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A new home for Chemistry as Kate Kyros bids farewell to ‘the sweetest stallion’

Australian dressage rider Kate Kyros has farewelled Grand Prix partner Chemistry, with the accomplished KWPN stallion sold to Europe after a career highlighted by international success and emotional milestones together.

Kate Kyros and Chemistry, pictured here at Olomouc CDI in the Czech Republic, 2024. Image by Wiktoria Rożnowska.

Equestrian Life

Published 14 Jan 2026

Australian dressage rider Kate Kyros has made the difficult decision to sell her Grand Prix partner Chemistry, with the 14-year-old KWPN stallion finding a new home in Europe.

“Thank you, Chemistry, for changing my life,” said Kate. “To the sweetest stallion that has ever lived, thank you for giving me your heart and taking me on the ride of a lifetime.”

By Connaisseur out of Cendea, by Glock’s Johnson TN, Chemistry was bred in the Netherlands before being imported to New Zealand in 2016 as a four-year-old by John Thompson and Holly Leach.

John Thompson and Chemistry competing at Boneo Park in 2020. Image by Simon Scully Photography.

Chemistry spent his early career with John, who trained the horse through to Grand Prix. After moving to Australia, the pair debuted at international Grand Prix (CDI) level in 2020 and went on to represent New Zealand at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark.

Kate Kryos and Chemistry on their way to a hat-trick of CDI3* wins at Brisbane CDI in 2024. Image by Derek O’Leary.

Heather Kyros purchased the stallion in 2021, with daughter Kate taking over the ride after the World Championships. Together, Kate and Chemistry made their CDI-U25 Big Tour debut in 2023 and have since amassed an incredible 18 CDI class wins across three continents — Australia, North America and Europe.

Kate Kyros and Chemistry competing in Wellington, Florida in 2024. Image by Susan J Stickle Photography.

Kate enjoyed numerous highlights with the stallion, including winning an FEI Nations Cup gold medal in Wellington, Florida in 2024; competing at CDI3* and CDI-W level, including a hat-trick of CDI3* wins at the 2024 Brisbane CDI; and reaching as high as No. 4 in the FEI Dressage World Youth Ranking – U25.

Returning to Europe last year, the combination competed at Deauville in France — a competition that would mark their final CDI together.

“This was the hardest goodbye I have ever said but it is heartwarming to see you so loved in your new home,” said Kate, who confirmed the stallion has been sold in Europe.

“I am the luckiest girl in the world to have had this journey with you – I will love you always.”