Pony Club Australia has once again demonstrated its exceptional talent at the Pony Club International Alliance Virtual Dressage Show, which saw more than 230 competitors from 11 countries. Australian riders delivered outstanding performances, securing top spots in both individual and team categories.
CEO of Pony Club Australia, Matt Helmers, congratulated the winners and expressed his gratitude to everyone involved, including the two Australian judges, Susan Nevett (EA B-Level Judge) and Belinda Dawkins (EA D-Level Judge).
“We are incredibly proud of our riders for their achievements at this year’s international competition. Congratulations to our individual class winners and the teams who represented Australia so well,” said Mr. Helmers. “I also want to extend our gratitude to Susan Nevett and Belinda Dawkins for their expertise and dedication, and to everyone who took part in this fantastic event. The virtual format provided a unique opportunity for our riders to test themselves on an international stage, and it’s exciting to see how well they have performed.”
Individual Class Highlights:
- Class 1A (Training Level):
1st, Kassie Pontifex and Disney Patch (Gympie PC, QLD) – 79.4%
2nd, Layla Clarke and Nathanda Mia (Millicent PC, SA) – 76.2%
- Class 1B (Training Level):
1st, Ava Irwin and Isle of Roxborough (Bamawn Extension PC, VIC) – 77.7%
3rd, Alira King and Lethal Flame (Lancefield & District PC, VIC) – 74.8%
- Class 2A (First Level):
Equal 1st, Gracie Gartung and LV Jimmy Choo (Stratford PC, VIC) – 69.8%
Equal 3rd, Amelia McDonald and Springwater Chanel (King River PC, WA) – 68.9%
- Class 2B (First Level):
2nd, Erin Brown and Jayem Bliquo (Loopline PC, NSW) – 72.2%
4th, Lily Diss and Dance on Air BHI (Maldon PC, VIC) – 69.4%
- Class 3 (Second Level):
Equal 1st, Lauren Rowe and NEP Cadillac (Busselton Horse & PC, WA) – 72.7%
3rd, Jorja Wareham and Tiaja Park Fearless (Dardanup PC, WA) – 72.3%
- Class 5 (Pas de Deux):
3rd, Ayla Barton / Sunview Majestic & Tamara Jacobson (Huon District PC, TAS) – 68.7%
4th, Tracey Gorick / Callanish Emrys (Tooradin-Dalmore PC, VIC) and Amy Bennett / Rosebank Riverdance (Merricks PC, VIC) – 68.5%
- Class 6 (Prix Caprilli):
1st, Aleisha Lorensen and Finch Farm Chrysler (Gympie PC, QLD) – 72.2%
4th, Misha O’Malley and Tiger King (Black River PC, QLD) – 67.3%
Team Highlights:
- Class 1A (Training Level):
1st, International Team B, featuring Kassie Pontifex and Disney Patch (Gympie PC, QLD). Team Score: 728
2nd, International Team A, with Layla Clarke and Nathanda Mia (Millicent PC, SA). Team Score: 725
- Class 1B (Training Level):
2nd, Team Australia: Grace Ryan and Pemberton Show Bizz (Narrandera PC, NSW); Alira King & Lethal Flame (Lancefield & District PC, VIC); Torah Kelly and Glen Lee Rivoli Have a Shot (Londonderry PC, NSW); and Lucinda Bennett and Party Boy (Naracoorte Hunt & PC, SA). Team Score: 742
- Class 2B (First Level):
1st, Team Australia: Lily Diss and Dance on Air BHI (Maldon PC, VIC); Erin Brown and Jayem Bliquo (Loopline PC, NSW); Michaela Foubister and Wicky (Two Wells Equestrian & PC, SA); and Makynli Holt and Hightop Pzazz (The Vines PC, NSW). Team Score: 732.5
- Class 3 (Second Level):
1st, Team Australia: Charlize Mackie and Kaewing Maximus (Kenthurst PC, NSW); Kaeleigh Brown and Mystic Shadows Celtic Wizard (Capel Horse & PC, WA); Jorja Wareham and Tiaja Park Fearless (Dardanup PC, WA); and Lauren Rowe and NEP Cadillac (Busselton Horse & PC, WA). Team Score: 994
- Class 4 (Third Level):
1st, International Team D, with Rosie Mison and Burrowa Bayardo Express (Londonderry PC, NSW); and Lili Taylor and Oscar (Riddells Creek PC, VIC). Team Score: 957.5
- Class 6 (Prix Caprilli):
2nd, Team Australia: Aleisha Lorensen and Finch Farm Chrysler (Gympie PC, QLD); Misha O’Malley and Tiger King (Black River PC, QLD); Michelle Woodcroft and Strutin To A Tribute (Riddells Creek PC, VIC); and Lauren Cocks and Treasured BP Hewitt (Riddells Creek PC, VIC).
“This competition allows riders from around the world to connect and compete, regardless of location, thanks to the innovative virtual format,” added Mr. Helmers. “It provides an invaluable opportunity for our riders to gain international experience and grow their skills, and we are thrilled to see them perform at such a high level.”
Pony Club Australia congratulates all participants, their support teams, and the organisers for making this event a resounding success. The Virtual Dressage Show continues to showcase the depth and strength of Pony Club riders across the globe, and we look forward to future participation and success.