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Saddle Up Romper Stomper - A rags to riches story!

A Rags to Riches Story! - “Saddleworld Media”

There is no doubt that D&JWTS 2014 was a highlight in every aspect - the horses (both jumping and dressage) were sensational, the riders smiling, the spectators engaged and having fun and the traders smiling as the crowds were BACK!!!

Since the inaugural event in 1998 - AEA Dressage with the Stars (the "brain child" of Dirk and Sicca Dijkstra) equestrian sport in Australia has been fostered and developed to a level which really sees us able to put on a world class event.

This conclusion is unanimously confirmed by the many international judges and special guests who make up the judging and education panel.

We saw millions of dollars worth of horses gathered at Werribee Park and the best expertise in the world by way of the world No 2 Dressage rider Helen Langehanenberg (sponsored by Prestige Saddles) and Yves Houtakers (sponsored by Pessoa Saddles) to judge the Young Horses and teach us something of their training philosophies.

With this illustrious backdrop we saw an equine star rise from the ashes (literally)… as the 3rd Young Dressage Horse placegetter Saddle-Up Romper Stomper could NOT have always been assured of the future his outstanding performance this weekend, assures.

The imposing 17 hand chestnut was bred by Lyn and Bill McCallum from Saddleworld Saddle Up from a mare of unknown breeding that Lyn put to Royal Hit, with an open mind about her expectations for the resultant foal. As youngster, Romper Stomper was saved from the devastating "Black Saturday" bush fires in Victoria.

He grew up nicely, but Lyn was unsure of his future potential and asked Maree Tomkinson to advise. Maree smiled, "I said to Lyn, I know EXACTLY what we should do with him - go on with his dressage training, as he has the potential to go to the top!"

Despite his owners' confidence SU Romper Stomper did little to justify their optimism in the 2013 event, as he was retired, too scared to complete his class. Maree said, "He has really learned to trust me and accept that, if it is dangerous, I would not ask him to do it! It was interesting that Helen felt the same inner fear, but a preparedness to trust his rider that saw him grow and show his talent. The judges rewarded this quality as he went from 9th in the first round to 3rd".

So we have another star on the very positive horizon for Australian dressage - well done to Saddle Up Romper Stomper's owners who have nurtured him through a great deal in his 5 short years.

Below Helen Langehanenberg rides Saddle Up Romper Stomper for 3rd place in the 5 YO Young Horse event at D&JWTS.

Go to Equiscore for the results. Chris Lloyd and his team did a terrific job with the score live streaming and Equestrian Life covered many event highlights with live coverage.!