Dutton was also pleased with his mount’s performance. The 13-year-old Dutch-bred gelding owned by The Possante Group showed a lot of poise in the arena. “I was very pleased,” he said. “It’s pretty unique for horses who have not been here before to come into an arena like this. It didn’t start great, he spooked in corner but from then on it was really good. Dressage sometimes is really easy for the horse, so it’s a case of keeping him calm and me riding him well.”

Price and John Keller’s Irish-bred mare put in a polished performance, and sits just ahead of Meade, who admitted he was a little disappointed with his marks aboard Mandy Gray’s Hanoverian gelding.

“I was thrilled with my horse today,” he said. “I was delighted with his test and felt like I didn’t leave anything out there. I was a little bit surprised in a way with the markings and hoped he would score better than that, but you have to get good marks to get good marks. Now, we need to make sure we get no more penalties for the rest of the weekend.”

Sophia Hill and ‘Hughie’ complete the dressage phase

Australian Sophia Hill completed her dressage test on Thursday with Humble Glory, placing =13^th with a score of 37.1.

With just ten penalties spanning the field thus far, Saturday’s cross country is looking to once again be a very influential phase. Off-the-track Thoroughbred Humble Glory is incredibly quick and reliable on cross country, and Sophia will no doubt be looking to climb the leaderboard on Saturday.

Australian start times

The dressage continues Friday, with fellow Australian Ema Klugman riding Chiraz in the CCI5*L and RF Redfern in the CCI4*S.

CCI5*L dressage (day two) — Friday 24 April, 1pm local time (3am Saturday AEST)

Ema Klugman and Chiraz: 2.46pm local time (4.46am Saturday AEST)

View the full CCI5*L start list here.

CCI4*S dressage (day two) — Friday 24 April, 8am local time (10pm Friday AEST)

Ema Klugman and RF Redfern: 8.58am local time (10.58pm Friday AEST)

View the full CCI4*S start list here.

You can watch every moment of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian live for free on the USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV.

Danito dances to lead in the CCI4*S

Olympic veteran Tami Smith has three horses in the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*S, and after the first day of dressage she sits atop the leaderboard with Ruth Bley’s Danito, and in fourth aboard Kynan Syndicate’s Kynan. Her third horse, Molly Duda’s Lillet 3, goes Friday.

Danito, a chesnut Hanoverian gelding, showed poise and focus in the ring as he strode to a score of 27.0. Fellow Californian Tommy Greengard stands second with That’s Me Z (31.4) and Dan Krietl is third with Carmango (32.0).

“Danito was super today,” Smith said. “He just is a little showman. It’s fun to have him, he’s kind of my flashy little dressage horse who stepped in behind (retired Kentucky winner) Mai Baum. It’s fun to have that kind of fancy prancer.”

Smith has spent the spring on the east coast, bringing multiple horses from her normal home base in California, but she admitted Danito’s recent preparation for this event has not been ideal and praised his experience and work ethic for his performance today.

“It’s something you strive for when producing horses, and I’ve had him a very long time now. Once you get the basics and its solidified, you can really bring that.

“He actually had a hot nail and I haven’t ridden him in the last two days,” she admitted. “He’s trained and just knows. You hope you have that in horses you produce, that the work keeps going all the way to the ring, that the basics are really strong. He has a such a good mind and loves to show off and you want that in a horse that’s competing.”

Greengard was also pleased with “Z,” the 9-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned by Greengard and Andrea Pfieffer.

“He is so Mr. Consistency,” Greengard said. “He has very little sense of occasion in the best way possible way. He is happy to go in the ring and get work. He is getting more capability to move around the ring with a little more fluency and step, which is great. But he’s really dependable — the training at home is very similar to what you can get in the ring and that gives you confidence as a rider.”

Kreitl on the other hand is just happy to have his partner back after an injury nearly ended the Westphalian gelding’s eventing career. He had been told that the horse may not be able to return to jumping, so he spent time in the pure dressage ring, competing at Intermediare-1 at the national championships.

“But my heart is in eventing and he loves this sport,” Kreitl said. “Our program is really different; we don’t do nearly the gallops we did as a younger horse. We’ve got a treadmill, we do a lot of dressage, and we don’t school cross country. Our plan is to do as little as necessary, but we are prepared for this event.”

Full results from Kentucky Three-Day Event can be found here.

The Alma Cup

The Alma Cup commemorates Alma, a distinguished Clydesdale stallion associated with the Braidwood district and widely regarded as an exemplar of type, strength and working reliability. Historical references place Alma within the era when heavy horses were indispensable to transport, agriculture and timber industries across southern New South Wales. Horses of his calibre were not only valued for their physical capability, but also for their temperament and trainability — qualities essential to the success of rural enterprises. The naming of the Alma Cup reflects both a recognition of this individual animal and a broader tribute to the generations of heavy horses that underpinned regional development.

The Alma Cup has a $1000 cash prize, sponsored by Community Bank Braidwood. 

Event organisers emphasise that the show is as much about cultural heritage as it is about competition.

“The Heavy Horse Show is an opportunity to preserve and share knowledge that might otherwise be lost,” President Cai Thomas said. “It connects current and future generations with the animals and skills that built communities like Braidwood.”

The event continues to attract participants and visitors from across New South Wales and beyond, contributing to local tourism and reinforcing Braidwood’s reputation as a centre for heritage experiences.

The Braidwood and District Heavy Horse Show will take place 9 May, 2026.

Teams Spectacular set to thrill

A highlight of the programme is the popular Teams Spectacular, returning with an impressive $100,000 prize pool. The 2025 title was claimed by Chatham Park, represented by Billy Raymont, Amelia Douglass, Amber Fuller and Jack Barker.

Another major drawcard is the Divas Beverages Grand Prix, which in 2025 was won by Phillip Lever aboard Deirdre Hartog’s Billionaire NZPH. This year’s Grand Prix offers $70,000 in prizemoney, attracting many of the country’s top combinations.

With elite competition, a vibrant social atmosphere and premium hospitality offerings, Showcase of Showjumping continues to set the benchmark for Australian showjumping events.

Read more: SHOWCASE MAKES SPECTACULAR RETURN – Equestrian Life, May 2025

Purchase VIP tickets to the 2026 Showcase of Showjumping.

Watch the action live with ClipMyHorse.TV

ClipMyHorse.TV is streaming all the action from Ring 1 over three days of competition from Friday 24 April to Sunday 26 April – allowing fans to watch the event both live and on-demand with a CMH.TV subscription.

Partnered with CMH.TV, Equestrian Life will offer a free live broadcast of this event via our Live TV page.

Watch the 2026 Showcase of Showjumping live via Equestrian Life.

Watch the 2026 Showcase of Showjumping live and on-demand via ClipMyHorse.TV

Re-watch the 2025 Showcase of Showjumping on-demand via ClipMyHorse.TV.

Draws and results can be found via Equipe.

Aussies to also contest CCI4*S and CSI5*

In addition to the CCI5*L, K3DE also features the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*S, a U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing Series qualifying event, along with the Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

Ema Klugman will also line up in the CCI4*S aboard RF Redfern, while Olympian Thaisa Erwin is entered in the CSI5* with Hialita B and Koberlina TN. The CSI5* trot-up is on Thursday.

View the CSI5* start list here.

Australian start times

Dressage kicks off Thursday morning with the CCI4*S in the morning, followed by the CCI5*L in the afternoon.

CCI5*L dressage (day one) — Thursday 23 April, 1.30pm local time (3.30am Friday AEST)

Sophia Hill and Humble Glory: 2.02pm local time (4.02am Friday AEST)

CCI5*L dressage (day two) — Friday 24 April, 1pm local time (3am Saturday AEST)

Ema Klugman and Chiraz: 2.46pm local time (4.46am Saturday AEST)

View the full CCI5*L start list here.

CCI4*S dressage (day two) — Friday 24 April, 8am local time (10pm Friday AEST)

Ema Klugman and RF Redfern: 8.58am local time (10.58pm Friday AEST)

View the full CCI4*S start list here.

You can watch every moment of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian live for free on the USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV.

1. Preparation and positioning

Start with a calm horse that is tied up. Pick up the foot and hold it securely in a natural working position (similar to trimming). Always maintain good body positioning — stay close to the horse and keep your balance.

2. Remove or raise the clinches

Before pulling the shoe, deal with the clinches (the bent-over nail ends):

• Use a clinch cutter and hammer to cut or lift the clinches.

• Alternatively, a buffer can be used to raise them slightly.

• This step is critical — pulling a shoe with tight clinches can tear the hoof wall.

3. Start at the heels

Place the pull-offs at one heel of the shoe:

• Gently squeeze and apply pressure to lift the shoe slightly.

• Move to the opposite heel and repeat.

Key principle: Work evenly from side to side — never pull one side all the way off first.

4. Work towards the toe

Gradually “walk” the shoe forward:

• Alternate sides, lifting a little at a time.

• Keep movements controlled and steady.

Avoid twisting or levering aggressively — this can crack or split the hoof.

5. Remove the shoe completely

As the shoe loosens, the nails will begin to come free:

• Continue the heel-to-toe motion until the shoe comes off cleanly.

• If a nail sticks, use a nail puller rather than forcing it.

6. Inspect the hoof

After removal:

• Check for hoof wall damage, cracks, or stretched nail holes.

• Look for signs of bruising, thrush, or white line issues.

• Proceed with trimming or further work as needed.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping clinch removal

• Pulling one side off completely first

• Using excessive force or twisting

• Rushing the process

There are 30 on the star-stacked CCI5*-L start list, including world no.1 Harry Meade of Great Britain and no. 2 Boyd Martin of the USA – both of whom have claimed top three previously.

Also in the mix are fellow British riders Tom Jackson and Tom McEwen, and Americans Caroline Pamukcu and Will Coleman.

Kentucky is one of just six CCI5*-L events on the global calendar and the longest running premier event in the United States. The Eventing National Championships for US athletes runs alongside it.

CSI5* show jumping

In the show jumping arena, Uma O’Neill will compete aboard Luigi D’Eclipse, her 15-year-old bay stallion in the CSI5*. The combo paired up with Mark and Daniel Bluman to win the 5* Major League Showjumping team last year at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal.

There are 96 combinations on the CSI5* start card at Kentucky, including world no. 2 Kent Farrington of the USA, British rider Ben Maher, and Germans Richard Vogel and Christian Kukuk.

This year the top-flight class is leg eight of the Major League Show Jumping season five schedule. Uma is once again on the Maccabi United team, who currently lead the league.

The jumping starts on Thursday (US time) with the $62,500 1.55m qualifier, followed by the $200,000 1.5m MLSJ team competition on Friday, the $32,000 1.45m power and speed on Saturday and finally, the 1.6m Grand Prix.

There is also the CCI4*S. Organisers proudly call it ‘the best weekend all year’, with the event attracting more than 90,000 spectators.

The horse details:

Artist (Guillotine x Maxamore x Volksraad) – owned by Spencer Eventing

Global Quest (Metropole x Big Sink mare) – owned by Diana and Lance Morrish

Vitali (Contender x Noble Lady I x Heraldic) – owned by Joseph and Alexander Giannamore and Tim Price

Luigi D’Eclipse (Catoki x Eluna D’Eclipse x Calato) – owned by Tal Milstein Stables and Uma O’Neill

Watch the action live.

Start lists and results.

Source: ESNZ press release by Diana Dobson/The Black Balloon, edited by Equestrian Life

Australian Team

CDI3* Grand Prix:

Mary Hanna and Ivanhoe

Tanisha Ryan and Prequel

CDI-Y Young Rider:

Rosemary Heagney and MSJ Nemo

Tia Rose McKenzie and Phenomenon

New Zealand Team

CDI3* Grand Prix:

John Farrell Thompson and MSJ Gatsby

Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH

CDI-Y Young Rider:

Piper Crake and Georgia MH

Samantha Belsham and Donero RH

Mary Hanna brings Aussie team experience

Australia’s senior combinations bring both experience and momentum into the Challenge.

Mary Hanna, a six-time Olympian, partners Ivanhoe – her Paris Olympic reserve mount – adding proven championship depth to the team. This combination has already achieved their FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) and required qualifying scores, as per Australia’s selection criteria, for the 2026 FEI World Championships – however Mary will no doubt be looking to post another strong score for selectors.

Meanwhile, Tanisha Ryan and Prequel continue to build their international résumé already securing an FEI MER toward Aachen 2026.

Wendi Williamson looking for a third straight Sydney CDI win

The New Zealand combinations arrive in strong form, adding further depth to the contest. Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH recently swept the major classes at the New Zealand National Championships, delivering standout scores across the Grand Prix, Special and the Freestyle, including earning a perfect 10 for their centreline from Olympic judge Henning Lehrmann. The pair have also been exceptionally consistent at CDI3* level, finishing no lower than second in their past 34 starts. The duo returns to Sydney having won the CDI3* Grand Prix, Special and Freestyle at the event in both 2024 and 2025.

John Farrell Thompson and MSJ Gatsby have likewise built an impressive record, including strong results on Australian soil, where they produced competitive Grand Prix, Special and Freestyle performances, as well as securing wins at CDI-W level – notably at the 2025 Dressage and Jumping with the Stars.

Beyond the senior ranks, the inclusion of young riders continues to strengthen the pathway and broaden the exposure on the way to Grand Prix.

According to ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget, the timing of the Challenge reflects a broader push to align trans-Tasman competition across disciplines, with dressage joining jumping and eventing in a 12-month window of team events. Meanwhile, ESNZ high performance manager Christine Weal emphasised the importance of regular competition between the two nations as preparation builds toward major championships, including the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

For Sydney CDI, the Trans-Tasman Challenge adds another compelling dimension to an already high-quality program. With national pride on the line and a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, the 2026 edition promises a dynamic showcase of dressage on both sides of the Tasman.

From the track to the show ring

A Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainer, Fiona McIntyre has transitioned countless Thoroughbreds from the track to successful show careers.

Fiona knew Precedence long before he walked into her showing stable. “I followed him on the track; he was a real favourite of mine,” explained McIntyre in a 2020 interview with Equestrian Life.

“He was one of Bart’s last horses, so there was that sentimental attachment; I had huge respect for Bart Cummings as a trainer.”

Fiona had another retired champion in Sirmione, who came to her via Bart Cummings’s longtime foreman, Reg Fleming. When Precedence retired, one of his owners, the Duchess of Bedford, knew the horse meant a lot to Reg, and so he was offered him. With Sirmione thriving in Fiona’s care, she received a call from Reg — and was thrilled to welcome Precedence to her stable.

Learning a new way of going

“He was interesting to start with,” recalled Fiona of the early retraining days. “He was renowned on the track for pulling. Anyone who was involved with the horse would tell you he probably would have done a lot better over his career if he behaved a bit better, because he’d start pulling and going too early!”

“I’ll never forget the first ride I had on him. I thought, ‘how are we ever going to hold this horse? He was so strong, and really reactive, hot and explosive. I got off him and called the stable, and the response I got was, ‘Well, the track riders used to argue over who was not going to ride him at work!’”

Initially, Fiona was concerned Precedence might not make it as a show horse, but it soon became clear that his transition was simply a matter of education.

“Bless him, the minute I started working on him doing groundwork and then getting him going soft…. it just clicked and he just went, ‘Oh, yes, I can do this!’ We went from using a sweet iron so I had some stopping power, to using a beautiful loose ring snaffle.”

By the end of his retraining, Fiona said the gelding was “as soft as butter” to ride — although she noted there were still days when he had “some fire in his belly!”

Show ring success

Precedence enjoyed considerable success in his first season in the show ring. He won a Newcomer Championship and qualified for the Grand National Saddle Horse Championships at his very first show in the open section. He then claimed the Off The Track Newcomer title at the Victorian Agricultural Shows (VAS) Saddle Horse Championships.

He also finished top 10 in the Pope Cup — a class for show horses with Thoroughbred qualities — at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, where there were nearly 200 entries, and placed top 10 nationally in the off‑the‑track hack class at the Australasian Show Horse & Rider Championships at Werribee. In addition, Precedence was consistently in the mix at Royal shows and contested multiple Garryowens.

When the COVID‑19 pandemic curtailed Fiona’s plans to attend the 2020 Sydney Royal, she took up the opportunity to present Precedence to an international audience at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which was held virtually that year.

Chief Royal Windsor showing steward and British Show Horse Association Chairman Nigel Hollings immediately recognised the gelding’s quality.

“He’s a stunning horse. He is Thoroughbred quality,” he said at the time. “He’s got good limb on him. I mean, look at the bone, the quality bone he has — and I just love the way he had that liberty in such a big horse. He just immediately caught my attention, and I would have loved to have judged him in the flesh.”

Precedence’s good bone and correct conformation undoubtedly contributed to his remarkable durability, allowing him to retire sound after a 69‑start racing career. Fiona has said he remained equally sound throughout his showing career — a credit to his management during his racing days, and also to Fiona.

“The day I hoped would never come…”

On Tuesday, Fiona shared the heartbreaking news of Precedence’s passing.

“The day I hoped would never come. With the heaviest of hearts, we laid our darling Precedence to rest a little over a week ago,” she shared.

“He wasn’t just a horse to me, he was truly something special. We shared a bond I will be forever grateful for. He took me on a journey and gave me everything he had, and more. Together, we experienced things I never could have imagined possible, so many exciting adventures together. He meant a lot to so many people, I loved being a part of his journey.”

“Beyond his racing and showing career, at home he ruled the roost and my heart. He was number one, and he knew it. He took precedence over everything; the place will never be the same without him. I’ll miss seeing his beautiful face and eyes every day. His amazing trot across his paddock when I called his name.”

“Strong and stoic right to the very end. Rest easy now, JB. My beautiful boy, thanks for the ride.”

Equestrian Life’s thoughts are with Fiona McIntyre and all those who were part of Precedence’s extraordinary life — from champion galloper to accomplished show horse.

The competition reached its peak in Sunday’s Grand Prix Freestyle where Zonik Plus and Glamourdale returned to the arena. The Belgian partnership delivered a breathtaking test to score 91.855%, setting another personal best and confirming their status as one of the sport’s rising stars.

“Fontainebleau is an absolutely exceptional setting,” shares Verboomen. “I was really looking forward to riding with Zonik in an outdoor event because I felt that he would want to put on a show in this environment. For our return to outdoor action this week, we performed the two best routines of our career. I’m just so happy! Before the test, I always try to stay really focused on what I need to do, but at the end of the test when you leave the arena and during the prize ceremony, it’s great to see all the people supporting you.” 

Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale thrilled the crowd with their popular freestyle to finish second on 88.225%, while Germany’s Frederic Wandres and Bluetooth OLD claimed third with 81.085%.

Grand Prix CDI3*

Beyond the headline classes, the event also showcased strong performances in the CDI3* competition. In the Grand Prix CDI3* the top three riders all finished on 69%. José Antonio Garcia Mena and Quatre-Quarts a l’Orange came out on top with 69.304% for Spain. Followed closely by Evelyn Eger and Global Power OLD with 69.217% for Germany and France’s Pierre Volla and Malcom x de Massa rounded out the top three with 69.195%.
Germany’s Evelyn Eger claimed the Grand Prix Special with Global Power OLD (70.340%), while the Netherland’s Dominique Fillon topped the CDI3* Freestyle on 73.945% with Kha Diva Corieta Texel.
Para-dressage competition ran alongside the elite classes, highlighting the depth and inclusivity of the sport, with French officials praising both established and emerging combinations for their continued progress.
Set against the iconic backdrop of Le Grand Parquet and blessed with perfect weather, the Printemps des Sportes Équestres once again reinforced its reputation as one of the premier fixtures on the international dressage calendar – drawing comparisons to a “mini Paris 2024” from riders and officials alike.
With Germany taking a commanding lead in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup standings and combinations building momentum toward major championships later in the season, Fontainebleau offered an early but compelling glimpse of what’s to come.
For full results click here.
Source: FEI press release and Le Printemps des Sports Équestres press release edited by Equestrian Life

Fellow Australian Tor Van Den Berge also contested the four-in-hand class. While his team’s dressage test was below their usual standard, they excelled in the marathon phase, placing sixth with 95.86. They ultimately finished 22nd overall on a total of 173.78.

Van Den Berge’s team across the weekend comprised Carbery Estate Cato, Carbery Estate Chino, Indiana, Kerosine and Indybala — the latter a new addition who contested the dressage phase at this event.

Australia placed fourth overall in the CAIO4* Nations Cup on a total of 297.43 — an impressive result as one of only two nations represented by a two-driver squad, while most countries fielded three drivers and could count their best two scores from each phase. The Nations Cup title went to the host Dutch team of Koos de Ronde, Ijsbrand Chardon and Bram Chardon.

Full results can be found here.