With Equestrian Australia and ESNZ joining forces to reintroduce the team format, the initiative enhances the Sydney CDI’s offering – bringing a renewed sense of rivalry to the competition with teams comprising of both senior and young riders.
Australian Team
CDI3* Grand Prix:
Mary Hanna and Ivanhoe
Tanisha Ryan and Prequel
CDI-Y Young Rider:
Rosemary Heagney and MSJ Nemo
Tia Rose McKenzie and Phenomenon
New Zealand Team
CDI3* Grand Prix:
John Farrell Thompson and MSJ Gatsby
Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH
CDI-Y Young Rider:
Piper Crake and Georgia MH
Samantha Belsham and Donero RH
Mary Hanna brings Aussie team experience
Australia’s senior combinations bring both experience and momentum into the Challenge.
Mary Hanna, a six-time Olympian, partners Ivanhoe – her Paris Olympic reserve mount – adding proven championship depth to the team. This combination has already achieved their FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) and required qualifying scores, as per Australia’s selection criteria, for the 2026 FEI World Championships – however Mary will no doubt be looking to post another strong score for selectors.
Meanwhile, Tanisha Ryan and Prequel continue to build their international résumé already securing an FEI MER toward Aachen 2026.
Wendi Williamson looking for a third straight Sydney CDI win
The New Zealand combinations arrive in strong form, adding further depth to the contest. Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH recently swept the major classes at the New Zealand National Championships, delivering standout scores across the Grand Prix, Special and the Freestyle, including earning a perfect 10 for their centreline from Olympic judge Henning Lehrmann. The pair have also been exceptionally consistent at CDI3* level, finishing no lower than second in their past 34 starts. The duo returns to Sydney having won the CDI3* Grand Prix, Special and Freestyle at the event in both 2024 and 2025.
John Farrell Thompson and MSJ Gatsby have likewise built an impressive record, including strong results on Australian soil, where they produced competitive Grand Prix, Special and Freestyle performances, as well as securing wins at CDI-W level – notably at the 2025 Dressage and Jumping with the Stars.
Beyond the senior ranks, the inclusion of young riders continues to strengthen the pathway and broaden the exposure on the way to Grand Prix.
According to ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget, the timing of the Challenge reflects a broader push to align trans-Tasman competition across disciplines, with dressage joining jumping and eventing in a 12-month window of team events. Meanwhile, ESNZ high performance manager Christine Weal emphasised the importance of regular competition between the two nations as preparation builds toward major championships, including the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
For Sydney CDI, the Trans-Tasman Challenge adds another compelling dimension to an already high-quality program. With national pride on the line and a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, the 2026 edition promises a dynamic showcase of dressage on both sides of the Tasman.
