Dressage Masterclass’s inaugural event featured what can only be described as one of the world’s leading dressage trainers and personalities in Carl Hester MBE.  He brought with him the kind of passion, knowledge and humour we’ve all come to know and love from the 5-time Olympian, inspiring the entire Australian dressage community in the process!

18 months of planning from the DMC team finally came to fruition when Werribee Park was presented in the best possible light to help us show industry what’s capable with the promotion of equestrian sport in Australia.

Highlights included the transformation of Indoor 1 into a 2,500 seat stadium and a 300-seat restaurant in Indoor 2, while the Dressage Trade Village and bars were a hit with fans!

Dressage Masterclass was keen to promote a variety of horses and riders for Carl to work with, and we were delighted with the results! Emerging riders like Riley Alexander (left), Tori Stuckey and Stephanie McDonald helped us showcased  the depth of talent within our sport.

As the night went on, spectators were treated to the incredible training knowledge of Carl as he worked with a variety of combinations and common training issues we all face in our daily training. His insistence on getting the basics right – and the flow-on effects for the more complicated movements if you neglect them – were timely reminders for all of us!

To conclude the evening our very own Brett Parbery – fresh from his ride in the Grand Prix section – returned to present the Q&A session with Carl. With audiences submitting questions online or via text during the show, Carl answered questions on everything from common training issues, to horse management and whether he will return (stay tuned on that one!)