Breanna Turner and Carrera were the FEI Big Tour Champions at the 2025 Tasmanian Dressage Championships. Image by Sue Crockett Photography.
Tasmania’s State Dressage Championships are always a special time, not only for the manifestation of community spirit and exhibition of riding, but also for the special glow that only a Tassie autumn can deliver.
Mim Coleman and Sunbury Lodge Toronto. Image supplied
“I became excited for
what would unfold over the
two days of competition.”
The change of season from summer to autumn in Tasmania is known for the change in the light, it becomes softer somehow, and the morning air is fresh and the nights are cooler. The weather at this time of year can span from completely wild to utter bliss.
It is also known as the time for many a horse owner as a source of immense stress on how to keep that sleek summer coat from turning into velvet and then into an impersonation of a Mongolian yak. I recall a conversation with Tiny that may have sounded something like this: “Please, please, please, hold off from growing one hair of winter coat, just for a few more weeks until after Champs. From 3 March, grow that winter coat with all your energy, and gusto, may it be extra thick and extra long, but just not yet, pleeeease!”
I am confident that the organising committee and the competitors of the 2025 McGrath Launceston Tasmanian Dressage Championships breathed a collective sigh of relief when the weather forecast showed that the weekend would be absent from wild winds and rain and present with blue sky the sun’s abundance of warming rays.
Hosted by the Dressage Tasmania Northern Zone, the event welcomed judges from Queensland, Victoria, and New Zealand, as well as experienced Tasmanian judges. An impressive Ground Jury was supported by an equally impressive organising committee, the evergreen Judy Atkinson leading as Event Director.
I hung up my tailcoat many years ago, but that does not mean that my love and passion for the sport has waned. I travelled the three and a half hours from my suburban home in Hobart to the stunning vistas of the Northwest. Driving past the Giant Potato brought back a flood of memories, where in the past I would be in my trusty 4WD towing a block of flats in which the pride of my life vacuumed three hay nets of lucerne as a personal growth challenge.
I had studied the official draw, the event program a beautifully curated abundance of information. I became excited for what would unfold over the two days of competition. Combinations from Prelim all the way to Grand Prix, it will be a feast for the eyes, the heart, and the soul.
Arriving on Saturday morning, I noticed that the committee and members had really pulled up their sleeves to deliver a magnificent Championship vibe. Finding a park near the newly constructed fenced warm-up arena, I watched horses and riders with their support crew warm up. The soft sound of hooves on sand, the glistening of diamantes, the shine of top-boots, the gleam of perfectly groomed hindquarters. It was a display of harmony and beauty.
The expanse of sleek black marquees added a sense of style and class, and sponsors had taken immense pride in setting up their displays. As I stepped out of the car, the scent of coffee hit me; ah yes, thank goodness for the coffee van. Oh, and there is the bar, for later. Catering vans hummed with everything in place for a fantastic weekend.
MUST-SEE COMBINATIONS
Test were already underway, and I had a list of combinations that were a must-see for me; combinations that I admired, that I had seen over the years grow in confidence together and, of course, combinations new to me that excited me equally.
Saturday is a full program with a broad spectrum of tests that take place over the expanse of four immaculately groomed sand arenas. The beauty of the grounds is in their accessibility; spectators can watch and see every arena, and if seated in the centre it sometimes can feel like being the umpire of a tennis match as your head shifts from left to right and left again so that you can see every movement. Which of course is impossible, but you must try, right?
I perched myself in the best position I could and enjoyed the show, in between hugs and catch-ups with dear friends.
The Makers Mark Equine Preliminary Championship was won by Philippa Cooper on her fabulous black mare Tennyson Stud Witchcraft. The tests were a joy to watch; a calm and well-executed presentation of the exercises that the mare showed great confidence in. In Reserve was Jennifer Shepherd on New World Contagious with two consistent scores.
There were excellent combinations in this class. Young Rider Maggie Blight on her very pretty Kasperrado Diamondo turned out beautifully and rode two lovely tests. Lydia Jackson’s young horse Total Synergy exuded quality as he floated around the arena, elegance and power in a beautifully conformed horse, with one test scoring in the 70s. With more time in the competition arena the consistency will come. What a very exciting prospect for the future.
Maryann Smink has had an extensive career in dressage, and it was fabulous to watch her love of the sport grow with the well-rounded Firestone Memphis. Maryann Smink’s positive energy is contagious and the laughter and smile as she rode past the spectators reminded me what this sport is all about, having fun and learning.
There are so many I could share with you, but your day would be in ruins as you spend the next hour reading this article. I best make this snappy – the horses need to be fed, and the stables mucked out.
Philippa Cooper and Tennyson Stud Witchcraft won the Preliminary Championship. Image by Sue Crockett Photography.
The event included Participant tests, and the Champion Saddleworld Participant Preliminary combination was Carole Coates and Lethal Choice. Reserve Champion was Liana Seadon riding Wanna Thrill. Congratulations to you both, I look forward to watching you in the future.
The Iron Horse Equine Nutrition Pony Preliminary Championship was won by Heather Stewart on Barringa Alexander, a very handsome bay that is giving Heather a wonderful time even though they are a new combination. Just imagine what another season will bring to their performances. In reserve was Rebecca Brooks and Weston Park Minstrel.
The Action Auto Glass Elementary class was full of very classy combinations, and I watched all of them with immense pride. Many I have had the pleasure to watch over the years as they travelled through the levels and developed their harmony and strength. The Elementary Champions, Penelope Moore and Clearview Rain Dancer, were a joy to watch. Clearview is the stud prefix of Event Director Judy Atkinson’s breeding stud. Judy has a wealth of breeding knowledge and experience, the rideability and trainability combined with exceptionally good paces offer an exciting opportunity for the owner and/or rider. Both of Penelope’s scores tipped over the magic 70%… wow! What a future these two have.
Reserve Champion went to Philippa Cassidy on her impressive chestnut Machiavelli. Philippa has owned this gelding since he was a weanling and the years of dedication to her craft and allowing this large horse to develop into his frame demonstrate what can be accomplished with a vision and patience. The tests ridden with great accuracy and elegance gave the judges an enjoyable time, which was reflected in their great scores.
Penelope Moore and Clearview Rain Dancer won the Elementary Championship. Image by Sue Crockett Photography.
The Equestrian Tasmania Pony Elementary Champion was awarded to Sabrina Jackson riding the picture-perfect black pony mare Charming Blueberry. Sabrina rode the exercises with great skill; the mare is new to this level and Sabrina gave her the confidence she needed to offer her best.
FABERGE’S BLING
The Voler Equestrian Advanced classes while small were mighty in quality and the results were close. In the end the Championship was awarded to Lydia Jackson on her bright chestnut, Faberge R. ‘Fab’ has just the right amount of bling and demonstrated his talent for the higher levels. Lydia purchased this long-legged horse as a yearling from Heath and Rozzie Ryan and the results show that the training program is well suited to him. New to this level, the slight mistakes will dissolve in the months ahead. The FEI tests are calling them.
In Reserve was Amy Griffiths on her elegant chestnut gelding Debussy. Another combination that has grown together. Amy bred this beautiful horse herself, from her beloved mare Bellini. You can see the confidence they have in each other; the trust that has developed over the years makes for a harmonious picture. Yes, there were a few hiccups, and yet as a spectator I can see beyond that and know that there are many, many more beautiful moments ahead.
Rose Kemp is having a lot of fun on her schoolmaster Bluefields Honduras, and this level is challenging, but they stepped up and produced two very lovely tests. Again, we see a Clearview horse, this time it’s Clearview Verdict and Stephanie Temple. This horse is best described as ENORMOUS, and Stephanie is a petite rider… the two are a lovely picture and produced two lovely results that they will be proud of.
It is rare in Tasmania to boast two entries in the Equestrian Tasmania FEI Big Tour tests, and we were blessed with Judy Peel and Regensturm, and Breanna Turner and Carrer.
The Intermediate II was contested on the Saturday, and Regensturm showed that he knew the exercises and Judy showed her elegance and support of her statuesque gelding. Breanna and her liver chestnut Carerra are a new combination, and Breanna has ridden less than a handful of the Big Tour tests. Carerra is a beautifully schooled horse and is giving Breanna the rides of her life. Watching them navigate the complexity of the Inter II… well, my eyes are welling up with happy tears as I write this, my heart just bursts with love and admiration for them.
Both combinations returned on Sunday to show us the Grand Prix. Every cell of my body knows this test, and every cell in my body was quivering with delight as I watched both riders ride with grace and wisdom. Breanna and Carerra are awarded the Big Tour Championship, and I can only imagine how Breanna must be feeling. Judy and Regensturm will return home, proud to be riding at the elite level of our sport. Well done both of you, it is a tough space to be playing in.
Breanna Turner and Carrera won the Big Tour Championship. Image by Sue Crockett Photography.
Alison Hall is an extraordinary woman and courageous rider. Entering the arena to ride the Aitkin’s Saddlery Grade V Para Grand Prix Test A and Test B, Alison signalled her commitment to the para equestrian journey. I understand that the horse that Alison had been training with and entered for the Championships injured itself only days before the test. To have to pivot so quickly to ride a different horse and do so competently and confidently is testament to Alison’s skill and dedication to her sport. Keep going, Alison, we are all cheering you on as you follow your dream.
The presentations arrived before we knew it and the long shadows of the afternoon settled in. There was lots of laughter, cheering and clapping; we all know the work and focus that comes with such an event and the friendly and supportive atmosphere is like the cherry on top of a delicious ice-cream sundae.
TEARS OF JOY ON DAY 2
Day 2 and I am excited to watch the Iron Horse Equine Nutrition Novice and Clearview Performance Horses Medium tests. A healthy Novice cohort was a feast for the eyes. With some riders from yesterday’s Elementary test also riding today, it was like double points day; I was one incredibly happy spectator.
Caitlin Radford and her solid brown gelding Monterey Brego were watched by her No 1 Supporter, her mum, Sharni Radford. It had been a while between competitions for Sharni and Caitlin. As Caitlin showed us what sympathetic, confident and elegant riding looks like, Sharni showed us what pure love, pride and joy looks like. As tears glistened on her cheeks, the tissues were in good supply. It was beautiful to witness.
The Novice Championship was won by Abbey Sultan and her clever liver chestnut mare HV Feuertanzer. What a beautiful combination this is. The judges rewarded them with scores well into the 70s. The tests were everything you would hope to see at this level… balance, thoroughness, a consistent contact, willingness in the exercises, lightness, and harmony. Sigh, it was like watching a demonstration of bliss – which I was, because this elegant and clever mare is known as ‘Bliss’ at the stables. Well done, Abbey, Bliss is a credit to you and your team and I cannot wait to see you move through the levels, just like so many other wonderful Tassie combinations have.
In Reserve was Joanna Rhind and her lovely horse Southern Stars Velocity. Joanna has been a constant in the dressage community over the years and it has not been an easy road. I think we could all say the same thing in our own experience. To see Joanna as Reserve is a real-life lesson in tenacity, dedication, and a belief that you are more than enough. Well done, Jo.
We know the work that is required to prepare a horse for Champs, and we also know that being on the organising committee is demanding work. Teresa Darcy is not afraid of challenging work, coming third in the Novice Championship on her lovely chestnut gelding HPS Wynlord; Teresa also played a significant role on the event organising committee. Thank you, Teresa, for saying “yes” to both.
Champion Mud Grids Tasmania Participant Novice was awarded to Alison Henderson and Cleo Rose, two genuinely nice scores, while in Reserve was Joanna Conroy on CSU Highland Dancer. Well done to you both for stepping onto the Championship stage.
Saturday’s Equestrian Tasmania Pony Elementary winner Sabrina Jackson and Charming Blueberry topped off Sunday by winning the Pony Novice Championship. Well done Sabrina, you are taking the challenging path of developing a young horse as a young rider. Keep going, it is hard, but it will be worth it. Scarlett Burns and her pony Shalida Park Carousel took the Reserve position and should be immensely proud of their results.
On to the Clearview Performance Horses Medium and this class was strong and full of fabulous combinations. There were younger horses and schoolmasters and no shortage of energy and confidence. It was lovely to see the big bay Neversfelde Rafael give his rider Nye Williams a lesson in how to ride a Medium test. Rafa was a successful FEI horse under the experienced rider and A Level judge Bernadette Gibson. Schoolmasters may sound like an easy option to skip all the young horse challenges and just learn where the buttons are installed. If you have ridden a schoolmaster, I hope you are rolling your eyes and letting out a laugh as you remember the lessons and reality check your schoolmaster gave you. Well done, Nye, you are doing so well and having a lot of fun at the same time.
BEST PRESENTED FOR FRIESIAN VIBES
Kenya Broad’s Wolter Van Gelder is a remarkable sight, giving off all the Friesian vibes this horse is all “look at me” with so much energy. Immaculately turned out, they won the Best Presented award, and it was impossible to take your eyes off them. His energy did give Kenya some sticky moments, the calm and confident riders she is, but the smile just grows larger as she embraces his zest for life and dressage. So much fun to watch.
Double Espresso has always been one of my “heart horses”; his owner Jamie Smith owned ‘Mocha’ as a young horse and campaigned Mocha through all the levels to FEI. Mocha has not lost his fabulous, cadenced trot and scopey canter and his current rider Asha Rahel looks like she is having a fabulous time. Well done, Mocha and your team.
Lydia Jackson and Faberge R, the Medium and Advanced Champions. Image by Sue Crockett Photography,
The winner of the Medium Championship was Lydia Jackson and Faberge R, Saturday’s Advanced Champion. The scores would indicate that Fab is a little more consolidated at this level and pipped the 70% mark. As always, it is a joy to watch Lydia ride with such softness, confidence, and trust in her horses. Reserve Medium Champion was awarded to Penelope Moore and Clearview Rain Dancer, another lovely Clearview horse and Penelope is doing a wonderful job of highlighting this horse’s breeding and talent. Well done, Penny, it is a pleasure to see you develop your relationship with this lovely horse.
Finally, we end this report with the Art of Equestrian FEI Prix St Georges, the entry level to the FEI tests, a lovely flowing test that asks the right questions of horses and riders on the security of their foundations. Penelope Moore – yes, the same Penny from the Medium test – rode her lovely chestnut mare, Her Royal Ruby. Again, another combination that has taken the never-straight-forward path from young horse to FEI. Ruby is a credit to you, and it is always lovely to see you both, knowing the path that you have been on. The trust and harmony that develops over the years is evident as we watch.
Amy Griffiths and Debussy return to the arena in the FEI Prix St Georges to deliver a sound and secure test. New to this level, this is Amy’s first foray into FEI and remember she has trained this horse through the levels to here. All of this is a great accomplishment, Amy, it is a wonderful story of hopes and dreams and the challenges and dark days that we experience along the way.
In conclusion, here are two wonderful and heartfelt moments that require recognition. Firstly, the powerhouse of dressage in Tasmania, Judy Atkinson was inducted as a Dressage Tasmania Life Member. Congratulations Judy, you are deserving of the recognition of your dedication to dressage, your riders, horses, owners, breeding partners, and countless committees.
Secondly, the introduction of a Horses Harmony and Sportsmanship Award. This is an initiative that acknowledges the importance of how we come together as a community that supports each other, founded on the values of respect, integrity and, most importantly, the health and safety of the horse. Congratulations Abbey Sultan as the inaugural winner of the Clearview Performance Horses Harmony and Sportsmanship Award. We all look up to you, your positive and supportive outlook for all riders in all circumstances is exactly what the world needs.
The final presentations came to an end, the cheese platters inhaled by hungry riders and supporters, the fantastic sponsors (events are a success because of your support) started the long pack-up and journey home. Riders, exhausted and happy returned to their precious partners (the horse, for clarification!) and commenced their journey home.
Well done, everyone involved on a truly outstanding event, I hope your hearts are as full as mine.
To the riders, know that you give your absolute best so that your horse is safe, sound and is secure in their education. Be enormously proud of your dedication to your horse and this very demanding sport. It is not easy, and you are not here for easy – you are here to grow your mighty heart and live the life of your dreams.
Thank you, dear reader, if you made it to the end of this report, I am grateful for your stamina.
MIM COLEMAN is a former Dressage Queen and supports the dressage community when she can. She is a successful “mindset” coach incorporating a trauma informed practice to support riders and non-riders in living a full and vibrant life. As a leadership excellence coach and mentor, Mim is collaborating with leading dressage coaches to support riders in their equestrian dreams. A unique combination of extensive riding experience and leadership experience, her clients can be confident that Mim knows the heart of the issue and knows how to help guide you through to success. An inspirational speaker, Mim weaves magic in her messages of courage, compassion, encouragement, wonder and tenacity. An experienced Madam of Ceremony, you can count on Mim to hold space with confidence and love.
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