The Australian, dressage loving Weel family has been making headlines with stellar purchases of international competition horses and stallions in Europe, while daughter Abby is making her mark at CDI's in Australia in the pony division.
The "weels" have now been in set in motion as the family will head to Wellington, Florida, for the 2026 Global Dressage Festival. They will be based at Lars Petersen and Melissa Taylor's Helgstrand U.S.A.
Horse Power Family
Parents Emma and Paul Weel have been committed in supporting daughter Abby's equestrian pursuits and are setting the bar high.
The 15-year old daughter Abby broke through at FEI Pony level on Reitland’s Obama (by High Flow’s Oxford) and has dominated FEI Pony classes ever since in Australia.
The family secured Annabella Pidgley's European Young Riders Champion horse Espe (by Escolar x Dimaggio) as well as Atterupgaards Franz (by Franziskus x Bon Bravour) at Helgstrand in Denmark as Abby's junior rider schoolmasters. Both horses were imported to Australia mid 2025 and joined a string of talented horses for the future.
Weels to Wellington
In order to savour the delights and challengs of top level equestrian sport in the best environment, the plan was hatched to spend the winter in Wellington, Florida.
"The Weels thrive on dedication and that commitment to bettering themselves now sees them seizing an opportunity to base in the United States for six months and compete at Wellington, Florida," Equestrian Life wrote. "They’ve leased a house within walking distance of the stables where they’ll work in association with Helgstrand Dressage, and those stables are a short stroll to the competition venue. Wellington is famed for its winter weather, exceptional facilities, and a deep calendar of FEI competitions – an ideal place to stretch, learn, and grow."
They are taking three competition horses over as well as their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The journey will be a long one as the animals fly from Australia to Hong Kong to Chicago and then to Miami.
Grit
Inspired by focus and drive in her family, Abby has nurtured grit.
“I love to compete and I love to train," she said. "I love the mental approach to the sport just as much as the physical. It will be fantastic to have my family around me. I can’t wait. It’s a big move, it’s full-on! I’m excited! Of course, I will miss my friends in Oz and especially the Doctor for his daily mentoring and coaching with his odd outrageous but honest sarcastic wit.”
Read the full article on Equestrian Life
Photos © Simon Scully - Roger Fitzhardinge
Related Links
The Weels Behind the Wheel of Bringing Top Dressage Horses to Australia
Espe, European Junior and Young Riders Champion, Sold to Australia
Weels and Helgstrand Partner Up on Oldenburg Stallion So Perfect for Future Sport and Breeding
So Perfect Sold to Sweden