23/03/2026
PSI Dressage and Jumping with the Stars 2026.
Always a fun and exciting show to take part in, we were really thrilled with our team of horses and it was great to catch up with friends from all over Australia.
The quality and quantity of talented 4yo Warmblood horses was amazing.
We took Ronaldo VDS (Dicavalli Raphael x Don Schufro) owned by Melanie Minter, and drew first up in the 4yo class, which is always a tricky draw, setting the tone for the rest of the combinations.
Ronaldo is a stunning young horse and really lovely to train. He loves his people, food and training, which is important for horses that are going to be away from home at comps. His first comp was three weeks before at Werribee and he qualified with 83%.
He didn’t disappoint, coping very well in the large atmosphere and awarded 8 for his canter. A 70% score due to some tension and exuberant forward energy placed him in the middle of a large field.
In the consolation round he scored 73% for 11th place and we were very pleased with his start to competition life. He has a huge future ahead of him and will be a lovely addition to Melanie’s horse family.
Our 5yo PRE Stallion, DBV Viajero (Joselito De Arroyo x DBV Amapola) unfortunately didnt make it to any qualifying comps due to breeding duties and a stone bruise earlier in the year, but was fortunate enough to be accepted into the Insa Hansen Masterclass Clinic. It was a really good opportunity to get him out and about and Insa was impressed with his temperament and clear basics. We worked hard on transitions and straightness and developing his carrying capacity and ability to seek the bit. Insa was delightful, and as one of two Andalusian horses taking the opportunity to train with such an experienced trainer, it was the more advanced Andalusian, Neron, that got the chance to be shown in the Masterclass indoors - showcasing their incredible temperament and trainability.
The PRE and Iberian horses are really proving they have something to offer the Australian dressage world of late, and Viajero (Jerry as he’s known at home) is no exception. We’re expecting 6 foals sired by him this year, and eagerly await the outcome of this cross over Warmblood mares, and one PRE mare.
Our and Skye MacKenzies 6yo, Fletcher VDS (Fhilosopher x Don Frederico) continues to develop into the most elegant of horses.
He produced a very tidy test with expressive flying changes and excellent lateral work. The judges wanted to see more carrying capacity develop at this young age but we’re confident this will develop over the next 12 months. He finished the strong class with 70% and went through to the top ten 6yos.
His second round was just lovely, showing some more of the engagement requested by the judges and finished in 7th place overall. Ant was absolutely thrilled to have yet another top ten young horse place at DJWTS.
It seems just yesterday that Annette Van Breen’s, Laurel View Tyson VDS (Merlin x Regardes Moi x Jive magic) was presented as a 4 yo at DJWTS, alas, this year at now 10yrs of age, he competed in the PSG cup for the second time.
The PSG attracted a huge field of beautiful horses, and we were stoked to finish 7th on 68%! Ant piloted him through a correct and powerful test and the judges rewarded the work. Into the Inter 1 freestyle Ant rode a pearler of a test to Judith King-Li’s composition of Robbie Williams music … the crowd and judges appreciated the upbeat theme and they certainly Entertained You ! For 8th place.
We’re already planning next year, on a high from being inspired by our competitors beautiful horses, the reconnecting with our community and a bit of fun on the way!
Thanks to Jade Woodhead Butler (Carlton Performance Horses) and her impressive team for putting on another fantastic show, all the sponsors and judges and volunteers who make it possible.
Also ! Thanks to our lovely most organised helper at home … Lee Smith… not only could we not go away without you staying at home to care for the tribe… but it is amazing to come home to home improvements! New bathroom curtain, new garden beds, drying racks and sewing freaking workshop !!! Thankyou Lee xo 💋
