Glenhill Quatessence claims 5YO Young Dressage Horse title
There is always something particularly revealing about the five-year-old classes. At this stage, the basics of training begin to consolidate, natural ability starts to separate the field, and perhaps most importantly, we gain a clearer indication of which horses may genuinely progress toward Grand Prix.
This year’s final was a strong reflection of that progression. While there were moments of immaturity and greenness — entirely expected at this level — the overall depth of quality was impressive, particularly among the leading group.
The final horse, and eventual winner, Glenhill Quatessence, ridden by Riley Alexander, produced the most complete and mature test of the class. By Quarterhit out of a Don Schufro mare, this gelding combines quality with exceptional trainability. The trot (8.2) was fluent and expressive, with excellent use of the body and smooth, well-balanced transitions. The walk (8.0) was confident and purposeful, and the overall picture was one of a horse that understands its work. The submission score of 8.2 reflected outstanding rideability and attitude, while 8.3 for perspective confirmed the judges’ belief in his future. A final score of 81.4% secured a well-deserved win.
Stirling Secret Admirer (Secret x Desperados FRH), ridden by Jayden Brown, continued to demonstrate the influence of Secret progeny in Australia. An elegant, modern type, this horse showed excellent rideability and willingness throughout the test. The trot (7.9) could show slightly more ground cover, but the overall impression was one of ease and lightness. The walk (7.7) improved as the test progressed, and the canter (8.0) was particularly well balanced and effortless. Notably, there was no resistance at any stage — a key indicator for future development — reflected in both the 8.0 submission and 8.0 perspective, finishing on 79.2% for second place.
Springside Serrano (Stedinger x Versace), ridden by Natasha Moody, was one of the most elegant and naturally gifted horses in the class. From the outset, he impressed with his presence, frame and quality of movement. The trot (8.0) showed activity, elasticity and expression, while the walk (8.0) developed positively throughout the test. An unfortunate hesitation in the first canter transition affected the submission (6.8), but once established, the canter (7.7) was forward and ground covering. Importantly, the ride demonstrated a sympathetic and harmonious partnership, and with 7.9 for perspective, this horse remains one to watch. Third place with 76.8%.
The first horse into the arena, Glenyering Zenzonic (Zenzon x Rosario) with Megan Joyce, returned after being well regarded the previous day. A striking black gelding, he produced a noticeably more confident and fluent test. The judges were particularly impressed with the way he works from behind, showing a natural ability to sit and carry. The canter (7.6) was ground covering and expressive, suggesting a horse that will develop strong collection in time. The walk (7.8) lacked some elasticity through the back, and a slightly tentative contact affected the submission (7.4), but overall this is a very athletic horse with a powerful hindleg and clear long-term potential (7.8 perspective). Fourth place with 76.3%.
Remi Victoria’s Secret, ridden by Daisy Fielding, presented a more established and consistent picture. The trot (7.2) was fluent and correct, while the walk (7.9) stood out as a highlight — relaxed, swinging and genuinely through the body. The canter (7.7) showed quality, although still developing in strength. What was most pleasing was the mare’s willingness and rideability, reflected in a solid submission score (7.5). This combination produced a harmonious test to finish on 76% for fifth place, indicating a horse progressing well in its training.
In sixth place was Melissa Robertson-Heislers’ lovely Springsteen Royalmagic (LL Tyranny x Jive Magic) with a strong score of 74.4%.
Shayden Park Secret Ritual, by Secret out of a Ritual mare, is a big, powerful type still developing physically. Ridden by Javais Ham, the horse is currently slightly croup-high and carrying more weight over the shoulder, which influenced balance and self-carriage. This was evident in moments where the horse became behind the vertical and not yet fully uphill. However, this is a normal stage for a large-framed horse. The trot (7.0) and walk (7.0) were correct, while the canter (7.5) showed clear natural ability. The judges were constructive in their comments, and with 7.3 for perspective, this is a horse that should improve significantly with time and strength. Seventh place with 72%.
Gallivant OLD (Gaitano OLD x Stedinger), ridden by Christopher Wilkinson, showed improvement from the previous day, presenting with greater confidence and forward intention. The judges appreciated his elegance and light-footedness, but also noted that he remains green in his training. The trot (7.2) was correct, but the walk (6.7) lost clarity when shortened, indicating a need for greater throughness over the back. The canter (7.5) was again a highlight, showing balance and quality, but transitions lacked fluency and consistency (7.0 submission). Overall, a correct horse with potential, particularly once strength and balance improve (7.4 perspective), 71.6% for eighth.
Edwina Sutherland and her own SS Secrecy (Secret x Fürstenball) rounded out a quality final with another strong score of 71.1% for ninth place.
Overall, this class highlighted not only the quality of young horses coming through, but also the importance of correct, progressive training. The best horses were not only those with natural ability, but those showing rideability, balance and a willingness to accept the work — all key ingredients for future success at the highest level.
Aber Fashion MI crowned 6YO Young Dressage Horse Champion
The final round of the six-year-olds produced an interesting and competitive class. The overall impression was of a group of very good horses, and the judges were particularly interested in assessing the top end of the field as these combinations begin to show the demands of this level.
The winning horse, Aber Fashion MI (Aber Hallo 29 x Florestan 1) presented a standout performance. Notably, the dam (Fashionista) also produced Santiago, previously ridden by Bianca Kasselmann. Both sire and dam were imported from Germany through P.S.I., reflecting the continued influence of top international bloodlines in Australia. This beautiful black mare, bred at Mulawa, was well trained and already showing significant development. While the flying changes still lacked some experience, they were completed successfully.
The trot was a highlight at 8.5, with the judges praising the frame, balance, and freedom of movement, particularly in the lateral work where rhythm was well maintained. The walk scored 7.5, with recognition that the rider kept the horse connected and listening. The canter, at 7.3, was slightly affected by tension following the changes. Submission scored 7.5, reflecting a focused, obedient, and trainable horse. With a general impression of 7.9, Aber Fashion MI took the win with a final score of 77.4%.
Lizzie Wilson-Fellows rode the flashy chestnut gelding Hollands Bend Secrets Out, by Secret out of a Furst Heinrich mare. An early spook at the judges disrupted the start of the test, but the horse settled into the work as it progressed. The trot scored 7.8, although the judges felt more could have been asked in the extension. The walk, at 7.2, needed more activity and connection over the back. The canter showed quality, particularly in the medium work, scoring 8.0, though it lacked consistency left to right and some suppleness. Submission was 7.7, with positive comments about the horse’s future ability to collect. The perspective mark was 7.8, for a total of 77% for second place.
Lilah Nieuwland’s chestnut gelding CP Noah (MSJ Nemo x Questing R) — bred by Emma Bishop — received 7.6 for trot, 7.2 for walk, 7.5s for canter, submission, and perspective to finish on a score of 74.6% for third place.
Dolce Vita H, by Delatio, was bred by Alexis Hellyer and ridden by Lexy Stansfield. The mare showed elegant work but appeared a little green in the changes. The stallion Delatio brings strong De Niro bloodlines, and the quality was evident throughout the test. The trot scored 7.7, the walk 7.2, and the canter 7.8. However, the horse needed to show more bravery in the transitions between lengthening and shortening, and more collection is expected at this level. Submission scored 7.1 due to a little lack of straightness and suppleness. The judges felt he is a good horse but needs greater confidence and strength behind to carry more — resulting in a 7.4 for general impression and a total of 74.4% for fourth place.
Glenhill Totil Star, the black gelding by Totalis and out of a Negro mare, ridden by Riley Alexander and bred by Christan Trainor from Glenhill Sport Horses, again highlighted the strength of Australian breeding. The judges noted that this stage of training is particularly difficult, and tension was evident in the test, especially in the flying changes. The trot scored 8.0, showing good suppleness. The judges felt the walk, at 7.0, was resembling a long rein walk rather than a true extended walk, with a lack of connection into the bridle — a comment repeated across several other combinations. The canter scored 7.8, while submission dropped to 6.7 due to issues in the changes. Despite this, the judges felt the horse is on the right path for a strong future, awarding 7.6 for general impression and a total of 74.2% for fifth place.
Brighton, ridden by Lindsey Ware, showed moments of quality but also resistance and inconsistency in the contact. The changes were not quite correct, and the horse was not consistently through to the bridle, which limited the potential for higher marks. The judges awarded 7.8 for trot, 7.5 for walk, and 7.0 for the canter. Submission was also 7.0, and general impression 7.3, for a total of 73.2% for sixth place. It was noted that this is a young horse still developing the strength and ability required for the full demands of the test.
Chestnut gelding Fletcher VDS (Fhilosopher x Don Frederico) owned by Skye McKenzie and Antony Bartlett, and ridden by Anthony, scored 7.4 for trot, 6.9 for walk, 7.0 for trot, 6.5 for submission, and 7.2 for perspective for a total of 70% and seventh place in this quality final.
Willinga Park Senzation (Sezuan x Equitaris), ridden by Mary Warren, showed a consistent and improving performance across both days. This horse is beginning to come into his own with maturity and displays a strong work ethic. The judges commented positively on the improvement in breeding quality overall at this level. The trot scored 6.5, with the feeling that the rider was helping a little too much. The walk showed good stretch for 7.0, and the canter scored 7.0 but lacked uphill carrying capacity in the lengthening. Submission was 6.8, with the judges noting that increased strength and balance will improve the changes. The overall impression was that this horse will develop well with time and confidence; 68.6% for eighth place.
Overall, this class provided a fascinating insight into the development of six-year-olds, highlighting both the increasing quality of breeding and the challenges of producing horses at this level, particularly in the areas of collection, balance, and flying changes.
Young Dressage Horse Champion of Champions: A showcase of future greatness
What a remarkable culmination to an outstanding Dressage and Jumping with the Stars, proudly sponsored by P.S.I.
The Young Dressage Horse Champion of Champions brought together the four-, five-, six-, and seven-year-old champions in an exceptional showcase of emerging talent and future Grand Prix prospects.
There is no question that every horse rose to the occasion. The standard was exceptional, and the riding — quite simply —s uperlative. Among an already elite field, the seven-year-old stallion Osaka P, ridden by Jess Dertell, delivered a standout performance.
A horse renowned for his canter, Osaka P once again demonstrated an uphill, ground-covering stride, but it was the improvement in the trot work that truly caught the eye — arguably the best seen from this horse to date.
The test was presented with confidence and polish, including clean tempi changes, balanced half passes, developing pirouettes, and expressive walk work. To the best of his ability, Osaka P showed everything.
With no guest rider, the final took on a unique format under the direction of Insa Hansen. Her guidance was clear, precise, and purposeful. Simple transitions such as walk–trot and trot–walk demonstrated true clarity of training. Riders were given time to prepare, allowing harmony and correctness to shine.
“At the heart of great dressage is simplicity — and enjoyment,” said Hansen.
The six-year-old Aber Fashion MI, owned by the Farrell family of Mulawa Stud and ridden by John Thompson, was a credit to breeding and production. Ridden with empathy, the horse showed clarity in transitions, balance, and ease. The partnership was harmonious and confident.
Glenhill Quatessence, ridden by Riley Alexander, showed clear improvement. The work became softer, more rhythmical, and fluent, reflecting excellent coaching and feel.
The four-year-old Stryker K, by Secret out of a Carbine mare and bred by Nirrelle Somerville, entered the arena as a favourite. Initially fresh, he quickly settled for owner and rider Karen Blythe, showing generosity, honesty, and a superb temperament. The mutual respect between horse and rider was evident, creating a delightful picture. To the delight of the crowd, Stryker K was crowned the 2026 P.S.I. Young Dressage Horse Champion of Champions.
“A wonderful horse with a great future in the sport,” declared Hansen.
2026 Dressage and Jumping with the Stars showcased outstanding facilities, camaraderie, and friendliness. Riders and connections praised the welcoming atmosphere and organisation. Thanks to Performance Sales International (P.S.I.) and Insa Hansen for their contribution, and congratulations to all competitors.
Most importantly, congratulations to Stryker K — a deserving champion with a bright future ahead.
Saturday results
CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle: Jayden Brown and Quincy B, 76.990% (full report to come)
CDI-J Junior Individual Test: Millicent Fletcher and Amsterdam, 70.049%
CDI-Ch Children Team Test: Jude May and Flowervale Bollinger, 70.775%
CDI-P Pony Team Test: Amelia Maree and Noble Dancer, 68.476%
