinga can be found here.
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