AUSSIES PUSH FOR AACHEN TEAM PLACES

Australia’s dressage contenders are intensifying their push for selection ahead of the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, with scores, consistency and international experience shaping a competitive race for the four available team places.

With less than four months left before the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, selectors will be eyeing their dressage long-list to determine eventual team slots. 

Unlike the Olympics, there are four spots up for grabs at the World Championships. Selectors must first announce a shortlist of eight riders by the Nominated Entry date of 6 July, before confirming the final four combinations by the Definite Entry deadline of 27 July. 

To be considered, combinations must meet the selection criteria outlined by Equestrian Australia, part of which includes the following competition criteria:

• Combinations must consistently be achieving scores approaching or exceeding 68% in at least two Grand Prix tests of CDI3* or above 
• Combinations must show demonstrated experience in a minimum of two Grand Prix Special tests at international events at CDI3* and above 

All results must be obtained between 1 January 2025 and 6 July 2026, at events where there is at least one L4 Judge on the Ground Jury, of a nationality other than that of the athlete. 

At present, three combinations have fulfilled the criteria: Jayden Brown and Quincy B, Mary Hanna and Ivanhoe, and Emma Flavelle-Watts and Scarlatti Mio VSR. Several others are closing in on qualification.  

PARIS PAIR BACK IN THE RUNNING

Leading the charge are Jayden Brown and Quincy B (Quaterback x Desperados), who have delivered standout performances throughout the selection period. The combination has consistently produced scores above 70%, with a clear upward trend. Their last three Grand Prix scores – 71.000%, 72.044%, and most recently 73.044% – highlight their continued progression. With a current average of 71.699%, they sit comfortably at the top of the standings when looking at scores.  

At just 12 years old, Quincy B continues to improve, and the pair have already proven their ability to perform on the world stage, having competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Quincy is currently the highest ranked Australian horse in the FEI World rankings at #20, although these rankings bear no weight on selection. They have also met the Special requirement, competing three times for an average of 72.617%.

Olympian Simone Pearce and Will Marq (Rio Marq x Lanciano) are another combination that should be firmly on the selectors’ radar. While they have only completed one Grand Prix Special to date, they boast the second-highest Grand Prix average of 70.098%. At just 10 years old, Will Marq is the youngest horse in contention, but his experience in high-pressure environments – such as Lier CDI-W – suggests a promising trajectory.

NEW PARTNERSHIP

Lyndal Oatley is another overseas based rider yet to meet the criteria but cannot be discounted. She has recently partnered with Forever Young HRH (Fuerst Fugger x Don Bosco) following a horse swap with her husband, Patrik Kittel. In their two starts together, the pair recorded Grand Prix scores of 69.326% and 69.435%. They were entered to contest their first Grand Prix Special at CDI Lier, but an injury to Lyndal unfortunately forced their withdrawal. 

“A young horse spooked at the geese and stomped on my foot,” Lyndal laughs. “I brushed it off at first but then realised it was getting worse. Doctors told me six weeks off and threatened me with a cast if I misbehaved. It’s already feeling better with doing less so I hope to be back mid-April to continue my World Championship campaign.”