The draw for the EBM Dressage by the Sea event has confirmed a competitive lineup across multiple CDI classes, including world-class riders aiming for the Aachen 2026 FEI World Equestrian Games. Australian Olympian Jayden Brown and several others highlight the Grand Prix field, while the competition marks Australia's first CDI Medium Tour. Emerging talents in youth divisions add depth to the prestigious gathering.
The EBM Dressage by the Sea competition, set in Australia, draws a high-caliber field for its CDI3* Grand Prix with 13 combinations, many of whom have met Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) for the Aachen 2026 FEI World Equestrian Games.
Jayden Brown, an Olympian, rides WillingaPark Quincy B, a pair nearly unbeaten since the Paris 2024 Olympics, with only one second-place finish and no scores below 70% in that time. Brown also debuts Legendary, owned by Denise Rogan, in the CDI Grand Prix. Mary Hanna, a six-time Olympian, competes with Ivanhoe, the other pair to secure Aachen MERs; they won the CDI-W at the High Horse Ulcer Amour + Victorian Dressage Festival in December.
Additional contenders include Emma Flavelle-Watts and Scarlatti Mio VSR, Rozzie Ryan and Bronze Boy R, Serena Ireland and Royalty R, Tanisha Ryan and Prequel, and Hannah Rockwell and Baumann’s Diorella, each with one MER. Emma and Scarlatti need one more Grand Prix Special score, having previously achieved 69%. Serena Ireland and Royalty R prepare for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Texas. New Zealand's John Thompson rides MSJ Gatsby, with two Grand Prix MERs, eyeing team selection.
The CDI1* Small Tour features 16 entries, led by Robbie McKinnon and QS Sierra, who have earned Advanced Championship scores over 76%, alongside Kaila Simms and Arnage Total Bliss, Jayden Brown and Leopold, and Jordan Smith and Penny Hill Park Francesca, recent Small Tour debut winners at Boneo Park.
A milestone comes with Australia's inaugural CDI Medium Tour, accepting nine riders to bolster emerging international pathways. The CDI-U25 class, though small, includes established pairs like Jessica Dertell and Kilimanjaro, recent U25 Grand Prix winners with scores above 70%, and debutants Tanisha Ryan and Jembrae Rattle N Hum, plus defending champions Bridgette Dalmau and Bon Jovi MH.
Young Rider and Junior divisions are notably competitive, with Tia Rose McKenzie and Phenomenon progressing from Junior success, Rosie Heagney and MSJ Nemo as recent champions, and standouts like Millicent Fletcher and Amsterdam in Juniors. Advanced and Medium championships are fully subscribed, with 15 reserves for Advanced and 20 for Medium, reflecting the event's appeal.
