Yandoo Oaks Constellation retires after a decade at the top
Yandoo Oaks Constellation, the powerhouse gelding affectionately known as ‘Napa’ has officially retired from competition, marking the end of a brilliant career that helped shape Jamie Kermond’s place in the sport.
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After the Teams Spectacular on the Saturday of the 2025 Showcase of Showjumping, a special ceremony was held in front of a packed VIP tent to honour Napa’s retirement. It was a fitting send-off for a horse who has carried Australian hopes across the globe and stood at the heart of Jamie’s most memorable moments in the saddle.
In an interview after the show, Jamie reflected on the decision to retire the horse that has meant so much to him. At 18, Napa has been competing at the top level for more than a decade. “He started Grand Prix as a seven or eight-year-old, and he’s been giving it everything ever since. He’s a big horse, not built like the modern ones, so he always had to work hard,” Jamie explained. “He had a few little things we managed throughout his career, but when his other front leg started showing signs of wear, we knew it was time and we made the decision then to pull out of the Olympic race” he said. “He’s been in light work since, and Emma Kwasha’s been riding him at home. He’s not going to be passed on or sold—he’ll stay with us forever.” Though the decision came with sadness, Jamie was full of gratitude. “I don’t think we could have gotten much more out of him. He gave all he had.”
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That heart and grit earned Napa a place on some of the biggest stages in Jumping. The pair represented Australia at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, finishing 6th in the team competition and 21st individually. In 2018 they also qualified and competed at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Paris. Napa jumped clear in key World Cup qualifiers, Nations Cups and Grand Prix events across Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Above: Jamie Kermond and Yandoo Oaks Constellation at the 2018 World Cup Final in Paris.
One of the most meaningful moments for Kermond came at the end of Napa’s career in 2023. “After my time away from the sport, coming back and jumping a clear round at the Barcelona Nations Cup as anchor rider was really emotional. No one else probably understood what it meant, but for me, it was huge. It was like a weight lifted.”
Above: Jamie Kermond and Yandoo Oaks Constellation at the Nation’s Cup Finals In Barcelona in 2023.
Napa’s record speaks for itself. He was a true competitor, but more importantly, he was Jamie’s horse. “He gave me confidence. With other horses, I’d go to a big show nervous, not knowing what I’d get. But with Napa, I always knew he’d show up. He made me believe we could do it.”
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Now enjoying retirement under the care of the Yandoo team, Napa continues to be part of the family. There are no plans for him to be handed over to a junior or used in competition again. “He’s earned his place here,” Jamie said simply.
As Jamie Kermond looks ahead to the next chapter, with young prospects like Lord Byron in the wings, Napa’s legacy will endure—not just in the results, but in the quiet bond of trust, loyalty and ambition that defined their journey together.
“I’ve ridden a lot of nice horses,” said Jamie Kermond, “but there’s only one Napa.”
