The Carlton Performance Horses CPEDI at Willinga Park ended with freestyle performances by para dressage and Virtus riders on Sunday. These tests allowed competitors to showcase creativity through custom routines set to music, in a relaxed atmosphere following a social barbecue the previous evening. While scores did not contribute to FEI World Championship qualification, several pairs achieved strong results toward selection criteria.
The CPEDI event at Willinga Park in Bawley Point featured para dressage combinations qualifying for the final day's freestyle tests. Riders designed their own floorplans, incorporating compulsory movements alongside optional elements to highlight strengths. Judges evaluated not only technical execution but also harmony, choreography, and music interpretation, creating a lighter mood compared to earlier competitive days.
The morning sessions buzzed with camaraderie among participants, who noted reduced pressure since freestyle results do not factor into qualification for the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen—those depend on Grand Prix A and B tests. A barbecue hosted by Equestrian Australia on Saturday had fostered this congenial environment.
Highlights included Paris Paralympian Bridget Murphy and Penmain Promise topping the CPEDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle Grade II with 72.278%, performing to Fleetwood Mac tunes. Lisa Martin and Vilaggio claimed the day's highest mark of 76.742% in Grade V, demonstrating precise riding and powerful biomechanics on the chestnut gelding. In Grade III, Claire Graham and Furst Olli 3 led with 73.611%, while Felicity Weal and FTF Florita earned second place at 67.789% to Ed Sheeran remixes, showcasing a challenging routine and strong partnership.
Full results spanned multiple grades: Grade IV went to Helen Batson and MSJ Tia Fortuna at 70.500%; Grade I to Kylie Christian and Ivan Carlos at 63.112%. In CPEDI2* classes, winners included Kate Nipperess and Dame Remi Wolverine in Intermediate Freestyle II (67.123%), Brooke Neville and Remi Bellagio in IV (68.400%), and Heidi Ford and Rikaardt H in V (66.175%). Virtus II3 saw Grace Murphie-Ryan and Pemberton Show Bizz score 67.475%.
These outcomes advance several Australian pairs, including Murphy, Martin, and others, who now hold two qualifying scores over 67% from CPEDI3* events. They must compete in at least one more selection trial, such as Boneo Park in May or Sydney in June 2026, to meet criteria for the championships.
