One of Australia’s most successful riders, both in Australia and overseas, is Maree Tomkinson. Maree runs and owns the Hidden Valley Equestrian Centre in Victoria, Australia. At the moment, Maree has three very talented horses which will be competing at the Sydney CDI 3* - Diamantina, Rodrigo III, and Debstar.
Diamantina has stood out over the past couple of years. At the 2010 Bates Australian National Championships, Diamantina won every competition entered. She is a 9 year old Oldenburg mare by Diamond Hit out of Cosmopolitan, who is by Campari M. She is owned by Maree and Lyn Sultana. Her exuberance can be hard to contain but with Maree’s riding skills, she manages to showcase this exciting mare’s movement and potential as only a true professional can. Maree has great confidence in this beautiful mare. “She has a lovely temperament, and is a dream to do anything with. She gives her all every time, which has certainly shown in her results as she is the unbeaten Australian Prix St Georges Champion. She represented Australia at the 2007 FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden, Germany and placed 14th in the final of the 5yo class and 2nd in the small final”.
Debstar is owned by Sarah Lloyd and is a 6 year old imported Oldenburg mare by Dimaggio out of Elfenspiel who is by Rohdiamant. She recently competed at the Boneo CDI, and Dressage with the Stars 2011 with fantastic results. This mare has such a sweet, willing and trainable nature. She will be competing this year in the 6 year old competition.
Rodrigo III is an imported German Hannoverian stallion. “He is by Rotspon who is by Rubinstein,” said Maree. “Around the stables he is known as “Ringo” and is certainly the centre of attention. Ringo represented Australia at the 2006 World Young Horse Championships in Verden, Germany as a 6 year old. Ringo is a star in everyway, with the best movement, perfect conformation, sweet and honest nature. He really is the most beautiful horse to behold.”
Last year at the Sydney CDI 3*, Maree had a successful campaign with Diamantina placing 3rd with 68.263% in the Prix St Georges, 3rd in the Intermediate I with 68.789%, 1st in the Intermediate Freestyle with 71.4% and has been an unbeatable force ever since. Ringo competed in the Grand Prix and placed 4th and placed equal 6th in the GP Freestyle.
Watching Maree and Diamantina compete can be mesmerising. It is a picture of harmony and controlled power. If all goes well, this combination has the ability to inspire all dressage enthusiasts and at the same time remind us of the beauty of the horse.
The Sydney CDI runs for three days, from the 28th April through to the 30th. If you need to be inspired head to www.sydneycdi.com for all the details and results.
by Scott Pollock
Photo © Derek O'Leary
Related Links
Plenty of Stars at the 2011 Dressage with the Stars CDI-W in Werribee
Rachael Sanna, Record Holder of the CDI Sydney
