Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar. Image by Ashley Grant/Theblachat.
With the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany looming (11-23 August), Australia’s eventing combinations are putting their best foot forward to secure one of the five available spots.
Between now and the 2026 FEI World Championships, there are several key dates for Australian eventing combinations in the running for team selection.
On or before the Nominated Entries Date of 6 July, Australian will name a long-list of up to 15 combinations. On or before the 27 July, the Definite Entries Date, Australian will nominate a squad of up to eight combinations from the long-list: a World Championship team of five, plus three reserves. From the team of five, four will make up the World Championship Team and one will be selected as the World Championship Individual; this is decided at or before the first horse inspection in Aachen.
Eventing at Aachen will begin with the first half of the dressage draw on Thursday, 13 August, followed by the second day of dressage on Friday, 14 August. Cross country will take place 15 August, and the final show jumping phase will conclude the competition on Sunday, 16 August.
However, before we make it to team selection and competition, combinations must first tick several boxes.
Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos on their way to sixth place in the CCI4*-S at Luhmühlen Horse Trials in Germany last month. Image by Jon Stroud Media.
FEI MERs
The first hurdle for consideration is the FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirements, also known as MERs. To secure an MER, combinations must record a dressage score of no more than 45 penalties (55%), complete the cross country phase with a clear round at obstacles while incurring no more than 75 seconds of time penalties (100 seconds at CCI5* level). On cross country, combinations can activate a maximum of one frangible device or have a maximum of one missed flag. They must also finish the show jumping phase with no more than 16 penalties at obstacles.
For Aachen, combinations must achieve their qualification performances at a CCI5* or a CCI4*L plus a CCI4*S level competition. MERs must be achieved between 1 January, 2025 and 6 July, 2026.
However, securing an MER does not guarantee selection.
WHAT ARE AUSTRALIAN SELECTORS LOOKING FOR?
Once eligibility requirements have been met, Equestrian Australia’s (EA) National Eventing Selectors Panel (NESP) will begin assessing which combinations are best placed to represent Australia at the World Championships. The selection panel is made up of Kate Wallis (Chair), Tim Boland, Clayton Fredericks and Claudia Hodson.
Their selection criteria places significant emphasis on performances achieved during 2025 and 2026, with results from CCI5*, CCI4*L, CCI4*S and equivalent CCN4* competitions carrying the greatest weight. Selectors will examine overall scores, performances in each phase and final placings, while also considering performance data from other sources such as EquiRatings and the Australian Institute of Sport.
Importantly, the policy makes it clear that selection is not simply a matter of ranking combinations according to results – however, scores will no doubt play a key role.
Selectors will also assess consistency, progression, international experience and a combination’s ability to perform in championship conditions. Factors such as the technical difficulty of a course, the quality of opposition, weather condition and the atmosphere of an event may all be considered when evaluating performances.
WHO DO WE THINK IS CURRENTLY IN CONTENTION?
Selectors are spoilt for choice with at least 38 combinations having currently achieved their MERs. While the leaderboard remains fluid and much can change before nominations are finalised, several combinations show strong standing for selection.
Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar won the CCI5*-L at Adelaide Equestrian Festival with a score of 35.4. Image by Manning Photography/Adelaide Equestrian Festival.
Twenty-two-year-old Oliver Barrett and 10-year-old Sandhills Briar (Christian x Sandhills Beetle, by Stirling Sprite) are a combination to watch. With their super win at Adelaide Equestrian Festival in the CCI5*L with a final score of 35.4, alongside several strong scores at CCI4*S and CCI4*L level (including their best during the qualifying period of 32.2 in winning Sydney CCI4*L) during the qualifying period so far – they are building a strong case for team selection. Oliver’s mare, nine-year-old Sandhill’s Gem (Christian x Sandhills Glint, by Staccato), has also achieved MERs.
Few can match the championship experience of eight-time Olympian Andrew Hoy (who has actually been selected for nine Olympic Games, but with Australia one of several nations to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympics, Andrew missed what would have been his first Games). Andrew and 17-year-old Vassily de Lassos (Jaguar Mail x Jalienny) have an extensive international record and proven ability on the world’s biggest stages, which aligns with selectors’ emphasis on championship experience and performing under pressure.
This combination achieved their MERs in 2025. This year, they had their first FEI start in a CCI3*S at Kronenberg where they finished with 31.6. Following a start in the Open Intermediate (CCI2* equivalent) at Little Downham Horse Trials in the UK, where they were clear of jump faults, they contested a hot Luhmühlen CCI4*S in Germany where they were sixth and the highest placed of the Australians on 37.5 – their best mark during the qualifying period.
Olympian Kevin McNab and his 10-year-old Oldenburg Faro Imp (Wathnan F One USA x Master IMP) are likely also on the selectors’ radar. Kevin has become one of Australia’s most consistent performers in Europe and brings the type of reliability and international form that is highly valued in a championship environment. This combination won the CCI4*S at Sopot earlier this year with a score of 32.5 (their best score during the qualifying period), and then had a low-key run around the Open Intermediate class at Little Downham Horse Trials where they were clear of jump faults. Their most recent event, Luhmühlen CCI4*S, saw them finish 13th on 47.1 as the second-highest placed Aussie combination. Kevin and Faro were strong through both jumping phases at the German event; however, the dressage unfortunately didn’t go to plan, with crowd applause before entering the arena unsettling Faro.
Kevin McNab and Faro Imp at Luhmühlen Horse Trials last month. Image by Jon Stroud Media.
Sophia Hill and 14-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred Humble Glory are once again an exciting prospect after being short-listed for the Paris Olympics two years ago. Their top ten finish at the Kentucky CCI5*L this year demonstrates their ability to perform on one of the sport’s biggest stages and their cross-country ability is just about second to none. They finished on 41.1 in Kentucky, their best mark for the qualifying period. ‘Hughie’ has been based in the USA with New Zealand eventer Monica Spencer for several months, and Sophia has been flying back and forward between there and Australia to train and compete her team at home. One of those horses, 10-year-old Tulara Baltango (Tulara Balouch), also has the required MERs and is now in the US and preparing to join Hughie as Sophia aims for team selection. Tulara Baltango’s best results during the qualifying period is 35.4 when they were second behind Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar in the CCI4*L at Sydney.
Sophia Hill and Humble Glory at Kentucky CCI5*-L in April. Image by Shannon Brinkman Photo.
Melbourne International Three-Day Event was the final competition for the eventing season, and the headline CCI4*L there was won by David Middleton and 13-year-old mare WEC In The Breeze (In the Black x Balou du Rouet). The pair produced a superb result of 35.4, their best for the qualifying period; although other results during the qualifying period have varied, when this combination is at their best, they are very competitive.
David Middleton and WEC in The Breeze won the CCI4*-L at Melbourne International Three-Day Event last month with a score of 35.4. Image by Click Capture.
Shenae Lowings and 15-year-old Bold Venture (Devaraja x Zamoff) have only competed lightly during the qualifying period, however they do have Championship team experience and hold the top score – and the only sub-30 one at that – of 25.4, which they achieved at Tamworth CCI4*S in March. They also posted a class-leading dressage score of 25.6 in the CCI4*S at Adelaide, before electing not to contest the jumping phases.
Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture were awarded a class-leading dressage score of 25.6 in the CCI4*S at Adelaide Equestrian Festival this year. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Sam Woods and 12-year-old SS Eight Count (Hamlet) are another combination with a strong score to their name, having achieved 33.6 to finish just behind Shenae and ‘Bentley’ in Tamworth. They were also the runners-up to Oliver Barratt and Sandhills Briar in the Adelaide CCI5*L with 37.6, and are carrying strong form in the latter stages of the qualifying period.
“They are carrying strong
form in the latter stages
of the qualifying period.”
Sam Woods and SS Eight Count in the CCI5*-L at Adelaide Equestrian Festival. Image by Manning Photography.
Andrew Cooper and 13-year-old Sharvalley Thunder (Valhalla x JD Arnover) have a best score of 35.1 at Tamworth CCI4*S last year and were actually third in the CCI4*S at Luhmühlen last year during the qualifying period on 36.1. They were fourth in the CCI4*S at Tamworth this year on 36.9 and their most recent mark of 39.9 was achieved in the Adelaide CCI5*L, where they were third behind Oliver Barrett/Sandhills Briar and Sam Woods/SS Eight Count – so they are a combination with a history of competitive scores and recent form. Unfortunately, Andrew has said that Thunder is currently out of action; while he’s confident the horse will be back, it seems unlikely that will be within a timeframe for Aachen.
“They are a combination
with a history of competitive
scores and recent form.”
Andrew Cooper and Sharvalley Thunder competing at CHIO Aachen in 2025. Image by Digishots/Kim C Lundin.
Over in the US, Hayley Frielick has also had some strong performances with 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Sportsfield Lumiere (Orestus VDL x Phin Phin). The combination placed second in a CCI4*L in Florida last November, posting a super score of 31.8 – their best result of the qualifying period. This year, they’ve achieved a score of 43.6 in a CCI4*S in North Carolina. Hayley formerly rode for New Zealand but is now representing Australia.
Full list of Australian riders with MERs (plus their best CCI4*S/CCI4*L/CCI5*L score during the qualifying period):
Andrew Cooper and Sharvalley Thunder (AUS based), 35.1
Andrew Cooper and Ocean Eight (AUS based), 40.3
Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos (UK based), 37.5
Charlee Morton-Sharp and SV Supermaxi (AUS based), 44.4
Charlie Richardson and Remington Hill (AUS based), 47.5
Christine Bates and Bloomfield Findon (AUS based), 44
David Middleton and WEC In The Breeze (AUS based), 35.4
Ema Klugman and Chiraz (US based), 48.2
Emma Mason and KPH Kingfisher (AUS based), 45.2
Grace Kay and Bluefields For Cello (NED based), 43.9
Hannah Klep and Tulara Chicouve (UK based), 40.8
Hayley Frielick and Sportsfield Lumiere, 31.8
Isabel English and Cil Dara Bombay S (UK based), 44.6
Isabel English and Cil Dara Dallas (UK based), 43.3
Jess Somerfield and Finch Farm Carpentaria (AUS based), 49.7
Kenya Wilson and Sandros Salute MW (AUS based), 44
Kevin McNab and Faro Imp (UK based), 32.5
Mackenzie Walch and Eliva Corduroy (AUS based), 45.4
Olivia Barton and APH Sodoku (UK based), 37.9
Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar (AUS based), 32.2
Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Gem (AUS based), 38
Ryan Wood and Check Point (US based), 79.1
Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight (US based), 52.3
Sam Jeffree and Santoro (AUS based), 37.7
Sam Jeffree and Wimborne Conjuror (AUS based), 38.9
Sam Woods and SS Eight Count (AUS based), 33.6
Sammi Birch and Finduss PFB (UK based), 46.1
Samuel Fasher and Angelina Gold (AUS based), 46.1
Samantha Cesnik and Graftango (AUS based), 49.7
Sarah Clark and Casallia S (AUS based), 51.6
Sarah Dawson and Imposing (AUS based), 52.0
Shane Rose and Holy Moses (AUS based), 37.5
Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture (AUS based), 25.4
Sophia Hill and Humble Glory (US based), 41.1
Sophia Hill and Tulara Baltango (US based), 35.4
William Levett and RNH Tom Tom R (UK based), 53.9
William Levett and Sligo Candy Cane (UK based), 35.7
Having 38 combinations with FEI MERs is certainly a strong effort from our Australian eventers, and all should be proud. While every effort has been made to ensure this is a complete list, please reach out if there is a combination we have missed – let us know via [email protected]!
With only five positions available and Australia’s eventing depth strong, selectors certainly have a difficult decision ahead. EQ
Related articles
Following an eight-month selection process, Equestrian Australia has named four combinations to represent Australia in para dressage at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany.
With the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen fast approaching, Australian dressage riders are chasing qualifying scores at home and abroad. From seasoned Olympians to exciting new partnerships, the battle for team selection is already heating up.