Australia’s best set to shine at the 2025 Australian Dressage Championships

By Dana Krause

The nation’s top dressage combinations are set to converge at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre this week for the Australian Dressage Championships, with the competition kicking off on Thursday, 16 October.

Headlining the event is the Jill Cobcroft CDI-W Grand Prix, which boasts a powerhouse field of 12 combinations. Among them is Olympic rider Jayden Brown with the stunning Willinga Park Quincy B and D’Esperanza as well as six-time Olympian Mary Hanna, who will debut CJP Sir Dragonfire II at CDI level following their impressive clean sweep in the Grand Prix CDN at last month’s Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI. With such elite talent on display, spectators can expect world-class performances as riders vie for valuable World Cup points alongside the national champion title.

Across all levels, the strength of the fields reflects the depth and momentum of Australian dressage right now. From rising stars to established names, the Championships are set to showcase the full spectrum of the sport’s future and present talent.

In the Medium Tour Championship, the excitement continues with Matthew Lord and the young stallion Remi Vigneron, a combination to watch, alongside David McKinnon and Hollands Bend Rococo, who has rarely been out of the top three throughout her career.

Adding to the talent pool, Jessica Dertell brings two promising young stallions – Kilimanjaro, in the CDI-U25 and Osaka P, who will compete in both the Assistance Dogs Australia Medium Championship and Wade Equine Coaches Elementary Championship. These classes are certain to be highlights of the event.

The McKinnon Sporthorses Novice Championship also promises exciting competition, featuring combinations with impressive form this season. Among them are promising Caroline Hooper and Furst Sir, consistent high scorers throughout the year; Daisy Fielding and Remi Victorias Secret, winners of the Four-Year-Old class at Dressage and Jumping with the Stars this year; and Matthew Lord and the young stallion Remi Braveheart, unbeaten so far in their career.

The field also includes several Grand Prix riders with their talented young horses, including, Heather Currie and Furst Elegance, Celeste Amezdroz and Sugarlaof Amensty, Lisa Martin and Villagio, Denise Rogan and Frealyn, Total Desire and Kailia Simms,  Lizzie Wilson-Fellows and Hollands Bend Secrets Out, Serena Ireland and Hollands Bend Veuve Cliquot, Greg Smith and Panegro MI, Matthew Dowsley and Bradgate Park Delenay, Robert Harrisson Schmerglatt and Total Impact CBM, Nina Boyd and Willinga Park Animation and John Thompson and Zaire MI.

With strong entries across every division, the Australian Dressage Championships promise a thrilling four days of competition celebrating excellence, partnership, and the art of dressage.

For the full schedule, rider lists, and live updates, visit: https://australiandressagechampionships.com.au/competitor-info/

For results: https://equestrian-hub.com/show/256950

Unable to make it to Sydney? Don’t miss the action – classes will be streaming on ClipMyHorseTV