Madelyn Colquhoun Set for Pony Dressage Champs

A seven year partnership sees Madelyn Colquhoun and her pony Congarinni Royal Sovereign, aka Roy, set to shine at the NSW Pony Dressage Championships this weekend.

The event, held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, features combinations from preliminary to advanced level battling it out for State Champion titles.

Maddi and Roy will form part of the 11-strong elementary competition and started their journey together when she outgrew her 11.2hh pony club mount in 2003. The Colqhoun family then purchased the son of Congarinni Cabaret on the advice of friend Renae Fowler, who knew the people campaigning him for the stud and offered that he had “no bite, buck, bolt or rear” and “he would get you qualified for the Royal but he wouldn’t win a ribbon”.

A shotgun trip west in the September holidays to gain performances for Sydney Royal ensued, providing many learning experiences including the need to plait or pull tails after a failed attempt to shave it saw Roy sport the not-so-flattering ‘hedgehog’ look for weeks.



With qualifying performances secured, a practice run at Canberra Royal was booked, not before being referred to respected horseman, Steve Gladstone for training.

Based at Centennial Park Equestrian Centre, Steve’s first impression of the pony prompted the comment “I don’t know whether Roy needs a chiropractor or psychologist”. With a tendency to snake from nose to tail and be “all over the shop”, under Steve’s watchful eye the combination developed to the point where, four weeks later before leaving for Canberra Royal he uttered the parting words “You might just get away with it kid”.

After mild success in the first days of the show, and in a rush to get back to Sydney, mother Vanessa offered the option of scratching from their last class – the All Arabian Derivatives Gelding Ridden. It was a huge class with many professional riders and some horses standing over 16hh. While discussing their departure, Maddi chipped in with “Mum I will get the gate, so just pack the float and I’ll be back in ten minutes”.

When she didn’t return quickly, Vanessa went looking for her and there they were - the smallest horse with the youngest rider (11 years old), at her first Royal, winning first place out of 32 horses!

Since then Roy and Maddi have been constant competitors at Royals and have won Reserve Champion at the SHC Country Hack Champs, Champion Show Hunter Pony at the 2006 Hygain Pacific Coast Masters, reached top 10 at the Grand National, won Champion at Zone Jamboree, Reserve Champion EFA Show Hunter Pony and represented NSW at EFA Nationals in Werribee in December 2008 before they turned their hands/hooves to dressage.


Maddi & Roy's first attempt at dressage


For the last two years the combination has developed under the watchful eye of Ann Serrao, progressing up the ranks from NSW & National YR Preliminary Champion to 2010 Reserve Champion Elementary Pony.

Commenting on the change of code, Vanessa said “Roy loves the dressage arena – most days - he loves that there are no horses charging up his butt around the ring and that all eyes are on him. He fancies himself as a mini- warmblood.”

“Maddi has been under a lot of pressure over the last seven years, showing in open competition and stabling in the city however, her love of Roy has got her through. Despite being offered large sums to sell Roy, Maddi won’t part with him. They have excelled at everything that’s been thrown at them.”

Almost through her first year at University Maddi, 18 years old, is studying to become a primary school teacher and will transfer to Bathurst next year where she will continue to study and ride.


Maddi & Roy at the EFA National Championships


Consistently scoring around the 65-66% mark, Maddi feels they are still consolidating at Elementary level at competitions, while at home they are enjoying the challenge of working on the Medium/Advanced movements.

Contemplating their chances this weekend, Maddi commented, “Roy’s been going well at home and I’ve been having lessons with him this week so hopefully he can stay relaxed come the weekend”

“I think the strongest combination in the class would have to be Peta Cormack and Little Paddock’s Gift”

With plenty of experience under her belt, Cormack and the lovely grey have been Champions at the level for the past three years.

The first classes start at 8.30 this Saturday and Sunday at SIEC.