“Dressage SA has launched a fabulous new initiative, giving SA equestrians the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the unsung heroes behind the scenes who make our sport possible,” says Dressage SA President Anne Raymond. “So, the Celebration of Dressage was born!”
The event invited South Australian clubs and sub-committees to submit nominations for various award categories. Club and Equestrian Australia (EA) members then voted to determine the winners.
“The response was outstanding, and a capacity crowd gathered at Grünthal Brew in the Adelaide Hills to enjoy amazing food and beverages, acknowledge the nominated categories, and celebrate the winners,” says Anne, who organised the event alongside Ryan Fletcher and Sue Brown.
“What a great success it was, bringing energy and such positive vibes to the dressage community.”
2025 winners
Equine Finance Solutions Service to the Sport Award: Sue Brown
For The Love Farm Shop Volunteer of the Year: Liz Duncan
Dressage SA Sponsor of the Year: Mighty Farm Equine and Kerry Glass
2025 Dressage SA Youth Scholarship Winner: Keeley Menadue
Thank you to PBT Embroidery and Dapple EQ for supporting the Youth Scholarship prizes.
FEI Judge of the Year (sponsored by Oakwood Recreation & Landscaping): Liz Duncan
SA EA Judge of the Year (sponsored by Dornfeld Dressage): Carly Bubner
SA Official of the Year (sponsored by Equipro Services): Jo Taylor and Jude Sonnefeld
SA Dressage Coach of the Year (sponsored by Bounce Rubber Arena Surfaces): Ruth Schneeberger
Sponsor of the Year (sponsored by DSA): Mighty Farm Equine
SA Dressage Regional Club of the Year (sponsored by Sanlirra Arena & Earthworks): Clare Valley Dressage Club
SA Dressage Metro Club of the Year (sponsored by Sanlirra Arena & Earthworks): Dressage Club of SA
Event of the Year (sponsored by Olympic Trailers): Equine Finance Solutions State Dressage Championship
Winning Stars announced
The top horse and rider combination at each level was also recognised on the night. Test score data from all official SA EA competitions between 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025 was used, and the highest average percentage from each combination’s top five tests was calculated.
Elite Equine Bedding Preliminary Stars: PS Furstenshow (73.357%) and Cheryl Hatswell
APK Helmets Novice Stars: PS Furstenshow (72.230%) and Cheryl Hatswell
Equine Alignment Elementary Stars: FL Rocksette (68.849%) and Keeley Menadue
That Hashtag Group Medium Stars: Light My Fire BHI (71.104%) and Steph Hann
Kentucky Equine Research Advanced Stars: Jazdan Daydream (67.150%) and Julia Weir
Pure Steed Small Tour Stars: Roxleigh Fidelio (69.760%) and Ruth Schneeberger
Lumiere Medium Tour Stars: Miramar Serene (67.031%) and Ruth Schneeberger
Equine Eye Big Tour Stars: Guizo Da Ferraria (67.199%) and Karen Horsell
Lindy Wright Memorial Award
“It was an honour to have the Lindy Wright Memorial Foundation announce their 2025 award winner at our Celebration of Dressage,” says Anne.
“This award honours and recognises outstanding contributions and dedication to the sport of dressage. Liz Duncan, a member of the Foundation, noted the record number of nominations, highlighting the immense impact and respect these individuals hold within the community. The very deserving recipient for 2025 was Karen Horsell.”
Karen said she was both honoured and humbled to receive the Lindy Wright Memorial Award — an award that pays due respect to Lindy and helps keep the memory of her contribution to the sport, inside and outside the arena, alive.
“Many incredible equestrians have received this award. Each time it’s presented, there are fond memories of Lindy — just as I’m reminded of her every time I drive into the grounds of Tilling Hill,” said Karen.
“I was fortunate to have known and competed with Lindy, and to have been inspired by her dedication to the sport, her talent as a rider and trainer, and her generosity as a coach.
“As a young rider, just watching the elegant Lindy climb the dressage levels was a privilege. Such lofty goals seemed so far out of reach at the time. Her graceful silhouette on a horse — wearing a bowler or top hat — made her a regular in presentation ceremonies. Yet, her humble disposition and generous spirit stood out. A nod or wave in the warm-up arena, or asking how your test went, was always encouraging and inspirational.
“Our dressage community in SA is small but growing, and I’m sure Lindy would be proud that we came together to honour the volunteers, stewards, judges, coaches, and sponsors who make it possible for us to compete. The Dressage SA committee deserves congratulations for the initiative to hold this special night — and even more credit for pulling it off so successfully.”
Congratulations to Karen and all the nominees.
Following the successful celebration, Anne says Dressage SA is already looking forward to the 2026 Celebration of Dressage. “We can’t wait to again recognise the amazing people who are the heart of our sport!”
