Day one of the 10th anniversary EBM Dressage by the Sea at Willinga Park featured high scores and competitive classes across various levels. Riders delivered impressive performances in intermediate, advanced, and novice championships. The event concluded with successful trot-ups and a celebratory welcome evening.
The EBM Dressage by the Sea marked its 10th anniversary with a strong opening day on February 19, 2026, at Willinga Park. The competition showcased depth and quality in multiple classes.
In the Construction Control CDN Intermediate II, Matthew Lord and Remi Vigneron secured victory with a score of 69.941% in their second outing at the level. UK judge Peter Storr awarded them 72.794%, placing them more than five percent ahead of the field. Susan Elekessy and Callum Park Geneva finished second at 64.295%, followed by Alycia Targa and CP Charmore at 62.256%. Lord and Vigneron are set for their Grand Prix debut on day two.
The Kohnke’s Own CDN Prix St Georges was topped by Jayden Brown and Grets at 68.941%, despite a tense centreline, with several 7.5s earned. Rebecca Rooke and BB Niccolo took second with 68.235%, and Tegan Huitson and Histoire D’O placed third at 66.853%.
The Motion Equine Centre Advanced Championship's 5.1 test saw the top seven combinations score above 67%. Sydney Evans and U Beauty Queen led with 70.946%, just ahead of Georgina Hartzer and Hudson Bay at 69.955%. Sarah Farraway and Winterfell W secured third at 69.099%.
A large Medium entry was divided into two sections. Construction Control Division 1 went to Jessica Dertell and Osaka P at 71.945%, featuring two 9.0s for the opening centreline and flying change. Tia Rose McKenzie and Willinga Park Miana followed at 70.324%, with Rebecca Rooke and Wunderbar Furstina third at 67.546%. In Division 2, Sarah Farraway and Remi Furstensong won with 70.972%, ahead of Sydney Evans and U Beauty Queen at 69.213%, and Harvey Besley and Borderview Sapporo at 68.009%.
David McKinnon and Macarthur Sequoia won the Tupper Family Novice Championship, maintaining scores above 73%. Reserve champions were Rachael Clarke and Tarcoola Secret Stash, and John Thompson with Zaire MI, tied on points.
The afternoon featured CDI trot-ups, where all CDI3* Grand Prix horses passed, confirming their soundness. The day ended with a welcome evening of cocktails and canapés, honoring the late Terry Snow and the Snow family's support for the event.
