Two outstanding international guest stars, some lovely horses and great competition activity made the 2011 PSI Dressage and Jumping with the Stars held at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre (Australia) another fantastic event. Dressage guest star Ingrid Klimke and jumping guest star Greg Best impressed both the spectators and the competitors for their judging performances
, and inspiring masterclasses. Ingrid displayed her considerable riding talent, knowledge and patience when test riding the top three young dressage horses in each age group, and many considered Greg Best to be the “best ever” jumping guest star!
The highlight of the three days of competition is the Australian Young Dressage Horse Championships, sponsored by Performance Sales International. The IHB Material Championships for 4 year old Horses was won by John Thompson and Hollands Bend Santara (Sandro Hit), after they won the first round and then achieved a score of 9.5 from Ingrid Klimke for rideability and potential in the Final Round. Ingrid commented: “it’s a thrill to ride him, he is an outstanding prospect for the future”. Second to Sugarloaf Sirhara (Sir Donnerhall/Capone) and Danielle Dierks who also competed in the Young Jumping Horse classes, and third to the imported stallion Lord Lamarque (Locksley II/Grand Ferdinand II) and Deon Stokes.
The Woodleigh International AYDH Championship for 5 year old Horses was won by the imported Diamond Star (Diamond Hit/Piacenza) and Judy Dierks. Third in the first round, they won the second round and gained the highest score (8.5) of the 5 year olds ridden by Ingrid Klimke, being rewarded for his willingness to work and a positive attitude towards his rider. Second to the lovely chestnut mare Diamond Z De Niro’s Dreamtime (DeNiro/Herr Dom Perignon) and Sarah Honeywell and third to last year’s 4yo Champion, SS Sonata Hit (Sandro Hit/Clintino) and Rodney Martin.
In the 4ACES AYDH Championship for 6 year olds, Revelwood Donatello (Don Ramiro) ridden by Daniella Dierks gained the Championship after giving Ingrid Klimke the “perfect ride” in the Final and receiving a score of 10 ! Ingrid commenting: “what more could I ask for from a 6 year old horse, it was a pleasure to ride him and I’d like to take him home.” Second to last year’s 5yo Champion Bellario (Bellisimo M/Wolkenstein II) and Deon Stokes, and third to Ambassi (Samba Hit/Havidoff) and Shanon McKimmie.
All three age group Champions presented for the Champion of Champions on Saturday evening, and a large crowd saw Revelwood Donatello ridden by Daniella Dierks crowned the 2011 Dressage Champion of Champions and receive a bundle of prizes: a PSI rug, a Pessoa saddle from Saddleworld, Ferrero Rocher semen from Revelwood Stud and a Mal Byrne bridle.
Wigan Scores in the World Cup Qualifier
It wasn’t only young horses competing during the three days as there was also a CDI-W, the Prix St Georges Cup and a CDI-Y giving young riders the chance to achieve a qualifying score towards the 2011 FEI Young Rider World Cup Final.
In the Equestrian Australia & Australian Sports Commission CDI-W competition, Chantal Wigan and Ferero extended their winning streak by winning both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle. They performed an impressive Freestyle test, charming the audience and impressing the judges as they performed to a compilation of Abba music. Despite a couple of mistakes in their Freestyle they were the only combination to score over 70%, achieving a mark of 71.225%. Chantal commented on the wonderful, and noisy, atmosphere at the event and thanked the crowd ! Second to Mary Hanna on Umbro (68.325%) and third to Gitte Donvig and Port Said 10 with 67.35%.
The Mayfield Farm Prix St Georges Cup for small tour horses was won by Maree Tomkinson and the outstanding mare Diamantina IV after winning both the Prix St Georges and the Inter I Freestyle. Second overall to Wallmeyer (Gina Montgomery) and third to Adlanta Rose and Sara McDonald.
The Hamag CDI-Y was dominated by Megan Bryant and Donnabella, at their first major competition since returning from Germany having represented Australia at the FEI Young Rider World Cup Final in December last year. They won both classes and were impressive in the Freestyle, achieving 70.7% well ahead of Elliot Paterson and Leandro (66.15%) who were second in both classes, and Gabriella Robson and Doncartier, third in both classes.
Photos © Derek 'O Leary
Related Links
Scores 2011 CDI-W Werribee
Stars to Shine at PSI Dressage & Jumping with the Stars
Annabel Frenzen Guest Judge Rider for Pony Classes at 2011 Dressage with the Stars