Saturday at the Australian Dressage Championships brought far more pleasant weather, with temperatures in the low to mid-20s and a welcome touch of sunshine – perfect conditions for the freestyles.
Matthew Lord wins Advanced Freestyle
The first title of the day, the Advanced Freestyle, went to Matthew Lord riding Denira, continuing his successful run at these Championships with a winning score of 72.325%. In a close second, Serena Ireland on Tjibbe B scored 72.267%, just a whisker behind, while Jordan Smith on Penny Hill Park Francesca claimed third on 70.625%.
It was notable that the scores clustered tightly around the 70% mark, with the top seven combinations all between 68% and 72%. The placings were by no means unanimous – unsurprising in freestyles, where artistic interpretation plays a key role. Music choice and choreography heavily influence the overall impression and often reflect each judge’s personal taste. The current trend toward heavier, beat-driven music sometimes detracts from the artistic subtlety, yet the performances were full of flair and individuality. All in all, it was an engaging class and another excellent result for Matthew Lord, who continues to be ‘hot to trot’ this season.
CDI Under 25 Grand Prix goes to Jess Dertell
The CDI-U25 Grand Prix was won by Jessica Dertell riding the impressive chestnut stallion Kilimanjaro, who produced an absolutely fabulous performance – right up until the final centreline. The pair were trending on 68% before a spook (amongst other springtime stallion antics!) approaching X resulted in a sudden pirouette and loss of marks, bringing their score down to 62.923%, though still enough to secure the win ahead of Tahlia Coleiro on Hercules MI in second.
It was an unfortunate ending for such a quality horse, but confidence takes time to build. After Friday’s experience in the CDI arena – where judges and officials were moving about during a clinic – Kilimanjaro was understandably hesitant about that same end of the arena. Jessica did an excellent job regaining his focus, though the miscommunication led to one-time changes instead of passage down the centreline. This combination clearly has international potential; with growing consistency and confidence, there’s no doubt they’ll soon be a real force on the international stage.
Quality in the Elementary
As always at the National Championships, the Elementary classes were full of interest, showcasing both top Novice combinations and horses already stepping confidently into Medium level. From Victoria, Jessica Dertell continued her successful run, winning the Wade Equine Elementary 3.2 test on the elegant stallion Osaka P with a superb 72.625%. In second place was David McKinnon on Ellenbrae Tia Vieda with 70.292%, and in third Rodney Martin riding Emilio on 69.917%. Also worthy of mention was Heather Currie and the beautiful Fürst Elegance, scoring 69.417%. It was a close and high-quality class with four outstanding horses and a good solid group following in the wings. Perhaps a few more marks would not have gone astray in such a competitive field.
Osaka P, the imported stallion, impressed with an exceptional canter – elastic, engaged, and uphill – combined with a solid, ground-covering trot and an elastic, swinging walk. Notably, a nine was awarded for his medium canter, a reflection of his expressive athleticism and power. His 72% was well deserved.
David McKinnon’s mount showed quality trot work, though the canter was slightly tight and upright in the neck, not quite over the back enough for higher marks. Emilio, beautifully presented by Rodney Martin, displayed an elegant, uphill trot and smooth simple changes; one judge had the pair first, while others placed them sixth and seventh – again reflecting the subjective nature of the class. Heather Currie’s Fürst Elegance, a loose, elastic imported bay in self-carriage, was stylishly ridden and beautifully presented. Overall, it was a super Elementary field of both horses and riders.
The Elementary 3.3, sponsored by Wade Equine, brought another win for Jessica Dertell and Osaka P, this time with a unanimous first placing and a total of 72.886%. Heather Currie and Fürst Elegance took second on 68.537%, David McKinnon and Tia Vieda were third on 67.764%, and Rodney Martin and Emilio were fourth with 67.033%. Once again, the marks were close, and it would have been encouraging to see a broader spread from the judges to better differentiate the performances. Still, it was a class of excellent horses and empathetic riding; a real pleasure to watch.
Jessica Dertell and Osaka P were named the Elementary Champions ahead of David McKinnon and Tia Vieda.
The standard of riding and training through the Elementary ranks is clearly rising, and it’s exciting to see such quality combinations at this level – a true testament to the strength of Australian dressage development. However, what was bitterly disappointing was there were only 19 entered – in the past there has been 35 and a reserve list. A sign of the times and the sport.
Broadway De Luxe for Justin Worthy was named Pony Elementary Champion, while Gomez S for Danielle Keogh was the runner-up.
Hat-trick for Katina and Chilli in the Intermediate I Freestyle
It was a day of dominance for Katina Smith, who truly stamped her mark on the entire Small Tour division. Having already claimed victory in both the Prix St Georges and the Intermediate I, she completed a clean sweep by winning the Jarrett Arena Mirrors Intermediate I Freestyle with an impressive 72.260% aboard her expressive chestnut gelding BC Chili Pepper.
Chilli Pepper quite literally danced his way through the test with lightness and ease, the harmony between horse and rider evident in every movement. The combination shares a long partnership, and it shows in their mutual confidence and trust. The flying changes were fluid and well-timed, the lateral work in trot beautifully expressive, and with just a little more refinement in the canter pirouettes, the marks could climb even higher.
Without question, Chilli has been the standout up-and-coming horse of the show so far – three starts and three convincing wins. It’s been a long time in the making, but Katina’s patience, consistency, and dedication have truly paid off, and this partnership is now firmly at the top of their game.
In second place was Celeste Amezdroz on Sugarloaf Amnesty with 71.830%, while Celeste also took third riding SF Austin on 71.305%. Both Celeste’s horses make all the movements with Celeste quiet and gentle in her position. No mistakes and calculated riding. There is a little lack of flair here, but perhaps with better confidence this may come to the fore.
Justin Worthy and Maybelle Negroni were close behind on 71.085%. A solid and well-designed test with harmonious riding. It was another tightly contested class, with eleven horses packed between 67% and 72%, showing once again how evenly matched the field was.
Perhaps a touch more generosity from the judges in the technical marks for the strong work shown would have given greater separation in the scores and clearer placings. Nonetheless, it was a high-quality, engaging class. A special mention must go to Sophie Artup and Charlie Sheen 5, the sole pony combination, who finished ninth on a commendable 68.250%.
Close contest in the CDI Young Rider
The CDI-Y Individual Test saw a small but talented field of just five combinations facing the judges. The competition was exceedingly tight, with the winner scoring 65.323%, second place 65.0229%, and third 64.559% – an incredibly close spread that reflected the fine margins between these up-and-coming riders.
The ubiquitous 6.5 button seemed to be the judges’ favourite score of the day, with little variation across the panel and no unanimous agreement in the placings. The win went to Tia Rose McKenzie riding Phenomenon, receiving marks ranging from first to fourth, depending on the judge’s position. In second place, Emma Sanders on Quaterbella K also received a first from the centreline judge and a fourth elsewhere, while Felicity Sutherland and Estee took third with similarly varied rankings.
Such close scores underline the competitiveness of this level – these young riders are all tightly matched in both talent and presentation. The CDI-Y remains one of the most enjoyable and promising divisions to watch, showcasing the next generation of Australian dressage stars. Congratulations to Tia Rose McKenzie and Phenomenon on a well-earned victory.
Another win for Jayden in the CDN Grand Prix Freestyle
Jayden Brown left the rest of the field in his wake, riding Legendary to a commanding victory in the Leader Equine CDN Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 71.795%. This expressive horse continues to improve, showing ever greater power and confidence in his work. There were still a few minor contact moments, but overall, it was a beautifully expressive and ground-covering performance, with both trot and canter tours showing scope and elasticity. The freestyle was very well choreographed, flowing seamlessly from one movement to the next, and perfectly suited to Jayden’s polished, confident riding.
In second place was Catherine Chittenden with Neversfelde Springbok on 66.970%, just ahead of Lisel Dingley and Carousel Oasis, third on 66.910%, and Sharon Potter with Bradgate Park Armadeua, fourth on 66.320%. Once again, the familiar 6.5 button was the judges’ favourite, with marks clustered very tightly together. Apart from Jayden’s test – unanimously placed first by all judges – the rest of the placings showed small discrepancies, though that’s hardly surprising when the scores are so close.
It’s a reminder to all riders that accuracy, presentation, and precision are crucial at this level. Straight lines, balanced corners, and well-defined transitions can make all the difference between a 6.5 and a 7.5. Jayden’s winning test was a clear example of this – disciplined, accurate, and beautifully presented, demonstrating that Grand Prix success is as much about control and precision as it is about expression. A truly deserving win for Jayden Brown and Legendary.
Next-gen Grand Prix horses shine in Medium Tour Freestyle
The Medium Tour Freestyle once again saw Matthew Lord and the outstanding chestnut stallion Remi Vigneron steal the show with a score of 73.175%, completing a clean sweep of the class. This horse has gone from strength to strength throughout the Championships, and the freestyle only confirmed his quality and potential.
In the technical component, the pair received eights for the extended trot, eights for both the piaffe and the transitions in and out, and solid sevens for the passage – a clear indication that Remi Vigneron is well on track for a successful future at Grand Prix level. The partnership between horse and rider continues to mature beautifully, with Matthew’s tactful and consistent riding allowing the stallion’s natural ability to shine. It’s been an exceptional Championships for Matthew Lord, whose Queensland roots and dedication to producing horses through the levels are truly paying dividends. Congratulations also to Remi Stud on breeding yet another star for the future.
In second place, representing New South Wales, was Maddison Foster riding Revelwood Desmond, scoring 71.145%, followed by David McKinnon on Hollands Bend Rococo in third with 70.190%, and Susan Elekessy with her big chestnut Callum Park Damascus, fourth on 69.850%.
Once again, the win for Matthew and Remi Vigneron was unanimous across all judges, while the remaining placings showed some variation – unsurprising in such a quality and closely contested field.
The Medium Tour division has proven to be one of the strongest collections of Medium Tour horses ever seen at an Australian competition. These scores, consistently in the 70% range, show that the standard of work at this level is filtering upward and setting a strong foundation for future Grand Prix success in Australia.
CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle concludes day three of competition
As with his decisive win on Legendary in the CDN Grand Prix Freestyle, Jayden Brown once again proved unbeatable in the Equestrian NSW CDI-W (World Cup) Grand Prix Freestyle, this time with the ever-brilliant WillingaPark Quincy B. The pair produced an exuberant and expressive test, full of elasticity, scope, and polish, to claim victory on 74.135% – a unanimous win from all five judges.
The test was beautifully put together, blending control and power with Jayden’s trademark precision. There were still some deductions in the piaffe and passage work due to moments of balance loss, but the highlights were truly world-class: eights for the half-pass and extended trot, and an eight for the one-tempi changes. The technical content was very similar to the Grand Prix, but with far greater confidence and amplitude – a sign of a combination rising steadily to international standard.
In second place, Jayden’s second ride, the big black mare D’Esperanza, impressed with a score of 69.420%. Her piaffe was more secure, and the canter work particularly strong and rhythmic. A marked improvement, yet the scores as yet reflect that. This elegant mare continues to improve in self-carriage, contact, and balance, showing all the hallmarks of a future championship horse.
Jodie Dunstan and Hollands Bend Highlander (68.490%) took third, earning excellent marks in the passage and transitions, with this horse showing powerful engagement and a wonderfully uphill frame – a real machine in those pirouettes. In fourth was Caroline Wagner on Ibicus (68.110%), who presented a polished, harmonious, and beautifully sympathetic test, with only a few small mistakes interrupting an otherwise fluent performance. Fifth went to Mary Hanna riding CJP Sir Dragonfire, scoring 67.840%. Despite a few errors, this horse – still green at the level – showed glimpses of future brilliance, even receiving 69.4% from one judge and 65.6% from another, illustrating yet again the familiar inconsistencies in international judging.
Jayden and Quincy were crowned the FEI Big Tour Champions, with D’Esperanza the runner up.
Judging insights
These discrepancies, while part of the sport, remain a point of concern and discussion. The differences between judges, especially at top level, often reflect the challenges of subjectivity in dressage. Behind the scenes, there was considerable conversation about the need for clearer feedback from international judges – not criticism, but constructive dialogue to help Australian riders understand where the marks can be found. It would be of immense value if, at the end of each day’s competition, there could be an informal debrief or forum with the judges, discussing general impressions: whether it’s accuracy, preparation, contact, or presentation. After all, competitors invest heavily to perform in front of these elite judges – and a small exchange of insight before they fly home could make a lasting difference for rider development in Australia.
A sport that deserves to be celebrated
A final observation from the evening was the disappointing lack of spectators in the stands. Despite outstanding performances, the atmosphere felt subdued. It raises an important question: how can we reignite public interest in Australian dressage? Promotion, accessibility, and outreach beyond the existing dressage community are crucial. The sport deserves to be celebrated not just by riders, families, and coaches, but by a broader audience who can appreciate the artistry, athleticism, and emotion of these performances.
The Australian Dressage Championships continue to showcase world-class talent and horses on the rise. There’s no doubt the standard is climbing – it simply needs the audience, support, and feedback structure to match. With riders of Jayden Brown’s calibre leading the way, and a strong pipeline of emerging combinations following, there’s still every reason for optimism.
Full results from Friday at the Australian Dressage Championships can be found here.
Tune in and watch the action
Watch the Australian Dressage Championships live and free with Equestrian Life, or on-demand with ClipMyHorse.TV.
Timetable:
Sunday, 19 October:
8:15am Assistance Dogs Australia Medium 4.3
9:51am Break
10:15am Assistance Dogs Australia Medium 4.3 (continued)
11:51am Break
1:00pm Assistance Dogs Australia Medium 4.3 (continued)
2:30pm Finish
