CORNEL

But let’s take a moment to talk about where it all began – Corn’s impressive pedigree. He’s by Corlensky G, who himself is by the legendary Cornet Obolensky. If you know showjumping, you’ll know that the name Cornet Obolensky carries weight. A stallion who dominated the sport and the breeding world for over a decade, Cornet Obolensky’s bloodline is like gold for any breeder or rider. His sire, Clinton, was a world-class competitor, winning major events and Nations Cups under Belgian rider Dirk Demeersman, including top placings at the prestigious Aachen Nations Cup. This lineage is undeniably one of the best in the sport, and Corn is living proof of that legacy.

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When Corn was around four years old, Sarah reached out to Josh to help get him back into work and provide some training. The rest, as they say, is history. Josh and Corn have formed an incredible partnership, with Corn excelling under Josh’s guidance and showing time and time again just how much potential he has.

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Over the years, Corn and Josh have racked up some impressive competition results, with victories in the Willinga Grand Prix and the EA Cup at Sydney Royal being two of their standout achievements. 

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Outside the arena, Corn is known for being a bit of a character Josh explains. "He’s super vocal, and when he arrives at a show, you can bet he’s going to announce himself.”

 

"In the early years with Corn, we were at Yandoo, and the team there really helped us get to where we are now," Josh says. "I can’t thank them enough for all they did. Now that we’re back there, it feels like we’re home." And indeed, with such a dedicated team behind him, it’s no surprise that Corn is now performing at the highest level in the sport. Josh and Corn joined team Yandoo and Jamie Kermond for a stint overseas last year, rubbing shoulders with the best of the best. Coming home with a 3rd place in the CSIO4* Grand Prix at Sopot and representing New Zealand in the Nations Cup at Sopot, the pair certainly proved that they have what it takes to compete alongside legends of our sport. 

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Corn’s progeny are starting to make waves in their own right. Condor, Corn’s eldest son, recently finished as runner-up for the 4yo Australian Champion – a sign that Corn is passing on his incredible jumping ability to the next generation. Corn’s is a modern stallion – powerful, trainable, and elastic. 

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But Corn’s future isn’t just about breeding; he’s still very much in the competition scene, with the Martin Collins Australia Grand Prix just around the corner. 

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When it comes to communication, Josh and his wife, Emma, have found a fun way to stay in touch about Corn’s needs and moods. "Corn has his very own special emoji," Josh shares. "It’s the corn emoji, of course! It’s a bit of a joke between Emma and me, but it’s actually one of the most used emojis on both our phones."

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Corn may have started life in Czechoslovakia, but now, thanks to Sarah and Josh’s commitment, he’s made his mark in the Australian showjumping scene. And as his progeny start to make waves of their own, it’s clear that Corn’s legacy is just beginning.

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Supported by CWD Australia and Fixine For Equine, Corn and Josh are ready to take on the Martin Collins Australia Grand Prix at the GDP Classic!

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Photographers: 

Lukasz Kowlaski

Herve Bounnaud