Australia's second FEI World Championship qualifier for para dressage has attracted 36 combinations at Willinga Park. The event, hosted by Carlton Performance Horses, begins on Friday following a successful trot-up. An Australian team has been announced to compete and contribute to the nation's world ranking.
Willinga Park in New South Wales is hosting the second CPEDI3* para dressage qualifier ahead of the 2026 FEI World Championships. Event Director Jade Woodhead Butler expressed excitement about running the event, stating, “I’m extremely excited to run another CPEDI3* event in the lead up to the 2026 FEI World Championships.”
The entry list includes 36 combinations across CPEDI3*, CPEDI2*, and Virtus classes, surpassing the November event at Boneo Park. Riders from Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales are participating, highlighting the sport's growth in Australia. The Equestrian Australia high performance team aims for podium finishes at the championships, with selection based on strict criteria.
To qualify, combinations must achieve a minimum eligibility requirement of 64% or higher from January 1, 2025, to June 15, 2026. They also need a total of 67% or above in Grand Prix Test A or B in at least two CPEDI3* events between October 1, 2025, and June 15, 2026, and compete in no fewer than two such events from January 1, 2026, to June 15, 2026. This Willinga Park competition offers riders a chance to secure qualifying scores for the Aachen event later in the year.
Para classification assesses athletes' mobility, strength, and coordination, assigning grades I to V based on impairment impact. Grade I riders perform walk-only tests, while Grade V includes advanced movements like canter half-pirouettes.
All horses passed the trot-up inspection on Thursday afternoon at 4pm AEDT. The Australian team, announced at a riders' meeting, consists of Lisa Martin with Vilaggio (Grade V), Bridget Murphy with Penmain Promise (Grade II), Claire Graham with Furst Olli 3 (Grade III), and Mietta Innes-Irons with Sir Helmut (Grade V). This team will help post scores for the FEI Para Dressage World Team Ranking.
Competition starts just after 9am AEDT on Friday with the CPEDI2* Grade II class, led by Kate Nipperess riding Dame Remi Wolverine. Willinga Park, a key sponsor, has been praised by competitors for enabling such events.
