The return of the Trans-Tasman Dressage Challenge to the Sydney CDI adds a fresh layer of international competition to an event already firmly established as a highlight of Australia’s dressage calendar.
The racing and show horse worlds mourn the loss of Precedence, the Bart Cummings-trained Melbourne Cup warrior whose power, durability and class carried him from elite galloper to a highly successful show ring competitor with Fiona McIntyre.
The Printemps des Sportes Équestres in Fontainbleau, France, delivered a spectacular weekend of international dressage, with top combinations producing world-class performances across the CDIO5* Nations Cup Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Freestyle.
Australian driving legend Boyd Exell has claimed victory in the CAIO4* at Kronenberg (15–19 April), with a dominant dressage performance from his four-in-hand team once again paving the way to success.
Twenty-two-year-old Oliver Barrett has won the Adelaide CCI5*L with Sandhills Briar after a nail-biting afternoon of show jumping. In the CCI4*S, Jess Somerfield and APH New Sensation were victorious, while Tahlia Pursell and Astro NZPH won the CCI3*L and Australia took a clean sweep of the Oceania Championship titles.
Sam Woods and SS Eight Count lead the CCI5*L following an influential cross country day in Adelaide, while Kenya Wilson and Sandros Salute MW are at the top of the CCI4*S leaderboard, and Georgia Elias is the one to beat in the CCI3*L with Silverwoods Aussie Pride.