The ENSW Annual Award winners for Dressage are selected by the DNSW committee from nominations submitted by clubs and others.

The 2025 Award winners are:

Rider under 21 of the Year-  Maddison Vallender

Senior Rider of the Year- Robbie McKinnon

Horse of the Year - TS Firestorm

Official of the Year - Liz Mudd

Volunteer of the Year - Fiona David (Bowral Dressage Club)

Congratulations to these outstanding winners and all nominees.

• Read more about 2025 ENSW Annual Awards

The Sydney CDI ended on a truly high note on Saturday evening with the CDI 3* Grand Prix freestyle.  The atmosphere and the crowd were uplifting and it was wonderful to see so many spectating at this event. 

• Read more about 2025 Sydney CDI ends on a high note

By Suzy Jarratt

2025 is the first year that CDI Children competitions have been part of the Sydney CDI.  Eight combinations have entered. Three different riders, Grace from Qld, Elouise from Regional NSW and Milla from the Hawkesbury area in Sydney we interviewed for this feature.

Grace Collins, Cooroy Qld. and ‘Premonition’ (imp) (Perigeux x Lordanos x Werther)

At only thirteen Grace Collins is developing into an all-round equestrian doing well in dressage, eventing and showjumping.

• Read more about THE YOUNG ONES - aiming for dressage success

By  SUZY JARRATT

Sophia Coombes and ‘Bamborough Jonas’ – Cowra

‘Bamborough Jonas’ was bought as a two-year-old by Megan Bryant and her grandfather.  “He’s a grey Welsh pony by ‘Thistledown Wicked’ and  came from Bamborough Pony Stud, Cowra.  He was a project for my 89-year-old pop,” recalled the FEI dressage rider. “He  wanted to watch me handle and work him; and then some time later announced he was going to ride him on his birthday!”  

• Read more about Pony Power - CDIP at the Sydney CDI

The FEI acknowledges the invaluable role that the media, and research expertise plays in highlighting issues within our sport. Without responsible journalism and the work of the academic community around the world, equestrian sport would not have evolved to the level of professionalism and welfare standards we see today. 

• Read more about FEI statement on misinformation and the fair treatment of athletes & officials

Introducing Clive Halsall, one of the dressage judges coming to this year’s CDI:

He has made an outstanding contribution to the sport over a distinguished career and to reward his long service was one of three to receive the Medal of Honour at the British Dressage National Convention in 2023.

We recently spoke to him at Walton Fold Farm which he owns and runs with Rachel Muter in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley.

“It’s been in the family for twenty-six years,” he said, “and is very much my happy place.”

• Read more about Judge Spotlight

We are delighted to announce the formation of an exciting new and diverse NSW Judges Subcommittee (JSC). This week, after a call for expressions of interest for new JSC members, the DNSW Committee voted on and ratified the following:

• Read more about 2025 Judges Sub Committee Announced

Group Booking discount Offer For Saturday, 3 May 2025

*Including - Sydney CDI ‘Go behind the Scenes’ Tours

Available to EA Affiliated Dressage Clubs, Pony Clubs & Equestrian related Groups.  

• Read more about Group Bookings are back in 2025

Exciting updates are on the horizon for the upcoming event! Entries will be opening soon, and we’re thrilled to announce some significant changes that will benefit both competitors and owners.

• Read more about 2025 Sydney CDI NEWS