It was smiles all round at the recent 2025 RDA (NSW) Dressage Championships, Mounted Games and Gymkhana Gala, with many riders achieving the goals they set for themselves.
The championships incorporated both dressage and mounted games classes, with the action taking place at Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) from 29–31 August.
Mounted Games a success
The 2025 RDA (NSW) Mounted Games State Championships were held on Friday, 29 August.
The Mounted Games event achieved outstanding success this year, attracting 22 participants from across the state, ranging in age from 5 to 65 years. The event included a variety of sections to cater for differing ages and abilities – Horsemanship Assisted, Horsemanship Free, Led Walk, Assisted Walk, Free Walk, Trot, and Canter – across various Mounted Games, Sporting and Teams competitions.
Prix Caprilli tests (dressage with ground poles or jumps) were also part of the program.
“This state event presents significant opportunities for riders to compete beyond the RDA (NSW) Centre level,” said RDA (NSW) Goulburn Centre President and coach, Jo Grove.
“It also extends these opportunities to associate and open riders throughout the state. Friday’s participation of riders, horses, and coaches was impressive and demonstrated a high standard of skill and commitment by all, we were extremely pleased to facilitate such an event.”
Two days of dressage
Saturday kicked off the two-day dressage phase, where riders completed three tests across the weekend. Many competitors achieved personal bests, with plenty of smiles all round.
I was lucky enough to sit down and watch some wonderful dressage, as well as take part in this event. So, let’s hear from the riders…
Winner of all three Developmental Level Grade V tests, Tiffany Bignold, shared her thoughts after her test with Hollingrove Sophia on Saturday: “While relaxation at times is still a work in progress. My horse Som showed moments of brilliance and potential throughout the ride as we work towards to end goal of being on a high-performance para squad. I’m very pleased and excited for what the future holds.”
Sui Watts, a Virtus Equestrian rider who has been competing at the RDA (NSW) Championships for an incredible 21 years, had another great event and won all three Virtus II2 tests with Gem Park Guess. “I rode really well and had great fun. I love catching up with all my friends and watching them compete,” she said.
This year, the dressage phase featured three new judges each day, which was a great opportunity for Virtus Equestrian and Para Equestrian riders to gain new perspectives and valuable feedback on how to improve in the future.
Grade III rider Samantha Hawes – who won all three Intermediate Level Grade III tests with Gotico Park Estralo – shared her thoughts following her test on Sunday:
“I think the event went very well. Everyone seems to be on the ball with running the event. I loved the live scoring – it makes it easier getting much needed feedback on how I can improve my riding.”
Grade I rider Mikela Worth, who won all three Novice Level Grade I tests with Phorce Fields Rapunzel, was another competitor who enjoyed the weekend. “I thought my horse went very well. It has been a few years since I have independently ridden at RDA, and I have enjoyed my time competing along with my support crew. Thank you to everyone that helped run the event; without everyone giving their time, the event wouldn’t be held.”
Riders also had the opportunity to make up teams. The best performing team award went to riders Marnie Clapham, Tiffany Bignold, Lucinda Billington and Amylie Hines.
Event organiser Nicole King reflected on the three days of competition:
“This event has always been an opportunity for riders of all levels to learn and challenge themselves in the competition arena. We have a lot of fun at the event, everyone is supportive of each other, and we celebrate the small wins as well as the big wins! The hard-working volunteers working behind the scenes are equally passionate about supporting the riders in achieving their goals and love seeing them back each year learning and growing!”
Sydney International Equestrian Centre proved the perfect venue for the event, with the Riders Retreat serving as the place for riders to connect and get to know each other — where friendships start and never end.
A big thank you must go to the major sponsors supporting RDA this year: Harness Racing NSW, Lara Tweedie, Voler Equestrian, Horseland Terry Hills, Saddleworld Dural, and Ranvet, for their fantastic prizes and vouchers.
Thank you also to Rodney’s Photography for capturing all the event images.
Dressage results can be found here.
For enquiries or to enter next year’s event at SIEC, please contact mounted games@rdansw.org.au
