Dancing queen … Riverina dressage rider, coach and judge Jodie Dunstan and Hollands Bend Highlander enjoyed several podium finishes in one of Australia’s premier dressage events at picturesque South Coast equestrian venue, Willinga Park. Photo: Simon Scully Photography.
Long-standing Riverina dressage rider and coach Jodie Dunstan has secured a spectacular podium finish against hallowed six-time Olympian Mary Hanna at one of Australia’s most prestigious equestrian events on the South Coast of NSW.
The Table Top-based trainer and her own mighty 18 hand-high horse Hollands Bend Highlander claimed second place against Mary and her internationally campaigned mount Ivanhoe in the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle at Willinga Park’s Dressage by the Sea competition, 20 to 23 February.
Jodie and ‘H’, as he is affectionately known, also came a close third in the CDI3* Grand Prix behind Breanna Tillitzki (on BZ Raphael) with Mary again in first place before the Olympian’s next international trip to Europe for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Switzerland.
Jodie, 59, and H had their dancing shoes on for the freestyle, an individually choreographed test set to music considered one of the most exciting parts of dressage competition.
Rocking it out to the iconic music of Queen – including hits such as Fat-Bottomed Girls, You’re My Best Friend, and We Will Rock You – the pair delivered what was described as a “goosebumps material” performance at the idyllic Bawley Point venue featuring a waterfall backdrop, no less, in the main arena.
Jodie says H loves the atmosphere of a big crowd and when that music starts up, it lifts him.
“Not every horse rises to the occasion with a crowd, but he’s a performer, he knows his job and he’s pumped,” Jodie says of the 14-year-old gelding.
“It felt like a really good test but I had no idea where I’d placed until the presentation when they put the ribbon on!”
For Jodie, like so many riders and trainers, the process of getting a horse to the top of their sport is a long and often challenging journey.
She says she owes H’s current performances to the expert farrier work of Dr Luke Wells-Smith (from Motion Equine Centre), who has helped get his feet properly balanced.
“His fitness has increased because of his soundness – you need to have them so fit to be able to do the movements at the higher level,” she explains.
“He’s a lot of horse and due to his size, it has taken him a while to develop that strength and power.”
Jodie, who grew up in a “non-horsey family”, honed her riding and coaching skills through the local PYC pony club in Lavington.
Her first horse was a Galloway called Auction – because, well, he was bought at an auction – who topped the sale for the princely sum of $290!
She saved up for her first saddle, which cost $50, and competed in all the usual pony club events like jumping, dressage and sporting.
When she was 19, Jodie made the decision to focus solely on dressage.
“I remember (horseman) Peter Jenkyn told me I could either be an average event rider or a good dressage rider,” she recalls.
Turns out he was spot on and Peter’s wife, Di, has been an instrumental trainer throughout Jodie’s riding career.
A happy Jodie Dunstan and H after one of their tests in the main arena at the spectacular Willinga Park Dressage by the Sea event. Photo: Supplied.
Jodie says she’s had many nice horses over the years but it’s been a particularly satisfying experience to get one of her own to the top.
Bought as a gangly three-year-old from breeder Jane Bartram, H wasn’t always the easiest young horse, Jodie reflects.
“I remember John Bird saying when he broke him in that he can be a bit naughty, but he wants to be a good horse,” she says.
“He was so right.”
Like any elite athlete, H has his peculiarities and a set routine before any big event.
He loves carrots but hates apples and licorice, Jodie reveals.
“He likes a piece of hay and has to have a wee in his own bucket before heading to the warm-up arena.”
Long-time friend and groom Sue Robbins is well-acquainted with H’s schedule when they’re away, while Jodie’s husband Peter holds the fort at home.
The support of her family, including her parents David and Betty Anderson, and sons Nicholas, 25 and Matthew, 24, has kept her going – and kept her grounded, Jodie says.
“I’ve never had aspirations to go overseas because I don’t have the backing or the money, but I’ve wanted to have one of the best grand prix horses in the country – and I think I’ve achieved that,” she says.
And, indeed, it was the Olympic veteran herself who recently gave Jodie a compliment of the highest order.
“Mary said (at a competition at Boneo) that it’s even more special because I’ve done it all myself,” Jodie says.
“I’m pleased to be an inspiration to a lot of ordinary, everyday riders who look at me and think they could possibly do it – because I don’t have the big expensive truck or horse and yet I’m at the top of my sport.
“It gives people hope and that’s important!”
REA Wagga Wagga Dressage Club is hosting its Riverina Murray Dressage Derby at CSU Equine Centre, Wagga on 1-2 March. To find out more go to its Facebook page.
Loading ...
