November 16, 2024 
It’s not common for a horse to make its international Grand Prix debut at age 15, but that hasn’t hurt David McKinnon and Estupendo’s podium count.
Imported from the Netherlands in 2023, the 15-year-old KWPN gelding made his international Grand Prix debut in March this year under McKinnon. They have only competed in three FEI events together, but have been spectacularly consistent. In six international appearances, they’ve only missed the podium twice, both times finishing fourth.
On Friday, they claimed their first win with the FEI Dressage World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle at Equitana Melbourne, Australia.
Earning a score of 75.4%, it was also a personal best score for the duo. The judges were unanimous, awarding McKinnon and Estupendo the highest scores across the competition in technicality and musicality.
The pair was also second in Thursday’s FEI World Cup Grand Prix.
Mary Hanna (AUS) and Ivanhoe, winners of the FEI World Cup Grand Prix the day prior, took second in the Freestyle with a score of 73.695%. McKinnon’s wife Roberta astride D’Esperanza secured third for the second day in a row with a score of 71.060% in their Grand Prix debut.
The Pacific League of the FEI Dressage World Cup culminates in Werribee, Victoria, December 5–8.
