Australian Official Emma Flegman Appointed to Ground Jury for FEI European Championships in Sweden

Queensland's Emma Flegman has been appointed to the Ground Jury for the FEI Eventing European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors 2026, to be held at Segersjö, Sweden, from 26–30 August 2026 — a significant honour that places an Australian official at the heart of one of the sport's premier youth events.

Flegman will serve as a member of the Ground Jury for the Junior division, a role that carries considerable responsibility across all three phases of the competition: dressage, cross-country and showjumping. It is an appointment that reflects both her standing within the sport and the growing international reputation of Australian eventing officials.

Based in South East Queensland, just outside Brisbane, Flegman received word of the appointment back in January. “I felt very honoured to have been thought of for such a prestigious competition,” she said. “I am still relatively new at this international role, so it came as a very unexpected but wonderful surprise. To be exposed to this sort of event at this stage of my officiating career is both nerve-wracking and exciting. Working alongside highly experienced officials will be hugely beneficial for the expansion of my knowledge, so I am very excited for the challenge ahead.”

A journey from the saddle to the judge's box

Flegman's path to the international stage began where many great officials' do — in the saddle. Having competed to 4* level in eventing and Grand Prix in dressage, she was encouraged to begin judging in 2007, working her way up through the levels to earn her A-level qualifications.

From there, she took on a new challenge. “I was questioned as to whether I'd like to pursue my FEI Dressage accreditation, or had I thought about FEI Eventing accreditation,” she explained. In 2019, she began working towards her national eventing accreditation, gaining her FEI Level 2 in 2022 and her FEI Level 3 in 2025.

She is quick to credit those who helped along the way. Dressage Queensland's education program and the knowledge shared by its educators and mentors guided her dressage journey, while for eventing she surrounded herself with experienced, like-minded people who “have very much become good friends.”

Being based in South East Queensland has meant plenty of travel, and with it, invaluable experience. Flegman has judged at the National Dressage Championships and at the prestigious international horse trials in Melbourne and Sydney, along with countless events in between. But officiating overseas, she says, is “next level” — particularly in England, where “the sheer size of these competitions is mind-blowing.”

More than just the dressage

A common misconception, Flegman notes, is that a Ground Jury member simply judges the dressage. In reality, the role spans the entire competition. “People are surprised to hear that we are involved from the beginning to the end of the event,” she said.

For a long-format CCI, work begins with viewing and approving the cross-country course, followed by horse inspections, dressage judging, cross-country observations, further horse inspections, and finally showjumping. The Ground Jury is ultimately responsible for the final decisions throughout the competition.

At Segersjö, the focus falls squarely on the next generation. “This competition in Sweden is all about the Juniors and Young Riders,” Flegman said. “I am excited to witness the future of eventing, being part of their journey as I progress in mine.” Having seen the Young Riders compete recently at Millstreet in Ireland, she is in no doubt about what lies ahead: “The future of eventing looks very bright.”

Flying the flag for Australia

Appointments like this matter well beyond the individual. Australian officials, Flegman says, enjoy a strong reputation overseas — a balance of knowledge and expertise paired with an approachable, engaging manner. She points to the recent appointment of fellow Australian Hunter Doughty at Millstreet as another encouraging sign. “Having another Australian at a prestigious event is very encouraging for the future of officials in Australia,” she said.

It is a pathway she is keen to see others follow. “Officiating is a great way to give back to the sport,” she said. “For those with the passion to be involved from the other side of eventing, I would encourage them to get in contact with their state committee and register their interest. Then surround yourself with a circle of knowledgeable, approachable people and take every opportunity to learn from those around you. You never stop learning.”

Gratitude and anticipation

Flegman is warm in her thanks for those who have made the journey possible. “Over the years, I have been hugely encouraged and supported to chase my dreams — not only in riding, but in my officiating — by my parents and, for the last 26 years, my husband,” she said. “Their unwavering support has given me the strength to continue even when I have doubted myself.” She also expressed gratitude to the clients who have backed her in pursuing her goals.

The appointment in Sweden comes towards the end of a full European campaign that has taken her to events in Belgium, Ireland, England and the Czech Republic — a trip she describes as a genuine pleasure, filled with reconnecting with old friends and meeting many new ones along the way.

The FEI Eventing European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors runs at Segersjö, Sweden, from 26–30 August 2026. When the competition gets underway, Emma Flegman will be there among the officials shaping the result — an Australian on the world stage, and a proud reflection of the depth of talent within our officiating community. We congratulate Emma on this well-deserved appointment and wish her every success in Sweden.