Del and Walter find their happy place in dressage ring
- Fran Cleland
- Sep 24, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 26, 2025
EXPERIENCED event rider Delwyn Ogilvy and her current mount, Wairua, are proving that in the sport of equestrian, age is just a number.
Wairua, or Walter at home, only came off-the- track about eight months ago after 56 starts and winning more than $500,000 in prize money.
He finished racing as Bonny Ezra at nine years of age and when he retired, many thought he was a bit long in the tooth to have a future.
However, partnered with Del, who in her sixties says she is grateful to still be riding due to injuries, the pair stepped out at the 2025 Boneo Park Off-The-Track Carnival to win the Preliminary dressage championship.
“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” Del said afterwards.
“To think this horse was once considered ‘too old’ and now he’s carrying me—at 67—into a victory lap at such a prestigious event – that moment felt more than just special.”
Del is well known throughout the eventing community and her professional riding/coaching career spans more than five decades.
She has represented Australia in eventing in the United Kingdom and was first reserve rider for the gold medal-winning Australian eventing team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Out of the saddle she is known to be the first to lend a hand and is generous with her help and knowledge.
She has a love of the sport and correct technique and is a great role model.
Walter found his way to Del via the Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year Jen Duffy and she set about showing him a life beyond racing.
This included trail rides in the Bunyip State Forest and training to learn – in Del’s words – the art of “sand dancing” in the arena.
She described the off-the-track carnival, which included dressage, combined training, showjumping and show classes, as something “truly special” to be part of.
“The event itself was just incredible—everyone there to celebrate the Thoroughbred and showcase the true versatility of this remarkable breed,” she said.
“It was only Walter’s second-ever competition, so I knew the ask was a huge one."
Del said she was thrilled with his performance.
“In the warm-up for our first test, poor Walter was overwhelmed – music blaring, horses everywhere, it felt like dodging land mines. I honestly thought I’d have to withdraw but we regrouped, I pulled a few rabbits out of my hat, and Walter dug deep.
“Somehow, we put together a strong first test, scoring just over 70 per cent and taking second place. By the afternoon, something clicked. Walter settled, trusted me, and showed off the training we’ve been quietly building at home. Another 70 per cent – this time for first place and we ended the day as Preliminary Champions.”
It wasn’t the only award the pair got.
They added the Rising Star prize for horses two years off-the-track and the Masters class for riders over 50 years.
Del didn’t compete in the combined training section because she is no longer able to jump due to severe nerve damage in her C1 and C2 vertebrae in her neck.
“I’m quite fortunate to be able to ride, the pain is bearable only because I love so much looking between those ears,” she said.
“At 67, I’m grateful every day that I can still ride—something I haven’t taken for granted in recent years with my chronic neck condition.
“Thanks to treatment, I’ve been managing to ride most days, just me and my beautiful horse Walter.
“It has always been, and will always be, an honour and a privilege to ride such wonderful animals.”
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