Dressage

Jessica Dertell looks to the future

Australian dressage rider Jessica Dertell’s year is off to a flying start. A month in, and the 20-year-old has had some exciting results with her young team of horses.

Equestrian Life

Published 5 Feb 2025

Jess began her competition year in the dressage arena at the 2025 LuxeHorse Victorian Youth Dressage Championships, where she won the Medium Tour Championship with 10-year-old KWPN stallion Kilimanjaro, was crowned both Medium and Advanced Champion with Daminia LP, and was the Preliminary Champion and Reserve Novice Champion with Regal Floris Dance. Jess was also Reserve Preliminary Champion and third overall in the Novice Championship with Orochata. Not a bad weekend at the office!

Jessica Dertell was the Preliminary Champion and Reserve Novice Champion with Regal Floris Dance. Image by One Eyed Frog Photography.

“I have been blessed with a group of new horses in our stable, from multiple clients, since my arrival home from my European campaign, varying from young horses to horses stepping into FEI level,” says Jess of her up-and-coming team.

With Kilimanjaro competing successfully at Medium Tour, Jess is now looking forward to a Big Tour start soon. “Kilimanjaro is currently going from strength to strength and is daily proving how trainable and talented he is. Although still young, he is showing great potential in all the Grand Prix work, and I aim to have his first Grand Prix start in the near future.”

Jessica Dertell and Kilimanjaro won the FEI Medium Tour Championship at the 2025 Victorian Youth Dressage Championships. Image by One Eyed Frog Photography.

Jess reveals that there will soon be another horse in the stable – although we may have to wait a little longer to find out who it is. “I have some exciting news on another new dancing partner that I will share in the near future. We are very excited to see where this partnership takes us,” she explains.

Jessica Dertell and young horse Orochata. Image by One Eyed Frog Photography.

Beyond Paris

Last year, Jess was right in the mix for selection on the Australian team for the Paris Olympics, ultimately falling just short. At 20 years of age, it was an incredible effort – and the Australian dressage community is no doubt looking forward to seeing what this talented young rider can achieve as the 2026 FEI World Championships and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach.

Jessica Dertell and Cennin competing at Olomouc CDI in the Czech Republic, as part of their Paris Olympic campaign. Image by Equine Sport Center Olomouc.

“I learnt a great deal on my campaign in Europe and was blessed to compete and train alongside many of the best in the world,” reflects Jess. “My goals are definitely working towards future teams, and I think the next few years is going to be very exciting for Australian dressage as a whole with new horses and new talent coming through.”

Jess explains that several of the horses she was competing last year – including her Paris campaign partner Cennin – are no longer in her stable. “Syriana, Zanzibar and Eskara De Jeu all have returned to Sabble Farm’s property,” she explains. “Sabble have a rider there who is competing Syriana, Zanzibar is now a schoolmaster at their farm, and Eskara De Jeu has a foal at foot at the moment!”

It was decided that for Cennin, it was in the 18-year-old stallion’s best interests to remain in Europe rather than undergo the arduous travel and quarantine process involved in returning to Australia. He has remained in Europe to be sold and is currently showing another young rider the ropes.

“I was blessed to ride Sabble Farm’s team of horses to so much success over the past six years,” reflects Jess. “I am so grateful for the amazing opportunities that I received.”

Jessica Dertell and Kilimanjaro. Image by One Eyed Frog Photography.

Future contender

Jess views Kilimanjaro as a possible contender for future championship teams. “I definitely feel Kilimanjaro has what it takes to be a contender for future teams, and he has what it takes to be a top sport horse. I am loving the journey of having brought him through since a young horse when we purchased him as a rising five-year-old, and the talent and trainability he shows me daily makes it so much fun.

“Not only is he a future contender for teams, he is also a wonderful horse to have around and loves his work. Many people don’t realise he is a breeding stallion, as he is just so laid back.”

And if Jess isn’t busy enough in the dressage arena, this week she and the Future Farm team are off to Willinga Park for The International Championships and Emirates Arabian Horse Global Cup (31 January to 2 February). In February, it will then be the dressage team’s turn to descend on Bawley Point for Willinga Park’s Dressage by the Sea (20-23 February). Exciting times ahead!