 |
Horseland
2008 EFA Australian Dressage Championships including CDI-W
23 to 26 October 2008
Sydney International Equestrian Centre
Prix St Georges Championship
Story and Pictures by Berni Saunders | | |
| The Needs for Steeds Prix St Georges competition was a mirror into the future of FEI dressage in Australia as we see the up and coming combinations entering the first level of International competition. Even though the step up to Grand Prix is almost as difficult as the journey thus far, these horses have come a long way to reach the level that defines true talent and aptitude for the sport. I always enjoy the PSG event at State Championships and the Nationals and feel that somehow I am there to witness the coming age of the next generation of Australian Olympic prospects. The 2008 Prix St Georges champion is an outstanding individual that combines the best bloodlines, a measured and planned campaign, good riding and training PLUS a great breed society standing behind the breeder's aspirations and goals. It was great to see Fisherman's Friend and Tor van den Berge rise to the occasion and show their talent and flair. It was a charismatic performance and the judges obviously agreed with me on this one! The owner of Fisherman's Friend Cheryl O'Brien is the Australian President of the Hanoverian Horse Society and no one deserves this success more. Cheryl is a dedicated devotee of the breed and spares no effort to promote the most successful performance stud book in the world. More Hanoverians win at Olympic and WEG level than any other breed and ... looking through the breeding details from the Australian Championships, the hard work of the Hanoverian Horse Society of Australia is paying dividends for our top riders as well - statistics show that they are the 'winninigest warmbloods' in Australia! Cheryl O'Brien owns and operates Remi Stud in Queensland and on Saturday the 25th (during this competition) their new Stallion Lauries As arrived in Australia to join Fisherman's Friend on the Remi stallion roster. |
 |  |
| 1 Tor VAN DEN BERGE 544 Fisherman's Friend (above) Owned by Cheryl O'BRIEN,
S/97/BA/169/GER/HANN/(Fabriano x Penny Lane) They scored 68.150%
|
 |  |
| 2 Judy DIERKS 254 PSI De Caprio (above) owned by Andrea BEATTY, who is a dedicated owner, rider and breeder in between working in the legal profession.
G/0/BA/173/GER/HANN/(De Niro x Hauptstutbuch Siona) PSI De Caprio is a truly beautiful gelding and supports the strength of the Hanoverian breed here in Australia. De Caprio has never been out of the placings in his illustrious career here in Australia and those who have followed his career will confirm their respect for Judy Dierks talent as a trainer, rider and competitor. Judy makes it look easy and yet other well respected riders including the legendary Ulf MÅ‘ller from PSI in Germany, have not been able to strike up an understanding with the reactionary gelding. Most experts acknowledge that the best horses have their funny little ways and De Caprio has earned the right to be indulged as he is a star. Andrea Beatty was delighted with De Caprio's great result and said that she was enjoying seeing him working so well and proving himself against the best horses in Australia.
|
 |  |
| 3 Tor VAN DEN BERGE 3888 Florett (above) owned by Kay SUTHERLAND who owns and operates the magnificent Que Sera Stud in the beautiful Goldcoast Hinterland. Tor and Mel Van Den Berge are based their and all parties have great plans for the future. M/98/CH/168/GER/WEST/(Florestan x St. Pr. St. Haumstutbuch) Florett was purchased overseas for Kaye's daughter Sarah who will take over the ride in the very near future. Sarah took part in these championships on her gelding Adloo Roberto by Rotspon. Que Sera stud are great supporters of the Hanoverian Horse in Australia and proudly sponsor a Young Rider Challenge to help teach and foster an interest in Hanoverians. Tor and Florett made PSG look easy, it was a polished and flowing performance and earned them the score of 66.550%
|
 |  |
| 4 Matthew DOWSLEY 447 Northern Simba (above) Owned by Elaine HARRISON,
S/2000/Bay/173/AUS/WB/(Falklands Victory x Northern Carousel II) Simba looked great and cements himself as a real prospect for the future. 66.200%
|
 Jive Magic |  |
| 5 Rozzie RYAN 453 Jive Magic (above) owned by Rozzie RYAN,
S/96/Bay/170/NED/WB/(Jazz x Kind of Magic) Jive magic is a full brother and one year younger than Rachael Sanna's former partner the wonderfully talented Chatham Park Jac who was sold after a very successful debut Grand Prix season with Rachael. Tineke Bartels stallion Jazz has made a made here in Australia and many if the best horses at this competition trace back to this influential KWPN stallion. Jive Magic is himself siring successful progeny and so the dynasty continues. Rozzie and Jive Magic scored 65.900%
|
 |  |
| 6 Nicholas FYFFE 433 Ferrero Rocher (above) Owned by Jennifer RAPSON,
S/98/Ch/169/GER/HANN/(Florestan x Waimea (Weltmeyer)) and his pedigree proves the power of performance genes. Ferrero Rocher is by the same Hanoverian stallion as Florett - Florestan and is too, a fine example of the Hanoverian stamp of quality. This lovely 10 YO stallion had great success in Young Horse competitions as he progressed up the ranks and is now set for a great FEI career with his age and experience great plus factors for the future. Nick Fyffe did a great job and has earned respect for his riding, training and competition achievements. They scored 65.650%
|
 |  |
| 7 Jessica GREELISH 3772 Riverndell Parador (above) is owned by Jessica GREELISH,
G/98/Brn/172/NED/WEST/(Paradiso x Zalin) This beautifully marked bay was really something special and scored 64.200%
|
 |  |
| 8 Ann SERRAO 236 Silvery (above) Owned by Ann SERRAO,
M/98/Gry/170/GER/HANN/( x ) This beautiful grey mare, so aptly named "Silvery" was a special favourite of mine and is yet another horse to demonstrate Ann's tact and talent as a top rider and real prospect for future selection to represent Australia. Ann has spent time overseas training and competing and we should see her out soon on her stunning gelding Weltsohn. Silvery and Ann scored 62.800%
|
 |  |
| 9 Alycia TARGA 575 Neversfelde Kudu (above) Owned by Maurice & Jane BRUCE,
M/90/BA/163/AUS/AWHA/(Kassiber (Imp.Trak) x Space Hostess xx) Kudu has helped to establish Alycia as a top up and coming rider for Australia. Alycia represented Australia in the Trans Tasman Challenge in New Zealand and we are all very proud of her efforts. Today she scored 62.650%
|
 |  |
| 9 Daniella DIERKS 539 Concordance (above) Owned by Gregory & Katharine FARRELL, who are better known for the interest in beautiful Arabian horses. Daniella probably has tone of the best human pedigrees for the sport as she is the daughter of the former Australian Nationals Coach Clemens Dierks and Judy, who rode a number of horses at this competition and has established herself as one of the top riders in Australia. Daniella works for the Farrells and said that she was enjoying her time with the Arabs and has come to respect their talent. Today she stuck to Warmbloods and rode Concordance. G/98/BR/168/AUS/WB/(Contango II x Belcam Aatlanta)
They scored 62.650 so tied for 9th place with Alycia Targa.
|
 |  |
| 11 Brett PARBERY 937 Welthill (above) Owned by Beth TURNER,G/95/BR/173/AUS/HANN/(Welmeyer x Pearl) This stunning 13 YO gelding scored 62.200%. Brett Parbery spent much of 2008 overseas training and competing in an effort to gain selection for the Beijing Olympics. While this objective fell slightly short the achievements of Brett and Victory Salute has cemented his reputation as being one of the most talented riders in the country. Brett was formerly an Australian Champion buckjump rider and has taken part in the Calgary Stampede in Canada. This is perhaps not the most conventional beginning for an International Dressage career, but Brett says that some of his dressage rides would have qualified better in his former sport and understanding how to 'ride a buck' was how he came to dressage in the first place. Brett is a popular competitor and a former rider representative with the EFA's Dressage Sub-Committee.
|
 |  |
| 12 Susan PAGE and number 978 Rohcardo (above) made the trip across the Nullabor to be part of this competition. They call Western Australia their home and so have limited opportunities to ride against the best in Australia. Rohcrdo is an imported gelding and he performed well Perhaps a little more energy would have earned them more marks but I feel certain that Susan will have gained enormous benefits from this experience and we will see more of this talented combination. They scored 61.500% Susan PAGE,G/0/Brn/173/GER/OLBDG/(Rohiamant x Caronda)
|
 |  |
| 13 Linda FOSTER 1315 Gracefield Stefan (above) Owned by Penny BARRETT,G/96/Bay/163/AUS/WB/(Richmeed Medallion x Gracefield Serena) This talented and consistent combination scored 61.250%
|
| 14 Linda FOSTER 55 Mauritius Owned by Linda FOSTER,G/97/Bay/163/AUS/WB/(Richmead Medallion x Donner Prima) Linda is an obvious fan of the wonderful stallion Richmeed Medallion who lost his battle with colic about a year ago. This fantastically bred stallion really made his mark in Australia and is represented in many of our best performance horses and in the brood mare bands of out top studs. Linda and Mauritius scored 61.050% I missed a photo of this horse.
|
 |  |
| 15 Kaz ROE 4039 For Joy (above) Owned by Ray ROE,
M/98/Ch/170/GER/HANN/(Fabriano x Pia) Queenslander Kaz spent some time overseas, working, riding and learning she brings back to Queensland the benefit of this along with her lovely imported mare. It was a very nice test and Kaz is sure to take on board the judges remarks and implement this advise into her training regime. They scored 61.000%
|
 |  |
| 16 Ros TIPPETT and No 841 Broadstone Dramatik (above) Owned by Frieda MACKLIN,
G/97/Bay/170/GBR/HANN/(Demonstrator x Walkuere) are another PSG combination to make the trip across the Nullabor to be part of this event. Dramatik is an imposing gelding and looks quite like an entire. He has lots of potential and Ros will value the experience that this event provides in their future campaign.
|
 |  |
| 17 Sue HEARN 534 Don Romeo (above) Owned by Thekla BLACKMORE,
G/98/Ch/167/AUS/WB/(Don Ramiro x Richmeed Shannon) They scored 60.750%
|
| 18 Sharon POTTER 1502 Montevideo Owned by Sharon & John POTTER,
G/97/Brn/163/AUS/WB/(Richmeed Medallion x Jessica) Scored 60/500%
|
 |  |
| 19 Rebecca WOFF 437 APH Showman (above) Owned by Rebecca WOFF,G/95/BR/163/AUS/TRAK/(Trak x Sularoc) They scored 60.300%
|
 |  |
| 19 Caroline WAGNER 64 WS Nevada (above) Owned by Caroline WAGNER,
G/18/CH/163/AUS/WBXTB/(Dutchman (imp) x Safety Haven) 60.300%
|
 |  |
| 21 Jodie BARNES 95 JC Spiderman (above) Owned in partnership by Jodie & Carolyn BARNES & HERRIOTT,
G/96/Bay/170/AUS/TBxWB/(Inspiration x AEA Safety Haven ... so is a half brother to the previous horse. The AEA have bred some fantastic horse in both dressage and Showjumping and they stand a number of top performance stallions. Jodie did a very good job as Spiderman can get very tense and leave his best work behind. Jodie rode a little cautiously but the horse would have learned from this positive experience. They scored 59.800%
|
 |  |
| 22 Ruth SCHNEEBERGER 166 Hervey Bay (above) Owned by Ruth SCHNEEBERGER,
G/98/BR/173/AUS/WB/(Northern Classic x Our Freedom) Ruth is a popular rider and in demand trainer and coach in South Australia. She will value this Nationals experience and implement the lessons learned in her future training. They scored 59.550%.
|
 |  |
| 23 Hayley GILBERT 910 Odiana K (above) this talented imported mare is owned by Hayley's mum Lyn who is also the proprietor of The Riders' Shoppe - a wonderful boutique for the fashion conscious rider. The Riders' Shoppe carry the beautifully crafted Sommer (Germany) saddles. You can find out more from their web site. ,M/0/Ch/163/NED/KWPN/(Jazz x Diana) Hayley found Odiana when she was training and riding in Germany and had to bring her home. Fortunately her mum shares her passion and they have both loved the journey with the sometimes hot but ultra talented mare. I felt that Odiana K had improved immeasurably since I last saw her perform, I was disappointed that the judges did not agree with this. Hayley will definitely take their comments on board, she is hard working and dedicated rider, determined to improve. Today they scored 58.250%
|
 |  |
| 24 Samantha BARTLETT 894 Gershwin E (above) Owned by Samantha BARTLETT,S/96/Ch/163/AUS/WBxTB/(Graf Landau x Fast Khan) They performed well and it was an active and expressive test. The horse come a little above the bit and I am sure this accounts for the conservative score. Sam is a hard worker and determined to improve and she will look at scores, videos and pictures and this horse is sure to creep up the rankings in the future. Today they scored 58.200% |
 |  |
| 25 Meaghan WILLIS 319 Roxbury Armistice (above) Owned by Macedon Ranges competitor Meaghan WILLIS,
G/0/CH/170/AUS/WB/(Rituel x Wundergold)
This most attractive Chestnut gelding has improved greatly but Meaghan was not able to produce his best work on this occasion. I am sure she will understand that it requires a number of starts at top level to hone the skills that make winning possible. Meaghan will look to gain from this experience and move up the rankings in future events. They scored 58.050%
|
 |  |
| 26 Talented Young Rider Jodie NEWELL rode her own imported gelding Kragelunds Donovan (above) a 13 yo Danish Warmblood by Davignon from Salimba . Jodie spent some time working with Heath and Rozzie Ryan at the NSW Equestrian Centre and this experience and confidence has helped her to develop into a real up and coming talent. She did not have the best ride today, but I am sure that she will use it as a step along the long road to final success and perhaps one day will represent Australia overseas. Today's score was 57.450%
|
 |  |
| 27 Megan HEWITT 3805 Northern Amadeus (above) Owned by Paul KEIR,
G/91/Brn/178/AUS/WB/(Falkland Victory x Northern Evita) This is a quite recent partnership and this huge gelding was formerly ridden and trained by Victorian competitor Mal Owens. There is still some things that Megan has to learn and there will be adjustments for her riding this huge gelding who lacked some 'togetherness' today. They scored 57.300% and have a bright and fun future.
|
 |  |
| 28 Anne RILEY 1674 Macho Grande (above) Owned by Canberra rider and coach Anne RILEY, G/98/Bay/175/AUS/HOLST/(APH Speigel x Storman Chablis) Anne did a pretty good job with her huge and aptly named gelding and will look to polish their PSG test for future appearances. The score was 57.200%
|
 |  |
| 29 Bernadette GIBSON 28 Christoph Amarcus (above) Owned and ridden by Tasmanian competitor Bernadette GIBSON,
G/1997/BA/180/AUS/HOLST/TB/(Northern Ariel x Northern Flora) They scored 55.600%
|
 |  |
| 30 Lesley-Anne TAYLOR 458 Welpe's Countess (above) Owned, trained and ridden by former South Australian and now NSW competitor Lesley-Anne TAYLOR, M/98/BL/173/GER/OLBDG/(Wenckstern x VIP Lady) This beautiful imported mare proves the saying "never work with animals and children' and Welpe's Countess forgot her perfect pedigree and sound training and allowed nerves to negatively influence every mark. This was a very disappointing result from a combination that could easily have been up there collecting a ribbon. The beautiful black mare has wonderful self carriage and the perfect 'dressage frame' up in front and light on her forehand. Unfortunately she did not settle and tongue problems told the story to the judges who were compelled to penalise every movement. Lesley was very disappointed by this unexpected reaction from her mare, but felt a little better after the following days performance. I am sure we will see them on top again. They scored 53.500%.
|
Go to Full Results | Go to Report Index
for proofs contact Berni |
