Mounted Games
Madeleine Yeaman, from the Mounted Games Committee, reflected on what was a wonderful and highly successful day for participants and their horses. “It was a very good day. All participants and horses were exceptionally well behaved, which contributed to making it such a stunning event.”
Madeleine noted the increased engagement and enthusiasm surrounding the RDA Mounted Games throughout 2026, with the discipline continuing to grow and attract greater participation and interest.
This year’s event also welcomed the introduction of several new games, including jumping, adding variety and an exciting new challenge for competitors. Speaking with a number of riders throughout the day, Madeleine said there was strong interest in seeing both the poles and jumping return to the program for 2027.
Madeleine also expressed her sincere appreciation to all of the event sponsors and the dedicated team of volunteers who travelled from across the state to contribute their time and expertise to the running of the Mounted Games.
Their generosity, commitment and enthusiasm are instrumental in creating such a positive and inclusive environment for riders, horses and the wider RDA community, and in supporting the continued growth of the discipline.
Dressage
Unfortunately, the numbers were smaller in the dressage classes this year with only 15 riders, but it still made for an exciting day.
For some riders, the greatest achievement was simply making it around the arena, whether it was their first competition or their first outing as a new horse-and-rider combination. For them, those moments represented progress, confidence and the accomplishment of getting out there and giving it a go.
The event was also fortunate to have three wonderful and highly knowledgeable judges officiating on Saturday — Sue Cunningham, Justin Bayley and Sue Birch. Their involvement demonstrated to both the public and competing riders that, while this is RDA, riders can still benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable Australian judges who are able to provide thoughtful, well-rounded feedback and support their continued development in the sport.
Saturday was a day of competitors riding two tests. Later in the day we saw the freestyle tests, which area always fun to watch. There’s just something about dancing to music that lights up everyone’s faces.
The top freestyle score of the competition went to Amylie Hines and her new mount River Park Sienna, on 69.367%. Even with the wrong music played, the horse did its job and went beautifully around the arena.
The second morning of dressage got underway at 8am in a new outdoor arena, with riders taking to Arena 2A, complete with gazebos and a brand-new surface.
The footing certainly proved popular, with both horses and riders enjoying the new arena. It was smiles all round, and with the organisers keeping a close eye on the heat, the final rides were completed by 10:30am. Keeping both horse and rider hydrated and comfortable throughout the morning was clearly a priority.
Presentations followed, with the wonderful team at SIEC lending a hand and helping make the occasion a memorable one.
A special moment came when SIEC presented its inaugural trophy to RDA Centre rider Zara Campion and horse Elegant Sensation. The trophy has been introduced to recognise the Best RDA Centre Horse, celebrating the partnership, dedication and achievements of a horse competing within the RDA community.
A lovely way to round out another successful day of competition.
I can’t say this enough but without volunteers, this event wouldn’t run! A massive thank you to all volunteers that made this event happen and the whole RDA team across the centres for supporting riders and their dreams.
Saturday dressage winners:
Development Grade 1 (Novice Test – Lead): Breanna Noble and Clevick Fire and Hot, 57.500%
Development Grade 1 (Novice Test): Zara Campion and Elegant Sensation, 61.759%
Development Grade 2 (Novice Test): Kellie Tinworth and Augustine KT, 62.349%
Development Grade 2 (Freestyle Test): Layla Pantaleone and Lavuka Mistaken Identity, 57.750%
Development Grade 3 (Novice Test): Brielle Cvitic and Willow Grace, 65.985%
Development Grade 3 (Freestyle Test): Brielle Cvitic and Willow Grace, 67.767%
Novice Grade 1 (Novice Test A): Mikaela Worth and Phorce Fields Rapunzel, 54.643%
Novice Grade 1 (Novice Freestyle): Mikaela Worth and Phorce Fields Rapunzel, 57.667%
Novice Grade 4 (Novice Test A): Kaye Hannan and Vanquish, 62.667%
Novice Grade 4 (Novice Freestyle): Kaye Hannan and Vanquish, 67.658%
Virtus II2 (Grade 3 Foundation Test): Sui Watts and Braefoot Park Di Vince, 62.619%
Virtus II2 (Grade 3 Novice Freestyle): Chloe Karsten and Riff Raff, 65.678%
Grand Prix Grade 2 (Grand Prix Test A): Kate Nipperess and Dame Remi Wolverine, 66.667%
Grand Prix Grade 2 (Grand Prix Freestyle): Kate Nipperess and Dame Remi Wolverine, 68.600%
Grand Prix Grade 3 (Grand Prix Test A): Amylie Hines and River Park Sienna, 64.500%
Grand Prix Grade 3 (Grand Prix Freestyle): Amylie Hines and River Park Sienna, 69.367%
Grand Prix Grade 5 (Grand Prix Test A): Heidi Ford and Rikaardt H, 65.043%
Grand Prix Grade 5 (Grand Prix Freestyle): Heidi Ford and Rikaardt H, 67.600%
Sunday dressage winners:
Development Grade 1 (Elementary Test – Lead): Breanna Noble and Clevick Fire and Hot, 53.750%
Development Grade 1 (Elementary Test): Zara Campion and Elegant Sensation, 61.375%
Development Grade 2 (Elementary Test): Juzzi Bell and Kokoda’s Lethal Weapon, 59.022%
Development Grade 3 (Elementary Test): Brielle Cvitic and Willow Grace, 65.044%
Novice Grade 1 (Novice Test B):Mikaela Worth and Phorce Fields Rapunzel, 55.357%
Novice Grade 4 (Novice Test B): Kaye Hannan and Vanquish, 62.125%
Virtus II2 (Grade 3 Novice Test A): Sui Watts and Braefoot Park Di Vince, 60.313%
Grand Prix Grade 2 (Grand Prix Test B): Kate Nipperess and Dame Remi Wolverine, 64.834%
Grand Prix Grade 3 (Grand Prix Test B): Amylie Hines and River Park Sienna, 64.667%
Grand Prix Grade 5 (Grand Prix Test B): Heidi Ford and Rikaardt H, 66.843%
Mounted games winners:
Champion Horsemanship (Walk): Kaitlyn Robinson, Goulburn
Champion Horsemanship (Assisted Junior): Mitchell Grimstead, Tall Timbers
Champion Horsemanship (Assisted): Reggie Happ, Goulburn
Champion Led Walk (Junior): Adrian Evans, Goulburn
Reserve Champion Led Walk (Junior): Darcy Hobden, Manning Great Lakes
Champion Led Walk: Priscilla Field, Manning Great Lakes
Championship Assisted Walk (Junior): Khloe Evans, Goulburn
Champion Free Walk: Zara Campion, Tall Timbers
Champion Trot: Addison Jordan, Manning Great Lakes
Peter Carn Memorial Trophy for Best Presented: Adrian Evans, Goulburn
Harmony Award: Zara Campion, Tall Timbers
RDA (NSW) Best Performing Centre: Goulburn
