Stryker K claims Four-Year-Old Young Dressage Horse crown
There was outstanding depth in the Final Round of the P.S.I. 4YO Young Dressage Horse division, supported by 4CYTE, with 37 horses presented before an international panel of judges. What became clear early was that while many horses showed good basic training and correctness, the real separation came from those who demonstrated true self-carriage, natural swing, and a willingness to go forward without restriction.
The winner, Stryker K, by Secret out of a Carbine mare and bred by Nirrelle Somerville, stood out for his self-carriage and adjustability. This was a horse that remained consistently balanced through transitions, showing correct training and an ability to maintain his own posture without support from the rider. All three paces were of high quality, but what set this horse apart was the attitude and trainability — a willingness to work, combined with a natural elasticity and freedom. Owner and rider Karen Blythe, highly experienced in young horse competition, presented the horse beautifully, allowing the qualities to speak for themselves. The score of 87% reflected a performance that was both correct and forward-thinking, marking him as a very exciting prospect for the future.
The black gelding BWS Nero, by Secret out of a Jazz mare, was a confident and well-presented horse with Jamie Mita in the saddle. A strong, well-balanced type, this horse showed good training and straightness, particularly in the trot where he was rewarded with an 8.2. The walk maintained a clear and consistent rhythm, while the canter, although correct, lacked a little purpose at times. Submission was a strong point, scoring an 8, and the overall impression was of a horse that is correctly started and well produced. Again, the feeling was that there could be more expression and forward desire, which would elevate the performance further. They scored 79.6% for second place.
The stallion Verstappen DS, by Vitalis out of an Ampère mare, showed strength and quality throughout with Robbie McKinnon riding. A horse with clear natural ability, he demonstrated good basic paces and the beginnings of collection. There is plenty to like in this horse, particularly his strength and presence, but like many in the class, there is still development required in terms of throughness and relaxation to allow the work to become more elastic. A deserved third place on 79.2%, with clear potential for the future.
Glenhill Ilyas, the striking black gelding by Asgard’s Ibiza out of a Fürst Heinrich mare — and with Riley Alexander in the saddle — presented as a modern, powerful type. This horse found it easy to get off the ground and showed expansive, expressive paces with a natural presence. There is a real feeling of power here, combined with a good ability to carry himself. At times, however, the balance could just be a touch more supple to allow the movement to flow more freely. Well ridden by Riley Alexander, this was a confident and polished test, ultimately rewarded with 75% and fifth place.
The first horse into the arena, SF Everest — by Kilimanjaro from a Jazz mare — with rider Jade Wilkinson, set the tone for the class. A chestnut gelding who covered the ground easily in the trot with elastic, regular steps and a very good attitude through the bridle. The walk was a highlight — ground covering with genuine swing, clearly using the whole body rather than just the limbs. The canter was clear and correct for a four-year-old, although it could show a little more uphill tendency. This was a harmonious and easy performance, appreciated by the judges for its rhythm and overall picture, scoring 74.4% for sixth place. The main comment was that, while correct, the horse needed to be more in front of the leg.
Across the class, a clear theme emerged. There were many well-trained horses showing correct basics, but the judges were consistently looking for horses that were more forward-thinking and truly in front of the leg.
The difference at the top came down to self-carriage, natural swing and elasticity, and the ability to maintain energy without restriction. With such a large and competitive field, this class provided a very encouraging picture of the future of Australian dressage. The quality coming through the young horse ranks suggests a strong pipeline towards Grand Prix in the years ahead.
Osaka P claims Seven-Year-Old Young Dressage Horse Championship
There were only a few combinations to front the judges in the Final Round of the P.S.I. Young Dressage Horse class (supported by Leader Equine), but they were very good ones, reflecting genuine quality at this level.
The first horse, Osaka P, by Escolar out of a Florencio mare, is an imported horse of obvious quality. He showed an outstanding canter — super uphill with excellent ground cover. The flying changes were all present, although at times a little hurried. Interestingly, the judges felt the trot work was stronger than the canter on this occasion. Scores reflected a solid performance, with 7.6 for submission and an encouraging 8.4 for future potential. The overall impression was of a horse well on the way as a future Grand Prix prospect, finishing on 72.714% from the C judge and 79.6% from the B judges for a total of 76.157%.
Given the overall depth of quality at this event, the judges were understandably looking for that extra level of expression and confidence. They were very positive about this horse’s softness and elasticity but would like to see him more confidently in front of the leg. As an imported horse relatively new to this level, he is understandably still developing within the seven-year-old division.
Runner-up was the beautiful mare Franka MI, by Franklin out of a Uno Don Diego mare, owned by the Farrell family and ridden by John Thompson. A very elegant mare, she showed plenty of cadence in the trot with expressive, clean flying changes. The trot was rewarded with an impressive 8.5, alongside a strong display of lateral work. As noted consistently by the judges throughout the class, the walk remains an area of concern across many horses, particularly in maintaining connection to the contact, and this was reflected here with a 7.0. The canter, however, scored 8.2, showing good adjustability and lift. Submission was marked at 8.0 and perspective at 8.4. The test scored 68.8% from C but an impressive 80.2% from the B judges, resulting in an overall 74.529% and second place.
Mary Warren presented Mindarah Park Rupert, a homebred gelding by her Grand Prix horse Mindarah Park Ramadan, out of a Promise R mare. This elegant, leggy gelding was, as always, beautifully ridden by Mary, who is known for her positive and forward riding style. The walk scored 7.4 but needed to show more throughness over the back. The canter began strongly and uphill but lost some quality as the test progressed, finishing on 7.6. The submission showed some lack of collection and scored 7.8, with overall marks of 67.571% from C and 76.8% from the side judges, averaging 72.186% for third place.
Another elegant modern type, Emillio — by Escamillo out of a De Niro mare — presented as a very eye-catching horse. The trot and walk scored 8.0, both showing good quality. However, the pirouettes and changes were still a little green. All the changes were achieved but not yet fully secure, which is expected at this stage. The canter received 7.5, submission 7.3, and perspective 7.9, indicating a horse with a very promising future. Scores ranged from 64.857% from the C judge to 77.40% from the side judges, averaging 71.129% for fourth place.
The final horse in this very good seven-year-old class was BC Memphis, originally bred and started by Katina Smith of Bangalow Creek Warmbloods, now owned by Vicki Newham and wonderfully ridden by Sally Rizzuto. By Morricone out of a Sandro Hit mare, this horse made a very positive impression early in the test, showing a light-footed, supple trot for 8.0. The walk was also strong, scoring 8.0, and the canter maintained that quality with another 8.0, demonstrating good adjustability and balance.
However, several mistakes in the canter work, particularly in the pirouettes, proved costly. The submission score dropped to 6.4 due to these errors, although the overall perspective remained positive at 7.7. Despite the mistakes, the horse still achieved 65.714% from C and 76.2% from the side judges, averaging 70.957% for fifth place.
Overall, the seven-year-old class was a strong one. Often at this level there can be a significant spread in both quality and training, but these horses presented a cohesive and promising group. While some combinations are still developing confidence and consistency in the more demanding movements, there is no shortage of quality. The future looks bright, with several of these horses appearing well on track toward Grand Prix.
Jayden Brown and Quincy B dominate CDI3* Grand Prix
The Grand Prix was held in beautiful conditions, with blue skies and temperatures in the mid-20s, providing an ideal setting for top-level competition.
There was little doubt as to the eventual winner, with WillingaPark Quincy B, ridden by Jayden Brown, taking the class with a score of 73.044%. This combination exudes confidence, making the work appear effortless, easy, and enjoyable throughout. The canter work, including the zig-zag, extended canter, and tempi changes, was a highlight, all flowing seamlessly from one movement to the next.
There were minor areas for improvement, with moments of lack of balance in the piaffe and passage, and the transitions in and out still developing. However, these did not significantly impact the overall impression. Jayden, characteristically composed in his success, was nevertheless thoroughly deserving of the win, particularly following his three years training in Europe with Carl Hester, supported by Terry and Ginette Snow of Willinga Park.
The harmony, frame, and ease of contact in this combination remain a standout feature, contributing to a well-earned victory.
In second place was Mary Hanna riding Ivanhoe, producing a relatively mistake-free test. Aside from a small glitch in the zig-zag canter, the test was even, consistent, and harmonious throughout, making it a delightful performance to watch. The score of 69.196% reflected a solid test, although one might argue the gap to first place could have been slightly closer.
Third place went to John Thompson on MSJ Gatsby, delivering what many considered one of the most fluent Grand Prix tests of his career to date. The piaffe and passage were expressive and regular, with well-managed transitions. There was perhaps a slight tendency to push in the extended trot, but overall the test showed clarity in tempo and rhythm. Scoring 67.544%, this combination continues to improve, showing increasing fluency and harmony, with John riding with notable accuracy and technical precision.
Close behind on 67.326% was Scarlatti Mio VSR, ridden by Emma Flavelle-Watts. This elegant black horse, presented in a double bridle, showed expressive trot work and considerable presence. However, several mistakes and a lack of consistency in the contact and transitions in and out of piaffe and passage affected the overall score. Despite this, it was a performance of clear quality and potential.
Also worthy of mention was Bluefields Denoir from South Australia. This compact brown horse demonstrated many of the qualities required for a strong Grand Prix test. Although the marks were perhaps on the conservative side, the test was balanced, flowing, and easy to watch. Fiona Guthrie-Smith continues to produce Grand Prix horses in impressive numbers, and her dedication and skill were evident once again in this performance.
Overall, this was a strong and competitive Grand Prix class, showcasing a group of horses and riders producing harmonious and technically proficient performances at the highest level.
Glenhill Quatessence wins the first round of the 5YO Young Dressage Horse class
The first round of the P.S.I. 5YO Young Dressage Horse class, supported by 4CYTE, saw another wonderful day here at Werribee with 20 entries. The surface in the indoor arena was excellent—very even and giving every horse a genuine chance. The top group of five-year-olds, in particular, were able to really spring off the ground with no problems at all.
The winner of the class was last year’s Reserve Champion, Glenhill Quatessence, again ridden by Riley Alexander. Owned by Karma Wilson from the Central Coast in New South Wales and trained and ridden by Riley, this horse is by Quaterhit out of a Don Schufro mare and bred by Glenhill Sport Horses. He was reserve champion in the four-year-old class here last year, and a score of 77.8% saw him take a narrow lead here today. This handsome, solid, powerful, chestnut horse showed a great willingness to work. The judges admired his self-carriage and purpose.
In second place was the very well-presented little chestnut gelding, Stirling Secret Admirer, by Secret out of a Desperados FRH mare, ridden by Jayden Brown. A small and compact chestnut, he showed an elegant trot with great freedom through the shoulder and a very lovely frame. The judges commented that the test perhaps felt a little too controlled, and they would have liked to see a little more natural swing and suppleness. Even so, it was a very correct test and beautifully presented by Jayden, as one has come to expect. A score of 76.6%.
In third place was Springside Serrano, by Stedinger out of a Versace mare, ridden and owned by Natasha Moody and bred by Springside Warmbloods. This horse scored 76%.
Glenyering Zenzonic was one horse the judges particularly liked, but unfortunately he became a little tense and made several mistakes. The judges explained that it was such a shame, because he was clearly capable of earning much bigger marks. Glenyering Zenzonic is by the Zonik stallion Zenzon, out of a Rosario mare, and ridden by Megan Joyce. He showed a very expressive front leg, balance and push in the trot, as well as a big, scopey canter. Unfortunately, a few mistakes caused by tension and greenness in the arena spoiled the marks. Even so, the judges were very positive about this horse, and he still finished seventh overall, well inside the top 10. Going into Saturday’s final, he may be one to watch.
The judges made specific comments about the adjustability being shown in this class, with some horses already beginning to show a degree of collection, which is encouraging at this five-year-old level. There were some truly wonderful horses in the top group, and it will be very interesting to see them again tomorrow in the final, where they will each perform an individual test.
Aber Fashion MI impresses in the first round of the P.S.I. 6YO Young Dressage Horse
A quality group of horses, particularly amongst the top combinations, made this a very interesting class to watch. For many, this was their first time in the arena at this competition, and it was clear that the individual test to follow will likely bring out even more from a number of these horses as they settle and gain confidence in the environment.
The overall impression was of a group stepping up in both training and expectation. At six-year-old level, the judges are looking for clear progression towards collection, adjustability and the early signs of self-carriage that will ultimately be required for Grand Prix, and many in this field showed they are well on that pathway.
The winner, Aber Fashion MI (Aber Hallo 29 x Florestan 1) for John Thompson, was quite outstanding — a real quality mare with great potential. This was a performance that stood out not only for the correctness of the training but also for the natural ability of the horse. There was an ease to the work, with the movements appearing to flow effortlessly from one to the next, giving a strong impression of harmony and rideability.
This combination presented a polished and confident test, with a clear understanding of the requirements at this level. The horse showed a well-balanced frame throughout, with an uphill tendency that allowed for expressive and elastic work, particularly in the trot.
The trot work was a highlight, showing good cadence and freedom through the shoulder while maintaining a consistent rhythm. There was a pleasing connection from behind into a soft, steady contact, giving the overall impression of a horse that is both trainable and correctly produced.
The canter work was equally impressive, with good ground cover and balance. The transitions were generally fluent, although, as expected at this stage, there is still some development to come in the transitions in and out of collection to show greater engagement and sitting ability.
The judges appreciated the overall picture of correctness and training, noting that this is a horse very much on the right trajectory. With further strength and confidence, particularly in the more collected work, this combination looks to have a very exciting future. A score of 78.2%.
Young Dressage Pony Champions crowned
Freeman’s Lodge Global crowned Champion 6YO Young Dressage Pony
Toni Webb and Freeman’s Lodge Global (Numerus Clauses x Dreidmensional) – the 2025 DJWTS Young Dressage Pony Champion of Champions – claimed top honours once again in today’s Final Round with a polished performance, earning a winning collective mark of 79.4%. The combination impressed across all paces, with particularly strong trot and walk scores of 8.0. Tamara Campain finished second aboard Belmore Park Queen of Hearts (Belmore Park Perfect Timing x Grand Flaneur) on 73.6%, while Leisha Salter rounded out the podium with Brookside Neo(Numerus Clauses x Dracmoore Firestorm), scoring 69.8%.
JKE Arlington named Champion 5YO Young Dressage Pony
Amelia McDougall and JKE Arlington (Coltura x Jackets Bluebird) took the win in today’s Final Round with a solid and consistent performance, posting a collective mark of 69.8%, with even scores across all paces. Charlie Germein finished second aboard LR Legacy (Rainbow Dancer x Watkins) on 66.4%.
Dynamik Galatea named Champion 4YO Young Dressage Pony
Taleisha Snell and Dynamik Galatea (Golden West NRW x FS Dont Worry) led today’s Final Round with a confident and consistent test to score 78.2%, highlighted by strong marks of 8.0 for both trot and general impression. Nicole McOwn secured second place aboard Mellizo Park Selene (Westbury Spitfire x 00 Seven) on 67.6%, narrowly ahead of yesterday’s round one winners Madison Allan and Karizmah Spot The Dot (Charlie Sheen x Hesselteichs Blue Angel), who finished third with 67.2%.
CDI-Ch Children Preliminary Test B (supported by Aberdeen Farm): Jude May and Flowervale Bollinger, 73.215%
CDI-P Pony Preliminary Test (supported by The Dancing Horse): Amelia Maree and Noble Dancer, 65.37%
CDI-J Junior Team Test (supported by Bramleigh Estate & QA Electrical): Millicent Fletcher and Amsterdam, 70.455%
Intermediate I Freestyle (sponsored by Audrey Riordan): Robbie McKinnon and QS Sierra, 76.205%
