They say, time flies when you are doing what you love, and who could ever believe that it was 19 years ago in 1998, when AEA Dressage with the Stars introduced Australia to a competition format that has gone from strength to strength and since inception, added young jumping horses to this annual showcase of future stars.

The concept of assessing the conformation, movement, early training, and future potential of young dressage horses, was the “brain-child” of legendary German Olympian Dr Reiner Klimke.  He looked to find ways to expand the fan base of dressage, and saw that the recognition of early talent could boost the sport and bring in new participants by way of horse breeders and stallion owners, who valued the chance to showcase their young stock, in order to promote proven bloodlines and the season’s lineup of stallions at stud.

In the world of Grand Prix Dressage, successful horses are usually in their teens, and the direct lineage has often been lost.   Dr Klimke’s innovative concept is now an international phenomenon that has driven commercial, professional, educational, and hobbyist interests in equine genetic prepotency, making this specialist aspect of equestrian sport a huge worldwide industry.

Australia’s inaugural riding judge was the incomparable multi-European, Olympic and World Champion, Anky Van Grunsven.  The 1998 entries were accepted without any qualification conditions, and over 100 horses lined up for assessment. Anky rode the top three placegetters in the classes for 3-4 year olds, 5 yo and 6 yo young dressage horses, to decide the individual class winners, with the final three hopeful of becoming the Champion of Champions. The final was held under lights, as part of a glittering Saturday night entertainment spectacular, complete with opera singer, symphony orchestra and a roving, singing, cowboy, riding between the tables, serenading the wide-eyed audience, who had never seen a horse show like this before!  

The early days of this event were challenging, as the riders and trainers had very little help to prepare, and looking back, the basic training mostly fell short of international standards. 

Australian riders, trainers and performance horse breeders have appreciated the support and interest of the main name sponsor, PSI as their guidance and expertise in the development of young horses, has steered huge improvement in the way we select and start young competition horses.  In the modern era, Australia can be proud of producing young horses that are equal to the best in the world … and the world is taking notice, making Australia a source of equine talent for the best riders and the most prestigious events.

Saddleworld is delighted to have been part of this journey, as the main name sponsor of the Saddleworld Dressage and Jumping with the Stars Masterclasses and are proud to be supporting these important educational sessions again this year. A Saddleworld spokesperson said, “We have a 30+ year history of support to the Australian equestrian community and understand that the opportunity to listen to and watch international experts at work, has given countless riders and trainers helpful hints and a better understanding of how to prepare young horses for a successful international career."

"We are looking forward to meeting fans at Werribee Park on March 24,25 and 26 and plan to showcase the best of Saddleworld’s specialist products over all 3 days.”

2017 is very special year as our guest dressage riding judge and presenter is Johannes Westendarp of Hof Westendarp who has established himself as one of the most respected go-to experts in the training of young horses.  His broad experience comes from preparing successful horses for Bundeschampionats, stallion licensing and Young Horse World Championships, where the stakes are high, and the eyes of the world are watching.

Saddleworld cordially invites you to check out the program and set aside the time to take in this special dressage Masterclass, at the most exciting event on the Australian equestrian calendar.

Go to http://djwts.com.au for competition information or catch up on Facebook.

Check out the Saddleworld web site at www.saddleworld.com.au for store details and lots of helpful advise about the most popular dressage saddles, chosen by champions.

Enjoy the show ... and happy riding!