Equestrian Australia has announced the teams for the second leg of the 2025 Trans-Tasman Test Series, set to be held at the AELEC (Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre) Tamworth World Cup (28–31 August).
The Trans-Tasman Test Series will see Australia compete against New Zealand in two competitions: Senior and Young Rider.
Seniors
Green:
Clem Smith and Oaks Conjuror/Oaks Calypso
Gemma Creighton and Dada Des Brimbelles Z
James Mooney and KPH Cavatina
Mattea Davidson and Checkamour D
Gold:
Paige McBain and Carlos JD Z/Charlotta II
Sam Overton and Conchita Van De Helle
Victoria Hoy and ES Canada
William Wood and Powerhouse Park Ego Roc
Three of these selected combinations were also recently named for the first leg of the series, due to be held at the upcoming Waratah World Cup Show: Gemma Creighton and Dada Des Brimbelles Z, Mattea Davidson and Checkamour D, and Sam Overton and Conchita Van De Helle.
Young Riders
Green:
Emily Lang McMahon and Ellisimo
Emmy Ravenscroft and Happy Talk
Holly Tomkins and Finch Farm Vroom
Molly Mooney and JB Evolution
Gold:
Ella Silk and Redgum Conan
Lorna Clifford and Waratone
Mack Rudder and Springvale Stallymag
Olivia Gostelow and Tulara Cristo
Reserves:
Lucy Borrack
Elkee Lang McMahon
Two of these combinations have also been named for the team at the Waratah World Cup Show: Holly Tomkins and Finch Farm Vroom, and Molly Mooney and JB Evolution.
Building pathways to championship success
The AELEC Tamworth World Cup Event Director Martin Gostelow has long been vocal about the importance of providing team competition experience for Australian show jumpers and is thrilled to host the second leg of the 2025 Trans-Tasman Test Series.
Following the Paris Olympic Games, Martin spoke to Equestrian Life about the need to develop competition pathways: “High-performance managers must focus on how we can compete more regularly with other nations, not just in terms of height but also gaining valuable team experience,” he said at the time, emphasising that it’s the team experience and exposure to competing under pressure at these big championship events that is so hard to come by. Alongside suggestions of an Australian Asian Games team and furthering Nations Cup opportunities in Europe, the possibility of a Trans-Tasman teams event with New Zealand was also floated.
This concept is now a reality, with the first leg of the 2025 Trans-Tasman Test Series taking place this Thursday and Friday (21–22 August) as part of the Waratah World Cup Show at Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
Passionate about building pathways for young show jumpers, Martin – whose daughter Olivia Gostelow has bounced back from serious injury to make the Young Rider team for Tamworth – explained that if we can develop team competition opportunities now, it will be of particular benefit to our next generation of stars.
“If international team championship opportunities like the Trans-Tasman Test Series can be secured, it means our next generation of young riders can be ‘blooded’ on the international scene and in championship environments from the get-go. From a young age, they are really getting a sense of the occasion and invaluable experience. To me, that is really exciting.”
