Gillian Botten: A Lifetime of Leadership in Dressage
For more than four decades, Gillian Botten has made an extraordinary contribution to equestrian sport in Western Australia as a rider, official, coach, judge, owner and mentor. Her influence spans state and national levels, including six years on the Australian Dressage Committee, where she helped guide the sport through an Olympic cycle and deliver key development initiatives aligned with national strategy.
At state level, Gillian has played a pivotal role through the State Dressage Committee and Judges Task Force, strengthening judge education and standards. A highly respected dressage judge and educator, she has officiated at multiple Australian Dressage Championships, most recently in Sydney in 2025, and is widely valued for her insightful and well attended workshops. As an EA coach and generous owner, she has supported countless athletes to state, national and international success, including providing the Australian Warmblood Don Dancier, ridden by Chelsea De Jonge to back to back Para Equestrian Grade V Australian Championships in 2023 and 2024.
Gillian has been nominated for a prestigious Equestrian WA - Lifetime Service to the Sport Award, amongst other esteemed equestrians.
Gillian’s passion for youth development has shaped generations of riders. From co creating the BEATS youth squad in the 1990s to her ongoing support of Rising Stars and JEDS, her legacy continues to strengthen high performance pathways. A quiet achiever, Gillian consistently embodies the values of excellence, integrity and inclusion, making her a truly deserving ambassador for equestrian sport.
When asked about the moments she is most proud of and what it takes to succeed in equestrian sport, Gillian said:
“In the early nineties… we wrote an equestrian training scheme syllabus to create a squad of talented young riders from all over WA… Several well known riders from the BEATS squad are still competing at a high level today.
“My proudest moment was the assessment day for this initial squad… When Healthway ended their sponsorship, Maitland Park continued the legacy with Rising Stars and the current squad, JEDS… the legacy of creating an entry level squad for high performance riders lives on today.”
“Be realistic about recognising your strengths and weaknesses… keep an open mind when it comes to learning… be mentally honest when things do not go to plan… and always be aware of how your behaviour impacts others.”
Equestrian Pathways to High Performance
Equestrian WA’s development programs support riders who aspire to compete at the highest levels of the sport. The Junior Equestrian Development Squad (JEDS) provides emerging riders under 18 with structured coaching, education and progression opportunities, while the WA Youth Talent Equestrian Pathway (WAYTEP) supports riders aged 18–24 as they transition toward elite and high-performance competition. Together, these programs create clear pathways for talented athletes to develop their skills, experience and competitive edge.
Learn more about Development Squads available for Juniors and Young Adults
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