Marley Ara Yates and six-year-old imported mare Secret Rose (Secret x De Niro). Image by Simon Scully Photography.
For as long as Marley Ara Yates can remember, horses have been part of her world. Long before she entered an arena in tails or rode down an FEI centreline, she was sitting atop her mother’s Quarter Horse, completely captivated by the animals that would eventually shape her life. Now she is making her mark as a young dressage rider to watch with many wins on her horse Secret Rose in the CDI Junior classes.
“I honestly fell in love with horses before I started riding,” Marley shares. “I used to sit on my mum’s Quarter Horse, and I think that’s really where it all began for me.”
Beginning formal riding lessons at seven years old, Marley quickly immersed herself in every aspect of equestrian sport. Pony Club, jumping, dressage – she tried it all – but it was always the precision and partnership of dressage that continued pulling her back.
“I don’t know what it is about dressage, but I’ve always loved it so much,” she says.
By eight years old she had her first pony, and with coaches including Kristie Picton and Nicole Chipperfield helping shape her foundation, horses rapidly became more than just a hobby. They became a central part of daily life; this was when her time with Grace Kay began. “I was really lucky to find Grace as my instructor,” Marley smiles. “She gave me so much confidence and support early on in my journey.”
Marley and Mr Buckmeister in the competition arena. Image by Britt Grovenor Photography.
THE PONIES THAT PAVED THE WAY
Before FEI Junior wins, international competitions and rising excitement surrounding six-year-old mare Secret Rose, there were some very special ponies on that journey.
“My first pony was called Chocolate, he was an Australian pony, and I loved him so much,” Marley shares.
“Then I had Parklane Colorado, a Welsh x Warmblood pony, which is where my FEI journey started. Together we learnt and slowly got to a stage where we were confident in the Novice and Elementary work.”
Then came Mr Buckmeister, affectionately known as Merlin. Previously trained to Elementary, Merlin has played a pivotal role in shaping Marley as a rider. “He’s taught me so much,” she shares. “He hasn’t always been the easiest.”
Together they have progressed through the levels to Advance with a massive learning curve along the way: “He didn’t pick things up super easily and he taught me to listen to him and work together as a team and we learnt together.”
After Grace Kay moved to Germany, Marley found a new coach in Serena Ireland – but still kept in touch with Grace.
A HORSE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
While Merlin built the rider, Secret Rose – affectionately known as Semra – has become the horse redefining what may be possible.
The Oldenburg mare by Secret out of a De Niro mare first entered Marley’s life during an overseas visit after the family decided to look for a younger prospect rather than an established schoolmaster. With guidance and encouragement from former coach Grace Kay, the search eventually led them to Europe.
“Semra was only four years old at the time, and we were told she had potentially been sold however I could still have a ride. I had one ride on her immediately I just felt something special,” Marley recalls.
“I never imagined she could be mine. We continued to consider other horses; however, none recreated the feeling experienced during that first ride. It was just that moment I saw her, I knew she was the one.”
Grace Kay and Secret Rose, after winning a five-year-old class at CDI Biały Las in Poland. Image by Lukasz Kowalski.
Unknown to Marley, the sale had eventually fallen through. Later, after she had arrived home, her parents surprised her with a video revealing that Semra was officially hers in June 2023.
“In the video, Semra was standing there with a big ribbon wreath around her neck,” Marley says. “I cried so many happy tears. It’s honestly one of the most special moments I’ve had.”
LEARNING ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE
After spending some time with Grace Kay overseas, Secret Rose arrived in Australia in late 2025.
Before the mare was imported, Marley experienced another major step in her development – two months based in the Netherlands at Utopia Equestrian Estate where Grace is currently based.
From there, Marley campaigned internationally in Poland and Italy in FEI Junior competition. “It was honestly so eye-opening,” she says. “The calibre of horses and riders over there is incredible.”
Competing overseas brought a new level of pressure and perspective. Her first FEI Junior test with Secret Rose came in Poland, where the partnership finished fourth and fifth in the Individual and Team tests with scores of 66.313% and 66.569%.
Despite limited competition experience together, Marley quickly discovered the mare’s remarkable composure. “She genuinely wants to work with me and try for me every day,” she says. “I know horses like her are so rare to come across, especially at such a young age.”
At just six years old, Secret Rose is already proving highly competitive at Junior level in Australia, with Marley producing standout performances at both Willinga Park and Sydney CDI earlier this year.
The latter carries particular significance. For years, attending Sydney CDI has been Marley’s birthday present. Sitting in the grandstand watching Australia’s elite combinations, she quietly imagined one day riding down the same centreline herself.
“This was always my birthday present, attending Sydney CDI, and watching the riders compete in the indoor has always inspired me. I wanted to be in the arena, not just watching.”
That dream has now become a reality. At the 2026 Sydney CDI the pair won the CDI Junior Team test with 69.849% and then were second in both the Individual test with 70.931% and the Freestyle with 72.660%. This followed their international debut in Australia at Willinga Park where the combination did not score below 70% across the three tests to finish the competition with two first places and a third.
Following their international debut, Marley was overcome with emotion on her final centreline, “I dropped the reins and cried. I’ve never had a horse that has made me cry so any happy tears.”
Marley and Secret Rose competing at Willinga Park. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
THE WORK BEHIND THE RESULTS
Behind the growing list of accolades lies a demanding routine balancing school, training and competition preparation. Most mornings begin at 4:30am to fit riding in before school, often in darkness without arena lights.
“It’s stressful, but it works,” Marley says. “It makes me so happy that I can get out there, even if it’s at 4:30am in the morning.”
Alongside the support of her family, Marley credits coaches Grace Kay, Serena Ireland and currently Robert Schmerglatt for helping guide her progression. “Every coach I’ve had has played such an important role in my journey,” she says.
That support system remains something she never takes for granted. “My family has made so many sacrifices to help me pursue the sport,” she says emotionally. “I know not everyone gets opportunities like this.”
It is perhaps why emotion often surfaces at the end of a test. “I think that’s why I get so emotional on that last centreline,” she explains. “I know all the sacrifices made.”
LOOKING AHEAD
For now, Marley’s immediate focus is to continue carefully developing Semra for the future. “She’s very young, so we are taking things slowly and growing together,” Marley says. But there is little doubt the partnership is building towards something significant.
From a young girl watching Sydney CDI from the grandstand to now riding confidently in the FEI Juniors with one of the country’s most exciting young horses, Marley Ara Yates’ journey is only just beginning. EQ
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