Pony Club Australia (PCA) riders have once again made their mark on the international stage, delivering stellar performances at the 2024 Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) Virtual Dressage Show. With over 230 competitors from 11 countries, the event brought out the best in Australian talent, resulting in multiple top finishes in both individual and team categories.
Matt Helmers, CEO of Pony Club Australia, expressed his pride in the competitors and praised everyone involved, including two Australian judges, Susan Nevett (EA B-Level Judge) and Belinda Dawkins (EA D-Level Judge).
“We are incredibly proud of our riders for their achievements at this year’s international competition,” Helmers said. “Congratulations to our individual class winners and the teams who represented Australia so well. I also want to extend our gratitude to Susan Nevett and Belinda Dawkins for their expertise and dedication, and to everyone who took part in this fantastic event. The virtual format provided a unique opportunity for our riders to test themselves on an international stage, and it’s exciting to see how well they have performed.”
Individual highlights
PCA riders stood out in several classes:
Class 1A (Training Level):
1st, Kassie Pontifex and Disney Patch (Gympie PC, QLD) – 79.4%
2nd, Layla Clarke and Nathanda Mia (Millicent PC, SA) – 76.2%
Class 1B (Training Level):
1st, Ava Irwin and Isle of Roxborough (Bamawn Extension PC, VIC) – 77.7%
3rd, Alira King and Lethal Flame (Lancefield & District PC, VIC) – 74.8%
Class 2A (First Level):
Equal 1st, Gracie Gartung and LV Jimmy Choo (Stratford PC, VIC) – 69.8%
Equal 3rd, Amelia McDonald and Springwater Chanel (King River PC, WA) – 68.9%
Class 2B (First Level):
2nd, Erin Brown and Jayem Bliquo (Loopline PC, NSW) – 72.2%
4th, Lily Diss and Dance on Air BHI (Maldon PC, VIC) – 69.4%
Class 3 (Second Level):
Equal 1st, Lauren Rowe and NEP Cadillac (Busselton Horse & PC, WA) – 72.7%
3rd, Jorja Wareham and Tiaja Park Fearless (Dardanup PC, WA) – 72.3%
Class 5 (Pas de Deux):
3rd, Ayla Barton / Sunview Majestic & Tamara Jacobson (Huon District PC, TAS) – 68.7%
4th, Tracey Gorick / Callanish Emrys (Tooradin-Dalmore PC, VIC) and Amy Bennett / Rosebank Riverdance (Merricks PC, VIC) – 68.5%
Class 6 (Prix Caprilli):
1st, Aleisha Lorensen and Finch Farm Chrysler (Gympie PC, QLD) – 72.2%
4th, Misha O’Malley and Tiger King (Black River PC, QLD) – 67.3%
These results highlight the depth of talent within Australian Pony Clubs.
Team achievements
Australia also shone in the team competitions, with results including:
Class 1A (Training Level):
1st, International Team B, featuring Kassie Pontifex and Disney Patch (Gympie PC, QLD). Team Score: 728
2nd, International Team A, with Layla Clarke and Nathanda Mia (Millicent PC, SA). Team Score: 725
Class 1B (Training Level):
2nd, Team Australia: Grace Ryan and Pemberton Show Bizz (Narrandera PC, NSW); Alira King & Lethal Flame (Lancefield & District PC, VIC); Torah Kelly and Glen Lee Rivoli Have a Shot (Londonderry PC, NSW); and Lucinda Bennett and Party Boy (Naracoorte Hunt & PC, SA). Team Score: 742
Class 2B (First Level):
1st, Team Australia: Lily Diss and Dance on Air BHI (Maldon PC, VIC); Erin Brown and Jayem Bliquo (Loopline PC, NSW); Michaela Foubister and Wicky (Two Wells Equestrian & PC, SA); and Makynli Holt and Hightop Pzazz (The Vines PC, NSW). Team Score: 732.5
Class 3 (Second Level):
1st, Team Australia: Charlize Mackie and Kaewing Maximus (Kenthurst PC, NSW); Kaeleigh Brown and Mystic Shadows Celtic Wizard (Capel Horse & PC, WA); Jorja Wareham and Tiaja Park Fearless (Dardanup PC, WA); and Lauren Rowe and NEP Cadillac (Busselton Horse & PC, WA). Team Score: 994
Class 4 (Third Level):
1st, International Team D, with Rosie Mison and Burrowa Bayardo Express (Londonderry PC, NSW); and Lili Taylor and Oscar (Riddells Creek PC, VIC). Team Score: 957.5
Class 6 (Prix Caprilli):
2nd, Team Australia: Aleisha Lorensen and Finch Farm Chrysler (Gympie PC, QLD); Misha O’Malley and Tiger King (Black River PC, QLD); Michelle Woodcroft and Strutin To A Tribute (Riddells Creek PC, VIC); and Lauren Cocks and Treasured BP Hewitt (Riddells Creek PC, VIC).
Australia’s performance in these categories underscores the country’s strength in dressage on the global stage.
A huge honour for all participants
Helmers emphasised that simply being selected to represent Australia at an international level is an immense achievement in itself. “To be chosen to compete in this event is a huge honour and speaks volumes about the dedication, skill, and perseverance of our riders. We congratulate every single participant, regardless of their placing, for their hard work and commitment. You have made us proud.”
Building global connections
The PCIA Virtual Dressage Show, designed to bring riders from across the world together, offers participants the unique opportunity to compete internationally without leaving their home arenas. The virtual format has made it possible for riders to gain valuable international experience, further develop their skills, and grow connections with fellow riders worldwide.
“This competition allows riders from around the world to connect and compete, regardless of location, thanks to the innovative virtual format,” added Helmers. “It provides an invaluable opportunity for our riders to gain international experience and grow their skills, and we are thrilled to see them perform at such a high level.”
Pony Club Australia congratulates all participants, support teams, and organisers on the success of the event. The Virtual Dressage Show continues to highlight the exceptional talent and dedication of Pony Club riders globally, and PCA looks forward to even greater success in future competitions.
All images were submitted as part of the riders’ nominations and are not from the PCIA Virtual Dressage Show.
