Dressage Australia Perpetual Trophies

The Dietmar Specht Trophy has been a prestigious award at the Australian Championships for nearly 38 years, first presented to Elizabeth Mills (now Owens) on My Learned Friend in 1986. This perpetual trophy, generously donated by The Horse Magazine, aims to encourage and recognize talented young dressage riders under the age of 30 as of the first day of the National Championships

The winner is determined based on the best two placings of the nominated combination in official competitions, ranging from Elementary to Grand Prix, including Freestyles and Grand Prix Specials. The trophy pedestal showcases the names of past winners, serving as an inspiring reminder of those who have achieved great success in their dressage careers, including Rachael Downs, Lyndal Oatley, Jayden Brown, David McKinnon, and Jessica Dertell, among others.

The late Dietmar Specht was a respected judge and veterinarian from Germany who significantly contributed to the sport in Australia, offering his expertise and passion through his work with the FEI Challenge.

This year, 27 riders have nominated for this esteemed trophy. We wish them all the best of luck!

The Rod Barker Memorial Trophy is presented to the rider with the highest percentage score gained during the Australian Dressage Championships, excluding Freestyles and young horse competitions.  It commemorates Rod Barker who was not only an outstanding vet but more so a passionate, competitive and enthusiastic dressage rider, coach and mentor who gave all his spare time to the sport, from coaching and riding to fundraising and working tirelessly for the betterment of the sport.

The Crown Law Memorial Trophy presented by Mrs Erica Taylor to the winner of the Grand Prix Special.  Erica is a former Australian international dressage representative, on Crown Law, from the World Dressage Championships at Cedar Valley, Canada in 1986. The pair went on to compete at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, making them the second-ever individual Dressage combination to compete for Australia at an Olympic Games.

What names will be added to the trophies in 2024?