Bridget Murphy and Penmain Promise are one of four combinations to be named on the Australian para dressage team for the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen. Image by Kim C Lundin.
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.
It’s a huge understatement to simply say that we have a strong team representing us this year. We had a vast group of solid combinations to choose from, but I believe this is the best possible team that could have been put forward.
Lisa Martin and Vilaggio are the currently the highest-ranked Grade V combination in the world. Image by Kim C Lundin.
THE PARA DRESSAGE TEAM:
Bridget Murphy & Penmain Promise (Grade II)
Dianne Barnes & Tjibbe B (Grade IV)
Lisa Martin & Vilaggio (Grade V)
Mietta Innes-Irons & Sir Helmut (Grade V)
Reserves: Kylie Christian & Ivan Carlos (Grade I); Claire Graham & Furst Olli 3 (Grade III); Helen Batson & MSJ Tia Fortuna (Grade IV)
“We have a strong
team representing us…”
The Grade III combination of Claire Graham and Furst Olli 3 had a very consistent campaign and are one of three well-performed reserves. Image by One Eyed Frog Photography.
EA Para High Performance Lead Nick Hunter described the squad as one of Australia’s most competitive para dressage teams in recent years, with three athletes ranked inside the world’s top six of their respective grades, including current Grade V World No.1 Lisa Martin.
The team will undertake a three-week staging camp in the Netherlands before heading to Aachen, where the Para Dressage competition runs from 19–23 August.
Before I discuss the riders that have been selected, a quick recap on the selectors themselves, which include the panel of chair Kerry Mack, Jan Pike and Sally Francis, and development selector, Caroline Coleby. These four individuals are in place as selectors for the LA Paralympic cycle, which included the World Championship selection for this year.
Dr Mack is an extremely talented and seasoned Grand Prix dressage rider with years of experience breeding, producing and competing at the highest level in Australia.
Sally Francis is not only an extremely knowledgeable coach who has been working with Riding for the Disabled Australia and High Performance para riders for over 20 years, she also has experience working at multiple Paralympic Games and international events as the Australian team Chef D’Equipe (her first being at the 1996 Paralympics).
Lastly, EA listed Paralympic rider and medallist Jan Pike is the first Paralympic athlete in Australia to have been named on the panel of selectors. I believe Jan’s past experiences have brought an invaluable outlook and knowledge to the role, which have proven to be an extremely powerful asset regarding selection.
The pressure was on the selectors to put forward a strong team and, in my opinion, this is absolutely what they have done.
In an article I wrote after the announcement of the para selectors last year, I spoke of my optimism regarding EA’s decision on the committee. I said that EA had nailed their selection panel, and with this Australian team they have put forward for the World Championships, my feelings are consolidated!
They had an EXTREMELY challenging task to put together a team they believe will deliver the best results in Aachen. They honestly had so many outstanding combinations to choose from following this campaign; I can’t imagine the difficulty they would have had in deciding on a team. However, they have really done the para community proud with the squad they have put forward. Of course, there will be disappointment from a number of riders who would have been in very close contention, but after the final selection event in Sydney, this was the team, in my eyes, that should have been chosen.
What makes this team so competitive? The team is made up of three Paralympic riders, with two of the horses having competed in Paris and proven themselves on an international stage. Lisa Martin is currently at the top of the FEI rankings in her grade and scored over 77% in her last Freestyle at Boneo Park. Lisa is as experienced as you can be and always rises to the occasion on the world stage, often improving on performances compared to on home soil (which is a rarity).
Dianne Barnes is a seasoned competitor with an extremely level-headed horse underneath her. Tjibbe has a wonderful temperament, which will be hugely beneficial when competing him at an international level.
Dianne Barnes and Tjibbe B are a new partnership, but Di is a very experienced athlete. Image by One Eyed Frog Photography.
“The pressure was on
the selectors to put forward
a strong team.”
Bridget Murphy is as consistent as you can get and is no stranger to competing under pressure. Penmain Promise is super solid and unfazed in an international setting.
Mietta Innes-Irons and Sir Helmut are new to this level but have consistently been getting 70%+ scores at home and have enough experience and support behind them to perform extremely well on the world stage.
DIANNE BARNES & TJIBBE B
Dianne Barnes says she is “very excited” to be on the team with her trusty steed, Tjibbe B. “I think it’s a super team and we’ve got a good chance of the team scoring well. I was excited by the announcement; I was a little bit surprised, as far as I go. I wasn’t sure how things would stand, because I’d only done three of the four qualifying comps, so I wasn’t sure whether they would take that into consideration or whether they would be looking for the fourth qualifying comp, which I didn’t get done.”
Dianne points out that she and Tjibbe are a very new combination. “We only started our campaign in the new year. His attributes are amazing. The horse has got an incredible temperament; he knows when he’s ready to go in and get the job done, and he never lets you down. He always tries his hardest. I couldn’t be happier with my equine partner. I would really, really, really love to thank Jenny Rapson for her belief in me.”
Dianne says she and Tjibbe won’t change anything in their preparation and training schedule approaching Aachen. “I’m just going to continue training how we’ve been training the last couple of months, not change anything! Tjibbe enjoys his days in the paddock, eating grass and that won’t change. He’s not getting wrapped in cotton wool, he’s just living his everyday life,” she says.
“I’m really looking forward to the whole thing – training camp, the venue, being part of the team, watching the other countries compete – the whole thing is exciting to me. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
I was on the World Championship team with Di for Herning in 2022, so I can confirm this wonderful woman’s professionalism and skill as an athlete. She handles herself in a joyful manner, is extremely empathetic, can put the blinkers on and focus when she needs to and, most importantly, she always supports her fellow teammates. Dianne recognises when it’s time to keep focused and has an unwavering ability to tune out the rest of the world when it’s show time.
I personally can’t wait to see this combination enter the arena in Aachen. They are a solid team, and Di has a wonderful support network behind her, including her daughter Jodie Barnes, who has taken leave from work to travel with the pair in the role of groom for Tjibbe.
Read more: TJIBBE, THE BLACK STALLION WHO STEALS HEARTS – Equestrian Life, November 2025
BRIDGET MURPHY & PENMAIN PROMISE
Bridget Murphy and her lovely pony Penmain Promise (‘Macey’ as she is affectionately known) are backing up their team selection after representing Australia at the Paris Paralympics in 2024. “I’m very excited and honoured,” says Bridget. “It’s a great team to be a part of, it’s great to be back on a team with Di and Lisa after Paris, and I’m really looking forward to representing Australia at Aachen. It’s such a strong team who have consistently proven themselves throughout the campaign.”
As with Dianne and Tjibbe, Bridget and Macey are sticking to their training routine. “Team Macey are very happy; we are planning the next few weeks to get her primed and ready for the big trip,” says Bridget. “We’re not doing anything different, just keeping to our routine that’s been working, and making sure she’s happy and fit and ready to go.
Bridget Murphy and Penmain competing at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Image by Kim C Lundin.
“I’m most looking forward to being at the World Championships, and getting to compete alongside all the equestrian disciplines, and having para dressage represented alongside them. A big thank you to my team and everyone that’s supported us to get here. I couldn’t do it without Team Macey alongside me every step of the way, and I look forward to us doing it all together in Aachen.”
Bridget and Macey have really come together as a combination and are extremely consistent in their performances. Bridget has done a wonderful job producing this pony, making some game-changing decisions which have really paid off, and they continue to go from strength to strength. Bridget is the epitome of a para athlete, and I wish her all the best of luck as they prepare to dance in Aachen.
MIETTA INNES-IRONS & SIR HELMUT
Mietta Innes-Irons has been selected on her first Australian team for a major championship with her wonderful dance partner, Sir Helmut. “It’s been a massive campaign, it’s been a huge effort from my family, my friends,” she says, “and I’m especially grateful for Deon Stokes, who took me in after the second qualifier. What he’s achieved with Helmut and myself in such a short time is rather unbelievable and I’m incredibly grateful for that to have happened.
Mietta Innes-Irons and Sir Helmut are team debutants, but have had excellent scores throughout the selection process. Image by One Eyed Frog Photography.
“The selectors obviously had a massive job and I think they’ve picked a really exciting team. They definitely had their work cut out for them, but they’ve done a brilliant job,” adds Mietta.
“To be on a team with three women who have already had the opportunity to represent their country is a pretty wonderful thing. They’ve all absolutely proven themselves this campaign with really exciting results, and to have their support, and experience and knowledge going into an event like this, I feel really lucky to be riding alongside them.
“I’m really excited for the journey, and to see how our first championship unfolds. I probably should mention how lucky I am to have my horse! He’s just the love of my life and the most incredible horse I’ve ever sat on, and just a teammate I wouldn’t replace for anything. He means everything to me.”
LISA MARTIN & VILAGGIO
Lisa Martin is currently ranked FEI world No.1 in her grade and is putting on her game face as the World Championships approached. “I’m feeling very privileged and fortunate to be named on the team with such talented riders,” says Lisa. “Aachen has the most addictive atmosphere and to watch the best riders in the world will be incredible.
“Each of our team riders brings to the team incredible individual experience and talent, and I believe it’s going to be a very successful team for the World Championships. Vilaggio loves people and attention, and definitely thrives on atmosphere. Vilaggio’s prep is basically keeping him fit, healthy, and enjoying his work, with his regular hack-outs on a Friday.”
Lisa Martin and Vilaggio competing at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Image by Kim C Lundin.
Lisa has been producing some incredible scores here in Australia. She always rises to the occasion, never leaves anything in the tank, knows how to squeeze every last drop from a test on the world stage, and with some competitors from other countries experiencing horse changes in this grade, I believe Lisa has every shot at bringing home a medal.
A SELECTION GAMBLE
To get a team score in Aachen, there must be at least one rider from Grades I, II and/or III. Therefore, selectors will often send a team with two riders from these grades, with the reasoning that if something should happen to a horse or rider from these grades, resulting in them not being able to compete, we can still get a team score because we have a “back-up” rider from those grades. However, if they only send one rider from Grades I, II and/or III and something should happen resulting in them not being able to compete, there will be no team score.
So why have the selectors put forward a team with only one combination from those grades? The answer is because we already have funding secured until LA in 2028. If in a worst-case scenario we don’t get a team score at the World Championships, the importance of this is much less significant than if it was a team chosen for a Paralympic Games. At a Games, the team score is what determines our funding for the next Paralympic cycle, so the significance of having a team is paramount. The implications of not having a team score are far lower at a World Championships compared to a Paralympics.
Reserves Kylie Christian and Ivan Carlos are a Grade I combination. Image by Rodney’s Photography.
In my opinion, the other possible reason the selectors would have felt fairly confident about sending a team with only one rider from Grades I, II or III, is because of who this rider is. Bridget Murphy has been selected as the only rider from those grades, and given she is a seasoned competitor with a relatively stable medical condition, she is a pretty safe bet. The other factor is that she is riding a pony. Penmain Promise is a hardy pony, a proven traveller, and fairly low risk in terms of any soundness issues etc, so this also would have been considered when choosing her as the only combination from Grades I, II and III.
I think the decision to only send one rider instead of two from these grades was somewhat risky; however, I firmly believe it was the right call and that the selectors’ bold choice will pay off!
Ideally, all riders will get to compete, and we will produce a team score. The top eight countries at the World Championships automatically qualify for LA, so this would be our best-case scenario.
Grade IV combinations Helen Batson and MSJ Tia Fortuna are one of three strong reserves who all performed well during the selection period. Image by One Eyed Frog Photography.
“I can’t wait to watch these
phenomenal combinations…”
The last thing I want to mention is that I have confirmed with High Performance that the three reserves chosen are all non-travelling reserves. This means that they will only be called upon to go to Aachen if one of the four selected team members is unable to compete. The reserves were given the option to travel, but at their own expense. I could be wrong, but I therefore don’t believe any of these riders will travel given the huge cost and the low likelihood they will need to be called upon.
Congratulations to all selected athletes and support teams. I can’t wait to watch these phenomenal horse and rider combinations on the world stage in Aachen. It is such a privilege to ride for your country, and I know that these ladies are going to do us all proud. EQ
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