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Rain could not dampen spirits at the 2025 Australian Youth Dressage Championships

Australia’s next generation of dressage talent took centre stage at the 2025 Australian Youth Dressage Championships. More than 100 combinations descended on Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, braving torrential rain to put their best hoof forward.

The Equissage FEI Pony Champion was Marley Yates and Mr Buckmeister. Image by Britt Grovenor Photography.

Dana Krause

Published 16 Jul 2025

Congratulations to all riders who competed across the three inspiring days of competition at the 2025 Australian Youth Dressage Championships.

Jessica Dertell and Kilimanjaro were the only combination to compete in all three tests in the REA Wagga Wagga Dressage Club FEI Under 25 Grand Prix and were thus crowned Champions. The combination produced great scores of 67.990% in the Intermediate II, 67.692% in the U25 Grand Prix and 72.308% in the Freestyle.

Jessica Dertell and Kilimanjaro were the REA Wagga Wagga Dressage Club FEI Under 25 Big Tour Champions. Image by Britt Grovenor Photography.

The Wagga Wagga City Council FEI Small Tour Champion was Charlotte Richardson and Liberta. The pair were first in both the Prix St Georges and Intermediate I (with scores of 65.686% and 65.539%, respectively) and were second in the Freestyle with 68.067%. Reserve Champion was Emily Gubbins and CP Samsara with a second in the Prix St Georges with 62.647%, third in the Intermediate I with 63.775%, and first in the Freestyle with 69.800%.

The Wagga Wagga City Council FEI Small Tour Champion was Charlotte Richardson and Liberta. Image by Britt Grovenor Photography.

Jessica Dertell and Daminia LP had a clean sweep in the Equestrian New South Wales FEI Young Rider classes to secure the Championship. They scored 71.716% in the Team Test, 68.725% in the Individual Test and 73.533% in the Freestyle. Reserve Champion was Heather Snape and Woodside Lady Loxley who were also consistent placing second in every test. The combination scored 70.539% in the Team Test, 67.216% (despite a costly error) in the Individual Test and 72.342% in the Freestyle.

The Equestrian New South Wales FEI Junior Championship saw different winners over each of the three tests highlighting the competitiveness at this level. Lots of great scores were posted over the competition and all riders should be proud of their efforts! Champion went to Shiva Wiedemann and Hollands Bend Regalite. The pair were fifth in the Team Test with 65.050%, first in the Individual Test with 71.716% and second in the Freestyle with 71.150%. Reserve Champion was Zali Mills and Royal Diamond Jubilee. The pair were first in the Team Test with 67.475%, second in the Individual Test with 71.471% and fifth in the Freestyle with 68.575%. Tess Baker and Rubinell were the winners of the Freestyle with 73.342%.

The Equissage FEI Pony Champion was Marley Yates and Mr Buckmeister. The combination won both the Team and Individual Tests (with scores of 69.952% and 70.856% respectively) and were second in the Freestyle with 74.583%. Reserve Champion was Abby Weel and Reitland’s Obama. The combination was second in both the Team and Individual test (with scores of 67.667% and 70.360% respectively) and won the Freestyle with a super score of 76.167%.

The Jenquine FEI Childrens class was strong with less than 0.02% being the difference for the championship. Champion was Elouise Grills and Moonlight Sonata with 71.000% in the Preliminary A test and 71.161% in the Preliminary B test. Reserve Champion was Taylor McMaster and Adloo Reeba with 71.875% in the Preliminary A test and 70.268% in the Preliminary B test.

The Jenquine FEI Childrens Champion was Elouise Grills with Moonlight Sonata. Image by Britt Grovenor Photography.

The Cooramin Sporthorse Harmony Award was won by Dixie Eyb. This special award is designed to highlight riders who embody respect and sportsmanship within the equestrian community and for their four-legged partner.

A massive thank you goes to the dedicated organising committee for their tireless efforts in supporting young riders and delivering a memorable event. Special recognition to Event Director Ella Weaven, Event Secretary Karen Lever, Technical Delegate Cathie Drury-Klein, Chief Steward Trevor Klein, and the many volunteers working behind the scenes. A big thank you as well to all the sponsors for supporting the future of dressage.

EA national class champions:

Lara Tweedie Advanced Champion: Tahlia Coleiro and HP Stedi in Rhythm

Lara Tweedie Advanced Reserve Champion: Brooke Gatt and Celestial

Riverina Equestrian Association Medium Champion: Brooke Gatt and Celestial

Riverina Equestrian Association Medium Reserve Champion: Augusta Muir and MacArthur Bel Air

REA Wagga Wagga Horse Trials Club Elementary Champion: Taleisha Snell and Antari

REA Wagga Wagga Horse Trials Club Elementary Reserve Champion: Jessica Dertell and Roseglen Crown Royale

Sabi Equestrian Novice Champion: Taleisha Snell and Antari

Sabi Equestrian Novice Reserve Champion: Jessica Callus and Aber Dior Mi

Jindera Equestrian Association Novice Pony Champion: Jessica Dertell and Roseglen Crown Royale

Jindera Equestrian Association Novice Pony Reserve Champion: Taleisha Snell and Royale Elegance KA

Equestrian New South Wales Preliminary Champion: Keeley Menadue and PS Can Dance

Equestrian New South Wales Preliminary Reserve Champion: Zali Mills and Yondella Davinci

Future Farms Pony Preliminary Champion: Taleisha Snell and Royale Elegance KA

Future Farms Pony Preliminary Reserve Champion: Grace Purdie (NZ) and Deveron Come Dancing

Full results from the 2025 Australian Youth Dressage Championships can be found here.