Brilliance and Breakthroughs: WA’s Eventing Success in Melbourne 2025

Western Australia was truly in the spotlight at this year’s Melbourne International 3 Day Event (MI3DE), with riders across all levels delivering performances that showcased talent, determination, and exceptional horsemanship. From young horses having their first taste of a major competition to seasoned riders tackling the challenging 4*, WA riders made their presence felt on the national stage.

Young Horses Make Their Mark  |  WA’s rising stars lit up the Young Horse classes. In the 5-Year-Old 90cm division, Charlee Morton-Sharp and SV Pride of Merisi kicked things off strongly, finishing 5th overall and earning second-highest placed Off The Track (OTT). Meanwhile, Misty Isle Sergei dazzled with a class-winning performance after placing 3rd in dressage, confirming the talent of WA breeding. Not to be outdone, Yalambi’s Oscar De La Renta dominated the 6YO 100cm class from start to finish, adding another win for the WA banner.

Confidence on Display in 1 and 2 Levels**

In the Off The Track CCN1*-L, Riley Lyall and GI Restore Order handled all three phases with composure, finishing 4th overall despite a few hiccups. The CCI2*-L brought together a gritty group of WA riders. Isabella Draper and Honourdale posted strong dressage and cross-country rounds, while Kenya Wilson and Sweet Scentomint showed cool-headed confidence, finishing 14th in a competitive field.

Young Riders Step Up  |  The Junior and Young Rider CCI2*-L, presented by Godolphin Lifetime Care, was packed with impressive performances. Amber Patupis-Retsas and Carlyle Park Bravo moved from 12th to 7th overall, while Ella McCrum and Hez All That Jazz earned 2nd in dressage and finished 8th, taking home Highest Placed Junior in their first long-format event. Charlee Morton-Sharp showed grit in completing her first 2* long format with SV Oceans Fifteen, and Eva Shore and Sachella Clifford Rose made a commendable welfare-first decision to retire early – a sign of true horsemanship.

WA’s 2* Team of Kenya, Isabella, Amber, and Charlee finished a brilliant 4th overall, with heartfelt thanks to Kristy Rae, our incredible Chef d’Equipe, for her guidance and leadership.

WA Riders Dominate the 3*  |  The CCI3*-L proved to be a showcase of WA strength and skill. Riley Lyall and GI Caramba powered through to a 10th place finish, while Isobel Stevens-Menzie and Azarax claimed 9th with strong cross-country riding. Ellie Gough and GSH Azugo secured 7th, and Riley’s second ride GI War Machine placed an impressive 5th.

Ruby Rae and WHF Frequency had one of the most polished and consistent events of the weekend. After producing a beautiful dressage test and a flawless cross-country round, the pair finished on their dressage score to take an incredible 2nd place overall – an outstanding achievement that highlights Ruby’s rising status in the sport.

But the standout performance came from Charlee Morton-Sharp and SV Supermaxi. After a brilliant 32.2 dressage score, they posted the fastest cross-country round of the class and finished with a flawless showjumping round to take out 1st place overall. Charlee also won Highest Placed Off the Track Horse and Highest Place Young Rider.

An unforgettable weekend for this young rider and her incredible horse.

Drama and Determination in the 4*  |  WA’s Kenya Wilson and Sandros Salute MW were sitting 5th after dressage and delivered one of the fastest, clear cross-country rounds of the class to move into 4th. Sadly, an unlucky error in showjumping led to elimination. While heartbreaking, both horse and rider are fit and healthy — and the future remains bright.

From promising young horses to juniors learning the ropes, and top-level combinations pushing for podiums, MI3DE was a brilliant reflection of the depth of WA talent. A huge thank you goes to Bec Caslick and Sonja Johnson for their mentorship and support throughout the week.

We’re so proud of every WA rider, coach, groom, and supporter. The future of eventing in Western Australia is strong — and this is only the beginning.

Go WA!