From an Australian beginning to a European education and a national championship at home, Oaks Ventriloquist’s journey has crossed continents. Now, with Tom McDermott in the saddle, the grey gelding has been selected to represent Australia at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen.

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The selection of Oaks Ventriloquist (Venti) to represent Australia at the FEI World Championships in Aachen brings together several chapters of an extraordinary journey.

Bred in Australia, campaigned in Europe and then returned home to win one of the country’s most important jumping titles, Oaks Ventriloquist has followed a pathway few Australian horses experience. Each stage has contributed to the horse he is today, and his selection is a significant achievement for everyone who has played a part in producing, developing and believing in him.

With Tom McDermott in the saddle, the grey gelding will now carry that Australian story into one of the most demanding environments in international Jumping.

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Foaled in 2012, Oaks Ventriloquist was bred by Alice Cameron of Oaks Sporthorses and started his competition career with Alison Rowland. The Australian Warmblood gelding is by Vivant and out of Renata Ego Z.

It is a pedigree established in international jumping bloodlines, but Oaks Ventriloquist’s own story began in Australia. Originally owned and competed by Kate Hinschen, he received his early education and began developing through the levels at home.

For Australian breeders, seeing a horse that began that process here selected for a World Championship is an achievement that reaches well beyond the final combination entering the arena. It recognises the breeding decision, the years of development and the contribution of each person who helped the horse progress.

In 2022, Oaks Ventriloquist was purchased by Izabella Stone and entered another important stage of his career.

With Izzy, he campaigned in Europe and gained experience in a competition environment where depth of quality is present at almost every level. The opportunity allowed the gelding to compete away from home, adapt to different venues and continue developing against strong international fields.

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The partnership between Tom McDermott and Oaks Ventriloquist has added another compelling chapter to the gelding’s journey.

Together, they won the 2025 Pet Circle Australian Senior Championship at Boneo Park, securing the national title after a strong campaign that included an important clear round when the pressure was at its highest.

It was a victory that placed Oaks Ventriloquist among the leading horses in Australian Jumping and demonstrated the qualities required across a championship format.

Tom and Oaks Ventriloquist also won a World Cup Qualifier at Stonewall Equestrian and finished second in the World Cup Qualifier at Willinga Park. Those results along with a great showing during their european campaign has further established the combination at the top level of Australian competition and strengthened the partnership that now form part of the Australian team in Aachen.

Oaks Ventriloquist’s selection is a proud moment for his current owner, for Tom and for the entire team responsible for preparing him for this opportunity. It also belongs to Alice, Kate, Izzy and the many people whose work formed the earlier chapters of his career.

For the Australian Jumping community, Oaks Ventriloquist represents what can be achieved when an Australian-bred horse is given the time, education and opportunities needed to fulfil his ability.

From Oaks Sporthorses to Europe, back to Australia and now onward to Aachen, his journey has travelled a long way. When he enters the arena wearing the Australian flag, he will do so as a national champion, an experienced campaigner and, most proudly, a horse bred here at home.

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