Proving the worth of his outstanding performance pedigree, San Jose rewarded all connections when he was sashed the 2010 Champions of Champions at Dressage and Jumping with the Stars, on Saturday night the 20th March at the Werribee Park State Equestrian Centre.

San Jose is owned by Matthew Dowsley a professional rider and trainer from NSW who purchased the promising youngster from his good friend, Sylvia Johannsen from Germany.  The imposing 6YO black stallion is by Sandro Hit from Sylvia's very good producing mare with the proven mix of Rubinstein and Weltmeyer on her pedigree page.  Matthew told me "Sylvia has bred a number of super foals from this mare, including a few really good fillies.  I made the decision to take on San Jose when he was a 2YO, he was broken in at 4 and his basic work has been careful and thorough. We were very excited about his future when his talent became apparent - he has 'what it takes' to reach the highest level of Grand Prix and becoming the Champion of Champions from the excellent field of horses at this event has surely been the highlight of San Jose's career so far, I could not be more pleased."

The winner of the 4YO class was NSW Lawyer Andrea Beatty's elegant gelding SS Sonata Hit (imp), ridden by Rodney Martin.  Another entrant by the in-form sire Sandro Hit from PSI Octavia, a mare to combine the talent of Clintino and Landadel.

The 5YO Championship went to the elegant imported stallion Bellario by the German sire Bellisimo M from the Wolkenstein ll mare, Myona.  He is owned by Kate Barton from Western Australia - so it was a very long trip right across our vast continent for the youngster to take part at this event.

Bellario was beautifully ridden by Deon Stokes, who has enjoyed a successful career as an event rider and has made the transition to dressage with ease and elegance.  Deon has gained a strong following since he appeared in 2009 on the beautiful black stallion Royal Oak ll,  they also took part in the 6YO class this year.

The guest riding judge was the personable, talented and well respected Dutchman, Ton De Ridder, who now resides in Germany.  Ton was a wonderful choice to head up the judging panel as he was happy to share his riding experiences with the crowd and explain how he made his decisions.  Ton left the Champion of Champions decision to the audience when he asked the knowledgable and enthusiastic crowd to choose their winner by applause after the performance of the top horse from the three age group classes.

After SS Sonata Hit performed a "little Kur" it was difficult to imagine that there could be a more enthusiastic vote.  The same applied to Bellario and the noise of clapping and foot tapping on the wooden flooring was very unsettling for this sensitive horse - he tested Deon's riding skill to the max and Ton said, "We do not have to worry about Deon, he is an eventing rider!"

SS Sonata Hit ridden by Rodney Martin

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When Matthew Dowsley shortened and lengthened the powerful paces of the fantastic moving San Jose then added some working canter pirouettes, the crowd erupted and it twas pretty clear that he would be today's winner.  As the oldest of the three, his balance and poise gave a decided advantage and the noise of the vote nearly brought the indoor arena down.  Ton had to ask for the clapping and noise to subside as the 3 horses were quite worried by the enthusiastic response that this appreciative audience gave them.

At the end of the 12th Dressage (and Jumping) with the Stars, it was unanimously agreed that the quality of the horses was the highest ever and comparable with the best overseas.  This was extremely gratifying for the organisers - in particular the inaugural event Director Sicca van Schaardenburg (Dijkstra), who is well respected for her organisational skill and talent for innovation.

Most Australian enthusiasts will acknowledge the positive impact that having PSI behind this event has made.  Dr Ulf Moller from PSI is now much loved for his charm, generosity and preparedness to help the riders, breeders, judges and event organisers. The huge improvement in the standard over the 8 years that he has been coming to Australia, is beyond words.  Ulf said, "He loves coming to Australia and hopes to make 2011 his 9th visit."

Ton De Ridder said he was very impressed with Australia, Australians, the quality of horses, the standard of presentation and riding that he saw here this weekend.

Many people were able to muster the energy to stay for the D&JWTS After Party, which kicked on to the wee small hours of the morning.