Across the three days, riders continued to improve, whether through increased test scores or achieving personal goals they had set for themselves. It was fantastic to see so much progress, support and encouragement throughout the Championships.
The event also featured a rotation of A-level judges, providing riders with valuable constructive feedback and important exposure for those working towards high-performance squad selection or talent identification opportunities. For many, the Championships represented a significant stepping stone in their competitive journey.
Friday
Riders were fortunate to have access to the indoor arena throughout the competition.
Grace Murphie-Ryan started the championships strongly. Having recently returned to competition while recovering from injury, Grace produced a neat and polished performance in the Virtus II3 Grade IV Novice Test A, scoring 66.083%.
Also competing in the Virtus classes was Chloe Karsten with Riff Raff, who contested the II2 division.
In the para dressage Intermediate classes, Alexandra Shepherd competed in the Grade IV Intermediate Test A aboard Mickey, scoring 65.267% and showing increasing relaxation and harmony throughout the competition. Fellow Grade IV Intermediate rider Tiffany Bignold partnered Hollingrove Sophia, while Amylie Hines and River Park Sienna contested the Grade III Intermediate tests.
Brooke Neville, a Grade IV rider originally from Queensland who has recently relocated to Victoria, made the trip to compete on her lovely horse Mario (Remi Bellagio) in the Grand Prix tests. Saskia Brown and Nouveaux Departs RPH also contested the Grade IV Grand Prix division, as did Helen Batson and MSJ Tia Fortuna. The latter claimed victory in the Grade IV Grand Prix Test A, scoring 69.491%.
Kate Nipperess, a Grade II rider, stepped up to the Grand Prix tests aboard Dame Remi Wolverine and scored 65.805%. In the Grade V Grand Prix classes, Heidi Ford competed with Rikaardt H.
Day one winners
Virtus II3 & II1 (Grade IV Novice Test A): Grace Murphie-Ryan and Pemberton Show Bizz
Virtus II2 (Grade III Foundation Test): Chloe Karsten and Riff Raff
Grade II (Grand Prix Test A): Kate Nipperess and Dame Remi Wolverine
Grade IV (Grand Prix Test A): Helen Batson and MSJ Tia Fortuna
Grade V (Grand Prix Test A): Heidi Ford and Rikaardt H
Grade III (Intermediate Test A): Amylie Hines and River Park Sienna
Grade IV (Intermediate Test A): Alexandra Shepherd and Mickey
Saturday
All riders competed in the afternoon, providing an opportunity to practise strategies for managing fatigue and maximising performance later in the day.
Most riders are accustomed to competing in the morning, when energy levels are generally higher and pain levels may be lower. Having afternoon tests created a valuable opportunity to develop and refine routines that support performance under different competition conditions.
Many riders were also stabled together, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere throughout the Championships. Competitors regularly wished each other “happy riding” and were genuinely interested in celebrating one another’s successes.
Standout performances on day two included Alexandra Shepherd and Mickey in the Grade IV Intermediate Test B, where they won with a score of 68.226%. Helen Batson and MSJ Tia Fortuna scored 68.063% to win the Grade IV Grand Prix Test B, while Kate Nipperess and Dame Remi Wolverine topped the Grade II Grand Prix Test B with a score of 68.944%.
Day two winners
Virtus II3 & II1 (Grade IV Novice Test B): Grace Murphie-Ryan and Pemberton Show Bizz
Virtus II2 (Grade III Novice Test A): Chloe Karsten and Riff Raff
Grade II (Grand Prix Test B): Kate Nipperess and Dame Remi Wolverine
Grade IV (Grand Prix Test B): Helen Batson and MSJ Tia Fortuna
Grade V (Grand Prix Test B): Heidi Ford and Rikaardt H
Grade III (Intermediate Test B): Amylie Hines and River Park Sienna
Grade IV (Intermediate Test B): Alexandra Shepherd and Mickey
Kate Nipperess attended her first State Championships and summed up her experience by saying:
“It was such a great competition. I had a fantastic time.”
Sunday
Freestyle day is always a highlight, giving riders the opportunity to perform to music and showcase their horses’ strengths.
And yes, there was even a freestyle set to Dolly Parton music!
Day three winners
Grade II (Grand Prix Freestyle): Kate Nipperess and Dame Remi Wolverine
Grade IV (Grand Prix Freestyle): Helen Batson and MSJ Tia Fortuna
Grade V (Grand Prix Freestyle): Heidi Ford and Rikaardt H
Grade III (Intermediate Freestyle): Amylie Hines and River Park Sienna
Grade IV (Intermediate Freestyle): Alexandra Shepherd and Mickey
A fantastic Championship
What a fantastic three days of competition.
A huge thank you goes to the organisers, judges, grooms, carers, support people, volunteers, families and everyone working behind the scenes who helped both riders and horses throughout the event.
It is never just the rider and horse who make it into the arena. Every successful combination is supported by an entire team.
Congratulations to all riders on an outstanding State Championships performance.
Here’s to the next one!
