Interview with Jayden Brown

Together with the Hannoverian gelding San Andreas, Jayden achieved a top 15 finish in the six year old division, becoming only the second Australian combination after Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina to make the final of this event.

While Jayden’s partnership with San Andreas came to an end at the World Young Horse Dressage Championships, the journey is just beginning for the 25 year Brisbane based rider.

We spoke to Jayden upon his return to Australia…

What were your expectations leading into this event and how did you feel when you first realised that you’d made the final?

Leading into this event I was hopeful that San Andreas would perform at his best and give us the best chance to make the final.  After placing 3rd in the small final I was relieved to have another chance to ride San Andreas at an event like the World Championships for Young Horses.  

What did you learn from the experience?

That Australian produced and trained horses can hold their own amongst the top European young horses. 

What has the partnership with San Andreas done for your riding?  

Having the ride on San Andreas for the last two years has certainly put my riding in the spotlight. Having a horse like this is an opportunity that many professional trainers don't have and I am grateful to his owners, Beau and Linda for giving me the chance to represent Australia in Verden. 

This would obviously rank among your career highlights so what goals have you set for yourself moving forward?

I have some very promising horses  in my Brisbane stable and I look forward to developing their training towards FEI. I also have my own rising Grand Prix horse and another exciting European based Grand Prix horse that I am hoping to join my team for International competitions in the future. 

Tell us about your ‘A’ squad horse Fuerst Friedrich - can this partnership represent Australia someday?

First Friedrich has the ability to present the Grand Prix exercises very well. I am focused on developing his confidence in the ring and hopefully our future scores will put us in contention for team selection.