Athletes from all over Australia have gathered for this fantastic event, featuring 23 riders in the Para Dressage competition and 6 riders in the Virtus Equestrian section.
For some, this is their first international Para Dressage (CPEDI) or Virtus competition, while others are seasoned competitors at the international level.
Some familiar faces to watch out for are:
CPEDI3*
Grade 2: Rebecca Webber and Maddison Cooke
Grade 3: Amylie Hines
Grade 4: Brooke Neville and Claire Graham
Grade 5: Stewart Drysdale
CPEDI2*
Grade 1: Marnie Clapham
Grade 2: Kate Nippress and her new partner Dam Remi Wolverine
Grade 3: Newbrey and new combination Bloomfield Royal Princess
Grade 4: Helen Batson, Kirsty Van Loon, Lucy Coates, and Sarah Sherwood, each on new horse combinations
Grade 5: Melissa Canon, Mietta Innes, Alexandra Shepherd, Amy Blackwood, and Heidi Ford
Riders competing for the first time and getting classified:
CPEDI2*, Grade 4: Saskia Brown
CPEDI2*, Grade 5: Tiffany Bignold
Virtus Equestrian athletes competing:
Grade II-1:
Kyle Chapman on Chapplehurst Mozique
Brooke Jones on Allan Green Jazzabelle
Andrew Driffield on Waratah Majestic
Grade II-2:
Sui Watts on Gem Park Guess
Grade II-3:
Grace Murphie-Ryan on Pemberton Show Bizz
What is Virtus?
Virtus competitions cater to athletes with intellectual disabilities. Each grade caters towards different levels of the playing field:
Grade II-1: Intellectual disability
Grade II-2: Intellectual disability with significant additional impairment
Grade II-3: Autism
What is Para Dressage?
To compete in Para Dressage, riders must have a medically diagnosed, permanent physical impairment that can be objectively measured. This usually involves a physical exam by a physiotherapist and an observation ride of the dressage tests.
At this CPEDI, there are two international class classifications:
CPEDI2*: (Entry- mid level) A great way to “dip your toes in,” with slightly easier tests. Riders need just one previous score of 60% or higher, achieved through EA para-dressage or FEI Novice/Intermediate tests.
CPEDI3*: (Top level) Requires 2–3 previous scores of 65% or higher in CPEDI 2* events. Tests are FEI Grand Prix level, the same standard seen at the Paralympics.
Looking ahead
Equestrian Australia’s High Performance team has yet to announce qualifying events for the 2026 FEI World Championships, but don’t be fooled: these athletes are already focused on representing Australia on the world stage. This week’s event is the perfect opportunity for riders and horses to test their training, gain experience, and enjoy a fun, competitive outing before qualifying events are announced.
I would personally like to say a thank you to all the people behind the scenes helping the Para Dressage and Virtus riders – your work doesn’t go unnoticed.
Thank you to Hawkesbury Dressage Club for including Para Dressage and Virtus riders at this event; without the support of other clubs and sponsors, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to compete.
Wishing everyone the best of luck and don’t forget to smile!
