The Tamworth rider had lost little of his good form either and won the inaugural men's dressage test at the 2015 Gunnedah Show.

The novelty dressage event aimed to encourage more show competition and also support breast cancer awareness.

It was also a good excuse as any for the gents to suit up in their best pink attire.

Earl scored 161 from a possible 220 (73.18 per cent) riding Tyger well ahead of next best Lindsay Doyle from Somerton (148) who edged out Mullaley's Andrew Craig (147).

More photos here: "VIDEO/PHOTOS: 2015 Gunnedah Showjump and Dressage"

Little training or preparation had gone into Earl's win, other than a quick bath for Tyger and gentle reassurance from wife, Susie.

It was more than a decade since second-placed Lindsay last competed in dressage but he took the morning event in Gunnedah as good practice for his campdrafting competition in Barraba later that day.

"I'm off to do more dressage on some cows now," he said wryly.

Third-placed Andrew admitted to feeling "a little nervous" before he made his dressage debut on Friday but was happy to support a worthy charity event.

"The wife gave me some practice beforehand," Andrew said.

"It's for a good cause, so I'm happy to do it."