On the eve of Rio 2016 one year to go celebrations, Equestrian Australia (EA) has announced the composition of its national squads for dressage.
The squads are organised in accordance with new criteria which was announced by EA in April. The new structure includes two tiers – High Performance and Recognition, with categories and criteria for each.
While EA’s Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games selection policies are still undergoing approvals with the AOC and APC, only athletes named on a High Performance Squad are eligible for nomination to their discipline’s Shadow Team (in accordance with the squad selection criteria athletes may be named on a High Performance Squad at any time). Only athletes who are named on a Shadow Team will be eligible for nomination to Australia’s Olympic and Paralympic Games Teams.
In determining the squads EA’s High Performance Program has given consideration to the athlete and/or athlete and horse combinations, however only athletes are named on High Performance Squads. This ensures EA is closely aligned to the structure set down by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
National Selection Panel appointments for dressage have also been finalised. The three member dressage selection panel will consist of current selector Jan Smith who is to be joined by new appointments Connie Bookless and Maryjane Crabtree.
“Although our team selection policies for Rio are still to be approved, the dressage policy will call on selectors to make decisions based on objective criteria,” said Equestrian Australia High Performance Manager Chris Webb. “Maryjane’s appointment is an important one as her legal background and experience in managing decisions against objective criteria will assist the panel as they work through nomination. She also has a long association with equestrian sport as a previous state board representative, high level competitor, breeder and official. We also welcome Connie Bookless to the panel. Connie brings a diverse skillset to the panel as she has been involved in the sport for over 40 years as a breeder, trainer, rider, coach and judge.”
High Performance Squads for each Olympic discipline are categorised into three groups – Gold, Green and Generation Next.
High Performance - Gold
- no dressage rider listed
High Performance - Green
- Briana Burgess
- Mary Hanna
- Sue Hearn
- Kelly Layne
- Kristy Oatley
- Lyndal Oatley
- Brett Parbery
- Maree Tomkinson
High Performance - Generation Next
- Hayley Beresford
- Judy Dierks
- Rachael Downs
- Matthew Dowsley
- Katharina Farrell
- Nicholas Fyffe
- Kim Gentry
- Lisa Martin
- Rodney Martin
- Heath Ryan
- David Shoobridge
- Alycia Targa
- Tor van den Berge
Within the Dressage National Recognition Squad there are three categories - Seniors, Futures and Youth.
- Briana Burgess - La Scala
- Holly Cutler - Diva Royale
- Glenda De Wit - Milfield Dominique
- Judy Dierks - Diamond Star
- Rachael Downs - Silbermond
- Matthew Dowsley - Don De'Sandro
- Nicholas Fyffe - Fiero HGF
- Mary Hanna - Sancette, Hamag W Stroma, Umbro & Boogie Woogie
- Sue Hearn - Remmington
- Kelly Layne - Udon P
- Rodney Martin - SPH Sonata Hit
- Lisa Martin - First Famous
- David McKinnon - Johnny Depp
- Lyndal Oatley - Sandro Boy & Diva
- Kristy Oatley - Ronan
- Brett Parbery - DP Weltmieser
- Kaz Roe - Rattle n Hum
- Heath Ryan - Regardez Moi
- David Shoobridge - Agent de Jeu
- Katina Smith - Just Dance
- Deon Stokes - Bellario
- Alicia Targa - CP Dresden
- Lesley Anne Taylor - Amicelli Gold
- Maree Tomkinson - Diamantina 4
- Nicole Tough - Furst Tyme
- Tor Van Den Berge - Lauries As
- Caroline Wagner - Tango V
National Futures Recognition Squad
Horses aged 5-6 years who have scored 70% plus at Novice or Elementary level on at least 3 occasions in the previous 12 month period. Horses aged 7-9 years who have scored 70% plus at Medium or Advanced level on at least 3 occasions in the previous 12 month period.
- Emma Bishop - Weltferne
- Daniella Dierks - Solo Feliz
- Kaitlyn Dooney - Dyrring Park Cristiano
- Emma Flavelle - Fiderfurst & Cabaret C
- Nicole Tough - Borsato
- Ruth Schneeberger - Ponderosa Stud Royal Dancer
- Janet Seccull - Free Cloud
- Lizzie Wilson-Fellows - Lets Jazzabit
National Youth Recognition Squad
Athletes from 16 to 25 years of age who have scored 65% or more at major events on a minimum of three occasions are invited to send expressions of interest for consideration.
- Stuart Archibald
- Courtney Barbera
- Jessica Blackmore
- Tayla Desmet
- Elloise Devlin
- Morgan Duell
- Elisabeth Hulin
- Grace Kay
- Abbie O'Brien
- Rebecca Radny
- Emily Reudavey
- Annie Simmons
- Ian Smith
- Victoria Stuckey
- Breeana Tillitzki
- Mary Warren
- Isabella Wilkinson-McIntyre
Photo © Franz Venhaus
Related Links
Euro Based Australian Dressage Riders Meet with High Performance Management in Dortmund
International Acclaim for Saffron Performance Horses of Saffron Stables in Sydney, Australia
Mary Hanna and Umbro Win Pacific League World Cup Final at 2015 CDI-W Boneo
Kristy Oatley and Ronan Join Australian Elite Dressage Squad
Briana Burgess and La Scala Join Australian Elite Dressage Squad