Australian Dressage Squads for 2019 Announced

Fri, 01/04/2019 - 18:40
Australia
Development B squad rider Riley Alexander on MI Sirtainly Sir :: Photo © Stephen Mowbray

Equestrian Australia (EA) announced the Dressage Recognition Squads for 2019. Only one Grand Prix combination has been named to the Senior Grand Prix squad!

"Due to the unprecedented movement and sale of horses post WEG the Recognition Squads present a list notably absent of some of Australia’s leading dressage riders," EA stated about the staggering drop out of top Grand Prix combinations in the senior squad.

The EA High Performance Program recognises combinations that have achieved outstanding performances, within their relevant category, throughout the previous twelve months. The Recognition Squads also aim to identify emerging talent with the potential to represent Australia at an International level in the future. The High Performance Squad structure consists of two tiers, High Performance Squads and Recognition Squads.

It has been an exciting twelve months for Australian dressage with the Australian Team securing Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualification after finishing in 8th place (of 15) at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) Tryon, North Carolina. 

Although some of the familiar combinations that have been at the forefront of Australian dressage in recent years may not be listed, the exciting new prospects and partnerships obtained by not only Australia’s leading riders, but also by emerging talent, is at an all time high.

Equestrian Australia’s High Performance Director, Chris Webb, said “The performance delivered by the Australian Team at WEG this year was a positive indication of the calibre and potential of dressage in Australia, both at present and for the future.”

Scores that were taken into consideration when determining the 2019 Recognition Squads range from 1/11/2017 – 31/10/2018, with the horse’s age being measured by either Northern Hemisphere (1st January) or Southern Hemisphere (1st August) calculations.  

Equestrian Australia would like to congratulate the combinations, and their connections, listed below who have been named on the Dressage Recognition Squads for 2019. All Dressage Recognition Squad members have met the selection criteria. 

Senior Squad

  • Kristy Oatley - Du Soleil  

Development A: Emerging GP/Medium Tour, Horses 8-12 years

  • Hayley Beresford - Rebana W
  • Judy Dierks - Diamond Star
  • Emma Flavelle-Watts - Cabaret C
  • Rozzie Ryan - Jarrah R 

Development B: Small Tour (Prix St-Georges/Inter I), Horses 7-11 years

  • Riley Alexander - MI Sirtainly Sir
  • Justine Greer-  Jaybee Cavalier
  • Gordon Pratt - Bloomers Simply the Best
  • Robert Schmerglatt  - Fiderfurst
  • David Shoobridge - Kalimna Hotshot
  • Maree Tomkinson - Donna Elena
  • Lizzie Wilson-Fellows - Lets Jazzabit

Development C: Riders 16-25 years

  • Katharine Farrell - Luxor
  • Mary Warren - Mindarah Park Raphael

Development D: Riders 16-21 years

  • Michaela Bray -  Flowervale Florenz
  • Sarah Farraway  - MW Rotsong 
  • Sienna Hawkins - Tallyho Something Saintly
  • Tanisha Ryan - Quizzical
  • Alistair Schramm - Zero Degrees 

Photo © Stephen Mowbray

Related Links
Australian Dressage Squads for 2018 Announced
Australian Team for 2018 World Equestrian Games Selected
Shannan Goodwin's Aristede Sold to Australian Junior