Above: Neil Diamond VBT and Rachael Lee at DJWTS 2025. Photo Credit Simon Scully Photography.

Neil Diamond VBT and his dedicated rider, Rachael Lee have recently captured the attention of the Australian Jumping community, clinching the title of the 7-Year-Old Young Horse Champion and subsequently the Champion of Champions at the prestigious Dressage and Jumping with the Stars event.

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Neil Diamond VBT, affectionately known as “Neil,” was imported from Germany by Rachael when he was a rising 5-year-old. From the outset, Rachael recognised his potential, drawn to his remarkable jumping technique and strong build. “He looked powerful off the floor,” she recalls, acknowledging the inherent qualities that made him stand out among many. Despite being relatively inexperienced, Neil showed promise, and Rachael was confident in her decision to bring him to Australia.

Over the past two years, Rachael has taken a thoughtful approach to Neil’s training. She has prioritised building a solid foundation in flatwork, believing it essential for any horse, regardless of discipline. This emphasis has paid off, as Neil’s confidence has blossomed significantly in recent months. “He’s a lovely horse to train. He has an amazing brain and wants to please,” Rachael shares, “He’s special. Not just his talent; he’s just such a joy to have around in the stables. He’s super friendly, loves our son, loves all the dogs. He’s just a really cool character to have around.”

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At the recent Dressage and Jumping with the Stars in Werribee, VIC, Neil’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. Rachael described the competition as fierce, with similarly talented horses vying for top honors. However, Neil’s consistency set him apart. “He consistently jumped really well and was really rideable,” Rachael noted,

The journey to the championships was bittersweet for Rachael as she shared the experience with fellow competitor Brooke Hickey. Both riders achieved the same scores across the first two rounds and Rachael say, “I would really have liked to share the Championship with Brooke because I really felt like that’s what we both deserved.”

Above: Rachael and Neil Diamond VBT and Brooke Hickey and Benjamin Franklin BE at DJWTS 2025. Photo Credit Simon Scully Photography.

When Neil was ridden in the Champion of Champions assessment by renowned athlete Chris Burton, Rachael felt delighted to see him ride Neil. “I hadn’t seen Burto for years, but I was really confident that he would enjoy sitting on Neil,” she remarked. The assessment went extremely well with Neil performing and behaving very well during the final round.

Above: Chris Burton riding Neil Diamond VBT in the Champion of Champions at DJWTS 2025. Photo Credit Simon Scully Photography.

Reflecting on their recent success, Rachael expressed gratitude for Neil’s achievements while maintaining a humble perspective, saying “I feel a bit embarrassed with everyone saying congratulations to me because it was Neil who did the work.”

Rachael believes strongly in Neil’s potential and is committed to nurturing his growth carefully, ensuring he is not rushed into higher levels of competition saying, “I just wanted to make sure that we take Neil slowly and give him time for his brain and his body to adjust. He’s only just turned seven, and he’s probably still growing,” also emphasising the importance of building a strong relationship with her horses, one rooted in trust and understanding, saying “I think that real trust is extremely important.”

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In her transition from Eventing to Jumping, Rachael is very grateful to coach George Sanna, saying “George has been instrumental in my Jumping training, and in guiding me in producing Neil as a green young horse through to where he is now.”

Above: Neil Diamond VBT’s first competition with Rachael Lee, placing 3rd in the 5 year old class at Sydney Jumping Association in July 2023. 

Rachael’s experience in Eventing has almost certainly had a role to play in Neil’s success as she says, “I’ve really focused a lot on the flatwork because I believe that a very strong base of flatwork is essential for any horse, regardless of the discipline they compete in. Although I’ve never actually gone and done a Dressage test on Neil, I feel that any horse I ride should be capable of performing well in a Novice or Elementary level test at the very least. This foundation not only helps improve their overall balance and responsiveness but also contributes to their confidence in Jumping.”

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The short-term goals for Neil include allowing him to gain more experience without overwhelming him. Rachael plans to keep him focused on lower-level competitions for now, gradually building up his skills and confidence. “I think in his eight-year-old year, we’ll plan to set him up for 1.40m and Mini Prix,” she stated, with aspirations for Neil to eventually reach Grand Prix level.

Above: Rachael Lee with Neil Diamond VBT Rachael at Neil’s  first Futurity Competition at the Sydney Summer Classic in 2024. Photo Credit: Simon Scully Photography.

Neil Diamond VBT has already made significant strides in his young career, and with Rachael Lee at the helm, his future looks promising. Their journey is one of dedication, passion, and mutual respect, capturing the essence of what it means to be a successful team in equestrian sports. Rachael’s commitment to Neil’s development, combined with his undeniable talent, sets the stage for an exciting future.

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