The Pryde’s EasiFeed CCI4-L* was won by Sophia Hill and Tulara Baltango.

Melbourne round up

It’s over for another year, but the 2025 Melbourne International 3DE made many happy memories for competitors and spectators alike.

With Werribee Park Mansion in the background, Niki Rose and Cooley All Over were on their way to an Off The Track CCI2-L* win.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Werribee Park, the 2025 Melbourne International Three Day Event once again proved itself to be one of the highlights on the Australian eventing calendar. It was an incredible five days of elite equestrian sport, as well as of heartfelt community spirit.

In a tribute to mental health awareness, riders were encouraged to add a touch of blue to their trot-up outfits in honour of Dolly Everett, who was lost to suicide after ongoing bullying, and the work of Dolly’s Dream. The initiative served as a reminder of how important it is to be kind, and that bullying in the equestrian community and elsewhere is never OK.

Team New South Wales emerged triumphant as the winners of the Teams Championship.

In an exciting end to an action packed weekend, Niki Rose and Cooley All Over were crowned winners of the Off The Track CCI2-L*, finishing on 27.3 penalties. The pair led from start to finish, cementing their reputation as one of the country’s top CCI2*-L combinations. Right behind Niki was husband Shane Rose, who climbed from fourteenth after dressage to finish 2nd on Limitless Lodge Zsa Zsa. Victoria’s Christopher Height and Royale Remington delivered the comeback of the weekend, leaping from 35th to 3rd with double clear performances.

Hannah Klep and Tulara Chicouve secured 3rd place in the Prydes Easifeed CCI4-L*.

The Godolphin Lifetime Care CCIJY2-L* was taken out by Victorian Lamoza Velisha and Call Me Cooley, who held their nerve in a nail-biting finish to secure top honours on 34.9 penalties. Just 0.1 behind them was Dominik Michalczyk and Fort Wirth, followed by Oliver Barrett and Tempranado in 3rd spot. Ella McCrum and Hez All That Jaz were named Best Performed Junior Rider in this class, finishing on a respectable 44.6 penalties.

Team New South Wales claimed the Teams Championship, with stand out performances from Niki and Shane Rose, Alex Rolton, and Bree Baker. In the 4CYTE CCI3-L*, Charlee Morton-Sharp and SV Supermaxi delivered a faultless jumping round to finish on 32.2 for the win. Charlee was also presented with the Best Performed Off The Track Thoroughbred and the Caitlyn Fischer Memorial Award, a touching tribute to a much-loved young rider who tragically died in 2016 after a cross country fall.

After the dressage phase, Olivia Shore topped the Prydes Easifeed CCI4-L* leaderboard with her OTT Thoroughbred Dreamcatcher.

The prestigious Pryde’s EasiFeed CCI4-L* was won by Sophia Hill and Tulara Baltango, who soared from 7th after dressage to the podium’s top step on 42.4. Shane Rose capped off a busy weekend with a 2nd aboard Holy Moses, while Hannah Klep and Tulara Chicouve secured the 3^rd berth.

In the Off The Track CCN1-L*, Marlene Battedou and Le Grand D Amour claimed victory after leading from start to finish. Charlie Richardson with VH Wingman, and Shashank Kataria and Tanoshi completed the podium line up.

Annabel Archibald and champion ex-racehorse Zaaki won the Yulong Stud Rising Stars Challenge for Off The Track Thoroughbreds.

The Gillian Rolton Award, presented to the Junior or Young Rider who finishes cross country closest to optimum time with no jumping penalties, this year went to dual winners Dominik Michalczyk with Fort Wirth (OTT) and Ruby Gorton with Blazing Django (OTT), who both clocked in at an identical time of 7:48.

Diary Date: Next year’s MI3DE will be held from 4-8 June.