Another great edition of Dressage and Jumping with the Stars
Above: John Thompson and Aston MI. Photo Credit: One Eyed Frog Photography.
Dressage and Jumping with the Stars 2025 was hailed the “best yet” and Australian equestrian fans were enthused and inspired during three wonderful days of competition that took place at the home of the Australian Young Horse Championships, Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, in Victoria.
This 3-day spectacular was held from Thursday 20th to Saturday 22nd March 2025 and is a “must” on the Australian equestrian calendar. The program showcases Australia’s best young Dressage and Jumping horses and a wonderfully diverse and talented collection of performance ponies in age group classes designed to identify talent and aptitude for a future in Dressage or Jumping. D&JWTS is a “national event” and winners of each category become reigning Australian champions for the following 12 months.
The Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre was beautifully presented and the positive buzz was palpable over all three days and into the night-time entertainment. Weather gods were kind and turned-on sparkling Melbourne Autumnal conditions with temperatures that made riding and watching horses a joy.
Equestrian Australia congratulates the D&JWTS Event Director Jade Woodhead-Butler and her team for a job well done and also acknowledges the contribution of expert young horse judges, along with officials, commentators, volunteers, sponsors and traders, all of whom contributed to the success of the competition.
Full credit goes to the human athletes and their teams for the ongoing work involved in qualifying in home states, however, there is no mistaking that the real stars of the show were the horses. Sincere congratulations go to the age group winners and recipients of the special awards that serve to acknowledge their best-of-the-best achievements.
The full 3-day program for age specific young horses and ponies was complimented by the inclusion of FEI affiliated classes for seasoned horses, competing at the top level in dressage and jumping. Traditionally these winners go on to have a good chance of qualifying for world championships and/or Olympic Games.
It was unanimously agreed that Australian performance horse and pony breeders have really stepped up since the inaugural event was held in 1998 and featured only young Dressage horses with Dutch superstar Anky Van Grunsven officiating as the riding judge. In the quarter century that has followed, the quality of Australia’s purpose bred performance horses has improved greatly and the event has now expanded to include the young jumping horses and performance ponies.
Young Dressage Horses
The 2025 classes were assessed by the most experienced specialist Young Horse judges from Australia and overseas. The 4yo Championship was officiated by Michael Osinski (USA), Jane Ventura (Aus) and Maria Schwennessen (Aus) and this panel of experts considered the qualified group of exciting youngsters even though they had to overlook some baby mistakes to assess future potential. Owner/rider Daisy Fielding partnered her lovely young mare Remi Victoria’s Secret (Remi Vigneron/ Lauries As) and went on to win this age group championship.
At the completion of the strongly contested qualifying rounds for the 5 year-old horses that came before Patricia Wolters from The Netherlands, Jane Ventura and Maria Schwennessen from Australia, the Championship went to Mayfield Vibrance (Vitalis x Florencio), ridden by Victorian professional Justine Greer.
Above: Justine Greer and Mayfield Vibrance. Photo Credit: One Eyed Frog Photography.
The owner and rider of the 6yo Exact (Escamillo x Sandro Hit), Alexandra Vodermair put in solid, well-prepared qualifying rounds to take the class championship. The judging panel was made up of Patricia Wolters from The Netherlands, Michael Osinski USA and Australian Susan Hoevennars and they were full of praise for this combination.
The 7yo Champion’s sash was decided by Australian Young Horse judges Susan Hoevennars, Lee Howellsand Connie Murray and after the final round, top honours went to Axel DC (AC DC/Florestano). This young horse was expertly ridden by Deon Stokes from WA, a familiar name for those who have attended previous D&JWTS shows.
Champion of Champions - Young Dressage Horse
Deciding the ultimate winner was given over to a 4-person jury with Jane Ventura (AUS) President, along with German Olympian Heike Kemmer, Patricia Wolters from the USA and Australian, Maria Schwennessen officiating. Alexandra Vodermair and her brown/black gelding Exact (Escamillo x Sandro Hit) put in an excellent showing and were warmly congratulated for taking out the coveted Young Dressage Horse Champion of Champions award. Alex and Exact were well prepared and beautifully presented and the horse’s talent and aptitude for training pleased the experienced judging line-up. Exact also took home the Diamantina Perpetual Trophy that is donated by Maree Tomkinson and awarded to the Dressage Horse Champion of Champions.
Heike Kemmer Masterclass.
Dressage fans and general equestrian enthusiasts were thrilled to be given the opportunity to attend and learn from one of the international greats of Dressage sport. Heike is respected for her outstanding performances on the impressive chestnut Bonaparte, and their partnership helped Germany secure Olympic team gold in 2004 and 2008.
Performance Ponies
The quality and quantity of ponies now competing in Australia has created promise and enthusiasm for petite equines and this arm of dressage has enjoyed very strong growth in recent years.
Ridden Performance Pony 4/5YO Neka Paterson and Calveston Anastasia. 93
Ridden Performance Pony 6/7YO Christina Grear riding Parklands Celtic Storm. 95.8
Ridden Performance Pony Current Stars went to Lauren Cocks and Treasured BP Hewitt. 93
Champion of Champions – Performance Pony
Congratulations to the Champion of Champions and concurrent winner of the Jill Cobcroft Perpetual Trophy, Connemara pony, Parklands Celtic Storm. Jill Cobcroft is a much-respected former EA A Level Dressage judge, and has given her knowledge and support to developing pony dressage. Her contribution has encouraged wider participation and new interest.
Aachen Challenge Final
This prestigious event is open to riders under 25 years with the coveted prize, a trip to Germany to attend, what most enthusiasts consider to be the best horse show in the world, Aachen Show.
Jessica Dertell riding the stallion Kilimanjaro (Bordeaux/Westpoint) put in great qualifying rounds and came out on top for the final to take the 2025 Aachen Challenge. Jess scored 71.571% and received an 8 for her riding and Kilimanjaro scored 75.536%.
Tia Rose Mckenzie and Franzisco RW were second on 74.322%. Third place went to Jade Wilkinson and Sharellen Gadarene, they scored 74.125%.
CDI-Ch Children Team Competition was won by Milla Greenaway riding SPB Robert Redford for a score of 77.85%.
CDI-J Individual Competition saw Maddison Vallender and Rubinell winning on a score of 72.402%.
CDI-W Grand Prix Dressage
The CDI-W Grand Prix and GP Freestyle. Both classes were won by
MSJ Gatsby and the ever-smiling John Thompson, representing New Zealand. The Freestyle was this combination’s first CDI start, so a pleasing musical ride for a score of 70.27%. This combination also took away the prestigious Marg McIver Trophy, donated by the Victorian Dressage Club and awarded to the FEI Dressage World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle Champion. Caroline Wagner partnered her elegant chestnut gelding Ibicus and they were runners up in the CDI-W on 69.125%.
Young Jumping Horses
Sophie Kelly was the riding judge for jumping and she joined Andrew Keam and recently returned to Australia from working and training in the USA, Kate Crauford. Using three judges to assess the age group competitors is a great way to ensure positive collaboration and fairness. Conformation was given careful consideration and a mark by Sally Creber. Sophie Crauford did a great job on the microphone, keeping fans informed with her friendly banter and expert commentary.
Owners, riders and spectators were treated to a special opportunity to take-in the expertise of the 2024 Paris Olympic Eventing Silver medallist Chris Burton, who took over the reins of each age group winner in the jumping classes.
Chris did a great job with Mt Robinsons Qognito (owned and ridden by Tanner Robinson) the leader after qualification in the the 4 YO class. The 5 YO Nicolai (presented by David Lever (Wirragulla Nicolaus x Verdi Tn) showed great style.
Demonstrating the wonderful legacy left by our lost friend and breeder of the 6YO class winner, Mark Fraser (dec’d) who along with his wife Anna of Tulara Warmbloods bred this horse and would be proud of their contribution to Australian jumping. Tulara Karesh (Karajan x For Fashion), was ridden in the preliminaries by Jack Barker, and is owned by Fiona Barker in conjunction with the breeders. This fancy 6YO showed great promise for the future.
The 7 YO Neil Diamond VBT (IM Special De Muze x Berlin) impressed the knowledgeable crowd through the qualifying rounds. He was tactfully ridden by his owner Rachael Lee and the horse’s huge canter and scope over the jumps sets him for a bright future in the sport.
Champion of Champions - Young Jumping Horse
No one envied the task of Chris Burton having to decide a winner from this wonderful group of young superstars. At each age, the trainer/rider will have different expectations, but the final assessment on this occasion came down to the horse’s potential to go on to have success on the international stage.
The Young Jumping Horse Champion of Champions went to the 7 YO Neil Diamond VBT. This win was a thrill for the horse’s owner Rachael Lee of Tarraleah Performance Horses Pty Ltd and his breeder M J Van Bergen-Tolner.
Above: Neil Diamond VBT ridden by Rachael Lee. Photo Credit Simon Scully Photography.
CSI1*-W World Cup Qualifier
Gemma Creighton did it again, showing that her debut World Cup win in Shepparton in January 2025 was an accurate indication of her winning form. Gemma rode a masterful round on Dada Des Brimbelles Z (Darco x President) and she also produced the fastest time. Only three riders had clear rounds, Gemma, Amelia Douglass and Quel Filou 16 and Mattea Davidson riding Jaybee Vigilante.
There is no doubt that many breeders will go home from the 2025 Dressage and Jumping With The Stars and pay attention to their stud’s matings for the coming season. D&JWTS entries in five years will reflect the lessons taken away from the three days just past and as we approach the Brisbane Olympics, Australia’s equestrian world will be gearing up to make the most of a home-grown advantage. Bring it on!
Full results for all three days can be found at: https://online.equipe.com/shows/69015
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