Australian Olympic short listed rider Jessica Dertell and Sabble Farms, the owners of her top horses, have parted ways. Dertell's Grand Prix ride Cennin was not flown back to Australia after their European campaign.
Combining Arabians with Dressage
Sabble Farm is owned by Brett and Samantha Thomas and they connected with Kate, Doyle and Jessica Dertell of Future Farms through their mutual passion for Arabian horses.
With Jessica pursuing a career in dressage, Sabble Farm decided to support Jessica and they made a series of purchases in Europe, starting with Eskara de Jeu (by Jazz x Jetset D) in 2019 as a young riders horse, followed by Gladstone MH (by ) and then came Grand Prix horses Cennin and Syriana in 2022.
The 18-year Dertell became a shooting star on the Australian dressage scene in 2022 competing in four age categories: juniors, young riders, under 25 and senior Grand Prix. In October that year she claimed three Australian Champion's title, an unprecedented feat.
Olympic Campaign
Initially coached by Mary Hanna, Dertell continued to achieve consistent results on Cennin as well as Syriana at Grand Prix level but it was Cennin who put her on an Olympic path.
The pair travelled to Europe as they were short-listed for Australian Olympic team selection. They temporarily split from coach Mary Hanna, who was also running for an Olympic team spot, and were based at Annemiek Vincourt's stable in The Netherlands. They showed in Compiegne, Olomouc, Hagen and Kronberg but ended up not getting team selected, with Hanna clinching the reserve spot.
The Dertells appealed the team selection decision of the Australian Equestrian Federation, contesting William Matthew and Mary Hanna's spot. At the time there was no communication from the Dertells on the matter, but they lost the appeal.
"What a life changing experience this journey has been trying to be selected for the 2024 Australian Olympic dressage team," Sabble Farm posted on Facebook on 7 August 2024. "It is what dreams are made of and we couldn’t be prouder of Jessica Dertell and Cennin. Jess has conducted herself in a way that is beyond her just 20 years of age. Making the Olympic shortlist is such an incredible achievement!"
Dertell was nominated for the 2024 FEI Rising Star award.
End of a Five Year Collaboration
After the Paris Olympics, the five-year collaboration between Sabble Farm and Dertell came to an end and Cennin stayed in Europe to be sold.
"After we saw the toll travelling to Europe took on Cennin, it’s so wonderful seeing him now thriving being back in the Netherlands. We have decided rather than subject him to another long trip & weeks in quarantine, he is going to stay with Jeff and Annemiek," said Sabble Farm.
Annemiek's junior rider daughter Zoe premiered Cennin at the sub-top show in Dronten on 1 December 2024, winning the junior class with 70,65%.
Dertell confirmed to Eurodressage that she is no longer riding any of Sabble Farm's horses. She is back training with Hanna. Eurodressage inquired with Sabble Farm about their decision and future plans but did not receive a reply.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Australian Olympic Dressage Team for Paris 2024 Named
Jessica Dertell Heads to Europe for Australian Olympic Team Selection Campaign
Mary Hanna's Syriana Sold to Sabble Farm for Jessica Dertell to Ride
Historic Triple Title for Jessica Dertell at 2022 Australian Dressage Championships
Jessica Dertell Rules the Roost from Juniors to Grand Prix at 2022 CDI Brisbane
Cennin Sold to Australia, Young Riders' Horse for Jessica Dertell
KWPN Stallion Kilimanjaro Sold to Australian Young Rider Jessica Dertell
Eskara de Jeu Sold to Australia