Bridgette Dalmau and Bon Jovi MH. Image by Click Capture.
Seven young Australians are making their mark on the FEI Dressage World Youth Rankings for Under-25 riders. From first Grand Prix tests to international ambitions, these stars of the future share their stories.
At present, seven Australian riders sit within the top 100 of the FEI Dressage World Youth Ranking for Under-25 combinations. The rankings, based on points awarded for placings in international-level U25 classes, offer a snapshot of competition successes. More significantly, they highlight the depth of Australia’s young dressage talent.
Maddison Vallender with Ronan R, Amy Bachmann with SWS Debutante, Bridgette Dalmau with Bon Jovi MH, Hannah Rockwell with Baumann’s Diorella, Tyla Schou with Dennis DeNiro, Dana Krause with Taittinger VDS, and Danielle McMahon with Remi Lauries Joy all feature among the top 100. We caught up with these young stars to learn more about their journeys.
AMY BACHMANN: FAR MORE THAN A TEST
For Amy Bachmann, dressage is far more than simply riding a test.
“I love that with dressage every single step counts. As a rider you have the utmost control in a harmonious and soft way with the horse. The feeling of correct dressage is addictive, and once you feel that, you want to chase that feeling and make it look effortless. It is so much more than just riding a test; it is important that you know your horse, listen to your horse, and adapt your expectations accordingly. Dressage, to me, is a journey, not a destination.”
Her journey began on an unlikely partner: her 14hh buckskin pony, Heritage Park Chartreuse.
“I’ve had Louie since I was nine years old, and we rode our first Grand Prix together when I was 18. All I recall was being incredibly nervous, taking a few big breaths on the way down the centreline, and being very relieved once it was over!”
Today, Amy competes SWS Debutante (‘Midge’), purchased in 2020 as a Year 12 project. What started as a short-term plan soon turned into an incredible partnership. Together they’ve won the Inter II at the 2024 Victorian Dressage Festival, placed eighth in the CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle at the 2025 Dressage & Jumping with the Stars, and taken out the CDI-U25 Inter II and Grand Prix at the 2025 Boneo Winter CDI.
Balancing elite sport with the final year of dentistry studies demands structure and dedication. “The past five years have truly been a juggling act and required a lot of organisation and brilliant time management skills,” says Amy. Days begin before sunrise and end well after dark, filled with horses, teaching, gym, running, and study.
Amy’s perspective is shaped by advice she keeps close: “No one cares, no one will even remember the following day who won yesterday… I am running my own race and need to focus on the process rather than the outcome.”
She encourages other riders to embrace the challenge of producing horses. “You will learn from a schoolmaster, but there comes a time when a lot more learning will come from bringing up your own horse. It is in the training of horses that a good rider is made, and that is where the skill of dressage is developed.”
Amy admires Isabell Werth for her ability to train and campaign multiple Grand Prix horses each season while making the sport look fun.
Looking ahead, Amy’s ambitions are clear: “I hope to continue training horses to Grand Prix… I would hope in ten years that we are aiming for some more World Cup events, Aachen or the World Championships. I am certainly excited to see what is to come!”
Dana Krause and Taittinger VDS. Image by Rodney’s Photography.
DANA KRAUSE: MAGIC IN THE CONNECTION
For Dana Krause, the magic of dressage lies in connection.
“It’s the relationship you build with your horse, and the fact that you learn something new every single ride. There’s truly nothing like the bond you form — being able to communicate with them without using words is something really special. That feeling, at any stage of training, when your horse is completely with you and enjoying the work — it’s just breathtaking.”
Her first Grand Prix was humbling. “Honestly, it was a bit of a disaster! I jumped the gun and competed before everything was truly solid, especially the piaffe and passage… That test taught me a lot — mainly what needed more work — and when we next went out in the open Grand Prix, I had the biggest smile on my face because I finally felt like ‘Taitti’ was carrying me through the test with confidence.”
That horse, Taittinger VDS, has been with Dana since she was 14.
“At the time, I’d only ridden to Elementary, and my big dream was just to ride a Medium test one day. I never thought we’d get to Grand Prix. But every time I asked him to learn a new movement, he just thrived on it… He absolutely loves to work, and that passion made the journey not just rewarding but addictive.”
Now retired from U25 competition, Taitti has passed to a new young rider. Dana, meanwhile, is focused on producing her next star, KPE Total Dream.
Balancing study, work, and riding has been part of her path. “During uni, my day always started with the horses — I’d ride two to four depending on how many I had in work. After lunch, I’d clean stables, prep feeds, then either coach, tutor, or do uni work. I also swam four nights a week. Everything went in my Google Calendar, and every Sunday I’d write a detailed to-do list for the week.”
Her advice is simple: “Always stay open to learning. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you should probably stop riding.”
Dana admires Simone Pearce and Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, as well as her own coach Jenny Gehrke.
“The quality she produces in her horses and riders is incredible, and I feel so lucky to learn from her.”
Looking ahead, Dana hopes to see her young horse follow in Taitti’s footsteps. “I’m really hopeful he’ll be my next Grand Prix partner!”
Hannah Rockwell and Baumann’s Diorella. Image by Amy-Sue Alston.
HANNAH ROCKWELL: FROM EVENTING TO DRESSAGE
For eventer-turned-dressage rider Hannah Rockwell, her first Grand Prix test was an unforgettable milestone.
“My first U25 Grand Prix was at the 2025 Willinga Park CDI. Prior to that, I had only done a few Medium Tour starts and one Inter II. I was pleasantly surprised by how my mare, Diorella, stepped up to the challenge. Of course, there were some green mistakes, but to come away with a CDI win in our first Grand Prix was truly a dream come true.”
Her Grand Prix partner is the 12-year-old mare Baumann’s Diorella, affectionately known as ‘D’.
“I know it’s a bit cliché, but I can best describe D as my best friend. We’ve had her for five years now, and it’s been quite the journey! When we bought her, she was a very green Medium horse who wouldn’t enter an arena without a few acrobatics. So, for her to now be a Grand Prix horse and genuinely happy in her work feels like a major accomplishment.”
One piece of advice particularly resonates with Hannah: “We don’t rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems. I feel that’s especially true in dressage!”
Balancing riding, study, and work is a constant challenge.
“The team around
you is everything.”
“My days often vary depending on whether I need to go into the city for university. Typically, I’m up feeding the horses by 6:30am, then madly trying to ride six or seven horses before heading off to uni. On the days I don’t have to go in, I use the extra time to ride a few more or take them out for schooling with my coaches.”
For riders aiming high, Hannah’s advice is heartfelt: “This sport definitely has the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and believe in what you’re trying to achieve. The team around you is everything.”
She admires Ingrid Klimke for her correct, harmonious training and her ability to succeed in both eventing and dressage.
Although her long-term focus is on eventing, Hannah intends to always have dressage horses in her stable. “I really enjoy the journey and the challenge of finding the right keys for each horse.”
Tyla Schou and Dennis Deniro. Image by Spidge Event Photography.
TYLA SCHOU: REWARDING ROAD TO GRAND PRIX
For Tyla Schou, the joy of dressage lies in the partnership.
“What I love most about dressage is the connection and partnership it builds between horse and rider. I’m fascinated by the way horses naturally develop over time — gaining power, balance, and grace through correct training. There is nothing quite like the feeling when everything comes together, when the horse is completely in tune with you and the work begins to feel effortless.”
Her first Grand Prix test was a moment she will never forget.
“I was very fortunate to share this key moment with my dancing partner of nine years, Dennis, a horse I have owned since a four-year-old. To ride through both my first Grand Prix and his, after years of training side by side, was a very significant moment. Of course there were things that could have been better, but for where we were at that point in our journey, I couldn’t have been prouder.”
Her Grand Prix partner, Dennis DeNiro, was purchased from Mary Hanna in 2016. “Dennis will always give 100%. He is a true pleasure to have around and has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. He has quite literally given me the world.”
Now based in the UK with Laura Tomlinson (née Bechtolsheimer), Tyla combines working full-time as a groom/rider with training Dennis.
“Life is certainly busy, between riding, working full time and continuing to coach my clients back in Australia online, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle, and one I’m truly grateful for.”
Tyla draws inspiration from learning with many top riders. “Each rider has something unique to offer with strengths in different areas, hence it’s so important to learn from different riders and trainers.”
The best advice she has been given? “If you want something bad enough you will find a way to make it happen. Trust your gut and take that leap of faith!”
Looking ahead, Tyla hopes to represent Australia internationally. “My goal is to keep growing as a rider whilst encouraging others to chase their dreams!”
BRIDGETTE DALMAU: A HUGE MILESTONE
For Bridgette Dalmau, the heart of dressage lies in trust.
“It’s a special feeling to earn a horse’s trust to the point where they feel confident to perform away from home and continue to try their hardest. That trust, built patiently over time, is what makes the sport so rewarding for me.”
She rode her first Grand Prix at just 18. “It felt like a huge milestone. It was at my local dressage club, where I started out doing walk–trot tests, so it was a very full circle moment. It was a clean and enjoyable test, and having my family there — who have been the backbone to my riding career — was special. We later celebrated with champagne!”
Her Grand Prix partner is Bon Jovi MH (‘Jimmy’), a 14-year-old Hanoverian purchased from New Zealand rider Wendi Williamson.
Bridgette Dalmau and Bon Jovi MH. Image by Click Capture.
“We did two seasons at Young Rider before stepping up to Big Tour. He has a very cheeky character and loves sugar cubes! He has been the perfect schoolmaster for me.”
Bridgette’s guiding advice is simple: “Enjoy the ride! It’s not easy riding a dressage test, so don’t get caught up in the mistakes and forget where you started from.”
She balances horses, work, and study with the help of strong support. Now based at Parbery Dressage, she finds inspiration in both international role models such as Isabell Werth and in her peers.
“I am inspired by Australia’s up-and-coming riders. While we may be each other’s competitors, it’s inspiring to see each other succeed and carry the Australian flag all over the world. It’s a wonderful community to be part of.”
Her vision is clear: “In ten years I hope to be in contention for major championships. I would love to be on the Australian team competing on the world stage.”
MADDISON VALLENDER: AIMING FOR THE WORLD STAGE
At just 16, Maddison Vallender achieved what many dream of — riding down the centreline in a Grand Prix test. Now 18, she has her sights firmly on the world stage.
“For me dressage helps to build and improve the partnership, communication and connection with my horses. I love that I am judged by at least two and sometimes up to five judges at CDIs, and those scoresheets give valuable feedback. Dancing with my horse in a Grand Prix Freestyle is also very special.”
Maddy Vallender and Isla Bonita 10. Image supplied.
Her first Grand Prix came in October 2023 with Ronan R at Wagga Dressage Club. “I rode my first official Grand Prix test for a score of 66.685%. It is one of my favourite memories; there is no other feeling better on a horse than riding the Grand Prix.”
Ronan R, her 15-year-old liver chestnut gelding by Regardez Moi, has been central to her journey.
“You never know what he is going to produce in the competitions, and scores can vary greatly depending on his mood; he will always be the horse that has taught me the most and to never take any success for granted.”
Maddy has also recently acquired Isla Bonita, an eight-year-old mare, who is beginning Grand Prix training in Germany.
Her philosophy is shaped by advice she’s taken to heart: “Don’t worry about what wins you achieve as a young rider; it will be irrelevant to your success in the future. Focus on gaining as many experiences and learning as much as you can as a rider and enjoy every minute of the journey.”
Balancing competition, training, and travel with helping run her family’s equestrian property, Maddy looks to riders such as Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour for inspiration.
Her advice to other young riders is simple: “Look at building a good partnership with your horse and ensuring that everything is working in front of the leg. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible. Find a good coach who encourages you to explore the higher movements and helps to improve the basics.”
Danielle McMahon and Remi Lauries Joy. Image by Amy-Sue Alston.
DANIELLE MCMAHON: GROWING TO GRAND PRIX WITH HER BEST FRIEND
For Queensland rider Danielle McMahon, dressage is about the journey she shares with her horses.
“The thing I love most about dressage is being able to learn and grow together with my horse. We are never perfect and always improving, and I love those rides where we get something better than the day before.”
Her first Grand Prix wasn’t flawless, but it remains a proud memory. “I think I got about five of the 15 one-time changes I was supposed to get… but the feeling of accomplishment after completing the test was the best feeling in the world!”
At the heart of her journey is Remi Lauries Joy, or “Joy.”
“Joy is my absolute best friend! I got her when I was ten years old and she was just three. We’ve learnt and grown together all the way to the top.
“It’s been challenging training a horse through the levels at such a young age, but it’s the most rewarding thing to be able to say you did it yourself. She definitely has her quirks — it doesn’t help that she’s a chestnut mare — but she’s the best teammate I could ask for.”
Balancing a full-time role with the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission with Grand Prix training is no small feat.
“Sometimes it involves very early mornings at the track or days away in the bush at race meetings. I’m lucky to have supportive parents who help me with the horses when I’m away. I sit down at the start of my week and plan my horses’ work schedules around my hours to ensure we don’t miss training.”
Danielle’s approach is grounded in patience and consistency. Inspired by riders such as Lottie Fry, her long-term aim is to continue producing horses through the levels.
“I would love to continue bringing my young horses up through the grades to Grand Prix and hopefully have some success along the way.” EQ
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