Para Dressage and Virtus riders from all over Australia hit the arena at Boneo Park today to compete in what was the opening day of the 2025 Australian Para Dressage Championships.
Held as part of the Carlton Performance Horses (CPH) Dressage Extravaganza, this event includes CPEDI3* classes, which mark the first qualifier for the FEI World Championships in Aachen 2026 – meaning riders were well and truly putting their best foot forward. Importantly, CPEDI2* classes have also been offered for those next stars climbing the ranks.
There were multiple riders, across numerous grades, and the emotion today was palpable. There were so many smiling, happy faces leaving the main arena on the first day of competition, and I must admit it was extremely lovely to witness. There were even a couple of athletes who made their exit with tears of joy streaming down their faces, which clearly demonstrates how important these large-scale events are, what they mean to these riders, and the passion that oozes from each individual that makes their way down the centreline.
Penmain promises podium!
There were some seriously competitive scores put on the board today, but the highlight for me was watching Bridget Murphy and Penmain Promise in the CPEDI3* Grade II Grand Prix A.
Not only did they score the highest percentage of the day across all grades with a huge 73.218%, but the improvement that this combination continues to show is incredible. They have proven not only what is possible when the right team comes together, but also what can be achieved when you completely dedicate yourself to your horse (or pony!) and never give up on continuing to push the goal post higher.
Today Bridget rode a consistent, accurate, and harmonious test that was an absolute pleasure to watch; in my opinion, her ride was the epitome of what para dressage is all about. She made every movement look effortless and calm, but by no means lacked the power and impulsion required to get a score of this level. Bridget has worked so hard for this, and she truly deserves every bit of success that comes her way. Without sounding cliché, the connection that Bridget has established with this sweet pony is beyond words. When watching the pair, you truly get the feeling that ‘Macey’ loves her job and would do absolutely anything for Bridget.
Serious scores
Other standout combinations from the CPEDI3* classes today included Clair Graham and Furst Olli 3, who scored 71.111% in the Grade III Grand Prix A. Second in the class was Ella Newbery and Bloomfield Royal Princess on an impressive 68.722%.
Lisa Martin and Vilaggio scored 71.966% in the Grade V Grand Prix A, and Mietta Innes-Irons was also impressive in second place with Sir Helmut on 70.555%.
Zoe Vorenas rode Salmour to a score of 70.741% in the Grade IV Grand Prix A, just ahead of Helen Batson and MSJ Tia Fortuna on 69.491%.
This means that today EVERY winner of the CPEDI3* classes finished on scores over 70%! Talk about internationally competitive!
In the CPEDI2* classes, Felicity Weal and FTF Florita were a standout in the Grade III Intermediate A with a super score of 70.873%.
Selection scores
If we look back to the Equestrian Australia selection criteria for the FEI World Championships, it states that a combination must achieve an FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER) of 64% or higher between 1 January 2025 and 15 June 2026; that the combination must achieve a total percentage score of 67% or above in a Grand Prix Test A or Grand Prix Test B in at least two CPEDI3* events between 1 October 2025 and 15 June 2026; and finally, that the combination must compete in no less than two CPEDI3* events between 1 January 2026 and 15 June 2026.
So, although riders are still required to compete in a minimum of two qualifying events next year, the combinations at this event that have completed one qualifying score (that fulfils both the FEI MER score and EA selection competition requirements) of over 67% include the following:
Bridget Murphy & Penmain Promise
Claire Graham & Furst Olli 3
Ella Newbery & Bloomfield Royal Princess
Zoe Vorenas & Salmour
Helen Batson & MSJ Tia Fortuna
Lisa Martin & Vilaggio
Mietta Innes-Irons & Sir Helmut
Tomorrow Para and Virtus riders will take to the arena for their second test, and I am truly excited to see if they can improve on the scores gained today.
Class winners:
Equestrian Victoria CPEDI3* Para Grade II Grand Prix A: Bridget Murphy & Penmain Promise
AIS CPEDI3* Para Grade III Grand Prix A: Claire Graham & Furst Olli 3
Unicorn Productions CPEDI3* Para Grade IV Grand Prix A: Zoe Vorenas & Salmour
CPEDI3* Para Grade V Grand Prix A: Lisa Martin & Vilaggio
CPEDI2* Para Grade II Intermediate A: Amanda Parsons & Cayuse Balou
Goodwoods Saddlery CPEDI2* Para Grade III Intermediate A: Felicity Weal & FTF Florita
Goodwoods Saddlery CPEDI2* Para Grade IV Intermediate A: Kirsty Van Loon & Nero R
Equissage Virtus II1 Grade IV Novice A: Kyle Chapman & Chapplehurst Mozique
Equissage Virtus II2 Grade III Novice A: Chloe Karsten & Riff Raph
Equissage Virtus II3 Grade IV Novice A: Grace Murphie-Ryan & Pemberton Show
Tune in with Equestrian Life & ClipMyHorse.TV
For those unable to attend Boneo Park and catch the action live, ClipMyHorse.TV is livestreaming Ring 1 competition from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 November with expert commentary from Emma Booth and Roger Fitzhardinge.
Watch the action live via Equestrian Life, or live and on-demand with ClipMyHorse.TV.
In other international-level classes today at theCPH Dressage Extravaganza, Jayden Brown and Quincy B claimed the CDI3* Grand Prix. Read more here.
