David McKinnon and Lea Rian headline 2026 Australian Dressage Championships

The best of Australian dressage came together at Boneo Park, Victoria, from 14–18 October for the 2026 4CYTE™ Australian Dressage Championships, five days of outstanding competition celebrating the country’s leading combinations and the next generation of equestrian talent.

Hosted on the Mornington Peninsula, the Championships brought together competitors across open, pony and para dressage, from Novice through to Grand Prix, with international-level CDI competition and the prestigious FEI Dressage World Cup™ adding to an action-packed program.

McKinnon and Lea Rian claim Grand Prix honours

David McKinnon and Lea Rian, were among the standout performers of the Championships, producing a memorable campaign to claim the Australian Grand Prix Championship.

The pair established their credentials with victory in Thursday’s Intermediate II, scoring 71.029%, before taking the CDI-W Grand Prix on Friday with 69.435%.

They returned to the arena on Saturday to deliver another impressive performance in the Grand Prix Freestyle, scoring 72.675% to secure the win and confirm their place at the top of the Australian Grand Prix field.

Denise Rogan and Greco finished second overall, while Queensland’s Emma Flavelle-Watts and Scarlatti Mio VSR secured third.

The result was a significant achievement for McKinnon and Lea Rian, whose partnership demonstrated consistency and composure across the three tests.

Para Dressage

Para dressage was an important part of the Championships, with combinations competing across a range of grades and tests throughout the week.

Alex Shepherd and Mickey won the Grade IV Intermediate B, while Melinda Hersey and Katniss Everglee claimed the Grade V Intermediate B.

In the para dressage Grand Prix B classes, Kylie Christian and Ivan Carlos won Grade I, Maddison Cooke and Byalee Magic II topped Grade II, Melissa Cannon and Duchess DS won Grade III, and Kirsty Van Loon and Nero R secured Grade IV.

Small and Medium Tours showcased

The Championships also showcased the depth of talent competing across the Small and Medium Tours.

Jayden Brown and Leopold claimed the Small Tour Championship, finishing ahead of Jordan Smith and PHP Francesca, with Jessica Dertell and Highfields Bella Vita rounding out the top three.

Smith and PHP Francesca had earlier claimed victory in the Prix St Georges with 69.324%, while Brown and Leopold returned to win the Intermediate I on 69.841%.

In the Medium division, Stephanie McDonald and Divine 18 were crowned Champions after combining a win in the 4.3 with a third-place finish in the 4.2. Anthony Bartlett and Fletcher VDS won the 4.2, while Justine Greer and Daily Dancer secured the Reserve Champion title.

The Pony Medium Championship went to Robbie McKinnon and SPB Movie Magic, with Toni Webb and Freeman’s Lodge Global named Reserve Champions.

Emerging talent shines

The Championships provided an important platform for Australia’s emerging combinations, with junior, young rider, Under 25, pony and children’s CDI classes highlighting the future of the sport.

Tess Baker and Rubinell claimed the CDI Junior Team Test, scoring 66.212%, ahead of Sienna Wright and Macarthur Bel Air and Ella McConachy with Kasperrado D’Andreas.

Olivia Gillespie and Native Summer topped the Young Rider Team Test with 68.039%, while Kodi Tupper and IL Mondo won the Under 25 Intermediate II on 68.039%.

In the CDI Pony Team Test, Amelia McDougall and JKE Arlington took the honours with 64.905%. Clementine Widdup and Mouse Detective were among the standout combinations in the Children’s division, with Mouse Detective carrying Widdup to a winning score of 72.161% in the Preliminary Test.

The younger combinations returned to the arena for their freestyle competitions on Sunday, bringing the Championships to a close with another showcase of developing talent and musical expression.

Equestrian Australia congratulates all Australian Champions, medal winners and competitors, and thanks Boneo Park, event officials, volunteers, sponsors and supporters for their contribution to the Championships.