Shane Rose’s precision and legendary stamina were put to the test over the weekend across the levels at Canberra International Horse Trials (20-22 March), taking a fantastic win in the Asset Construction Hire CCI4*S with just a few cross country time penalties added to his dressage score for a total of 37.5. Holey Moses looked secure and confident under the master Olympian.
Runner up Hannah Klep, the local young gun, was spectacular on her two rides. She held on to her second place after dressage riding Tulara Chicouve (56.7) and moved up to fourth after a great run cross country on her less experienced Kenlock Sandro Sky. Hannah had the unenviable job of being class trailblazer and was the first rider to start on Grant Johnston’s newly designed full-strength CCI4*S track. Hannah made the first water complex look easy. It proved to be far from that; the next three riders fell foul of either the drop in or the skinny on the mound. Zachary Thorne, riding Wu Gok, made a great recovery at the skinny on the mound to place third.
Time in both jumping phases proved hard to get in the CCI4*S; no rider made the time in either phase. The cross country is notoriously twisty, and Grant Johnston’s tracks also took full advantage of the changes in terrain.
Aran Ghafouri’s superb show jumping tracks were built for a forward ride, but the turns and slightly undulating ground made it tough to get inside the time in the higher the levels.
CCI3*S win for Niki Rose and Dreamrush
Niki Rose riding the beautiful Dreamrush won the Wallaby Hill CCI3*S, moving up from her second place after dressage to finish on 32.7. The overnight leader, Judy Clarke, looked brilliant until a misunderstanding on the hill saw her step off the wonderful Oaks Quasimodo.
Sam Woods moved up to second riding Eliva Barnaby after a blistering cross country round. The talented Charlotte Lalak moved up from fifth to third riding Along Comes Lucky, and Shane Rose took fourth riding the lovely Cooley All Over – who had won the CCI2*S the previous year with wife Niki. Shane’s colours were a constant in the CCI3*S: he completed the track on four different horses, riding a total of over 13km and jumping 128 efforts, just while on the CCI3*S course!
CCI2*L debut class
The event ran its first long format CCI2*L as well as the CCI2*S, with both classes sponsored by Completely Equine. The CCI2*L was won by Courtney Harris riding Davinci (41), and the runner up was Sandi Frolich riding Weemala Mighty Mo. The longer cross country track rode very well.
The CCI2*S was won by Charlotte Lalak riding Fairbanks Casino, holding onto her overnight lead and finishing on her dressage score (30.1). Charlotte also took home the Ben Smith Memorial Trophy.
Georgina Mutton riding Billagall Foxtrot moved up to second (39.9) from sixth after the dressage. Kate Burnheim riding Go Kaiser finished third (41.5).
National level classes
The Abbey Animal Health CCN1*S was won by the fabulous Molly Corbett riding Ailes Rouge (26.6), who led from start to finish, only adding 1.6 cross country time penalties to her final score. Shane Rose riding Lady Danbury (30.6) moved up from fifth to second after going clear and under time in both jumping phases, as did third placegetter – Alexandra Wolters riding Solera (33.9). The highest place junior Talisha Donnelly riding Dom Perignon was thrilled to have won the Wallaroo equestrian award.
The Horseland Canberra EVA95 Section A was won by Hannah Klep riding a wonderful and enthusiastic Connemara cross named Asham Shogun. They finished on their dressage score of 30.5. The Perk’d Up EvA95 Section B was won by Lexie Klein riding Metal Guru (28.4).
There were huge numbers in the EvA80 classes, which included five sections. The Interpath 4CYTE Section A was won by Amelie Morelli aboard Carpatair finishing on her dressage score of 27.8. The Thoroughbred Park Section B was won by Sandy Lucas riding Point Farm Heidi on a fantastic dressage score of 21.7. The Funky Brew Junior division was won by Abby Simmons riding Clancy’s Lad, finishing on her dressage score of 27.8. The Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Section C saw Niki Rose riding La Vendi take the win on 28.9, and the Johnsons Natural Formula Section D was won by Melissa Yee riding Gallipoli NZPH on 22.5.
The EvA65 saw three full sections. The Kohnke’s Own Section A winner was Kim Leibowitz riding Canterbury French Lace, finishing on her dressage score of 25.9. The Assistance Dogs Australia Section B was won by Ellie Peden and Little Rav on 27.2. the Nearside Equine Junior division was won by Emily Hanley riding Twilight Finnigan HR, finishing on her dressage score of 30.
View the results from the 2026 Canberra International Horse Trials here.
Special anniversary
The event marked a special anniversary in that it was 30 years since the inaugural Ord Minnett Horse Trials were held at the park, where a young Shane Rose dominated. He won the Advanced section because of his astonishing cross country round, where he was clear and under time riding Dudley Serious – still his trademark!
The event has grown into one of the most popular for elite and emerging riders. Three Olympians were riding at this year’s event: Shane Rose, Shenae Lowings and Stuart Tinney. Both Shane and Stuart rode at the 1996 event, alongside defector Boyd martin, who was a junior at that event. Local riders Nat Blundell and Susie Jahnel, as well as Sally Jones, shared the same honour of all riding in the 1996 event and the 2026 event.
Just as remarkable are volunteers Merry Branson and Grant Johnston. Merry was cross country course control at the 1996 event and this event. Grant was the course designer in 1996 and 2026. Their outstanding generosity and passion for the sport, of which they have given so much to over the decades, is an inspiration to the next generation.
The event organiser Kate Mackenzie, her amazing committee, together with Grant Johnston and so many volunteers, were all thrilled to have been able to deliver this world-class event – especially having had the most torrid six weeks fixing up the flood damaged grounds and cross country course. Without the volunteers, sponsors, and willing hands, this event would not have happened. Many of the competitors and their teams recognised the huge effort that was made for their benefit by helping throughout the event and offering a big thanks afterwards.
Congratulations to the winners and all those who completed, and to the committee for everything that you do!
