Young Talent Shines at Sydney’s FEI Children’s Classic Qualifier
Above: Eliza Baird and Bling Du Rouet.
Sydney International Equestrian Centre came alive over the weekend with the energy of Australia’s next generation of jumping stars, as young riders aged 12 to 14 competed in the FEI Children’s Classic Qualifying Event.
Advertisement
The event, run over two days, tested riders in two separate two-round competitions across three divisions, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. For the Gold Tour, the stakes were especially high. Riders can qualify for the chance to compete overseas at the prestigious FEI Children’s Final, riding borrowed horses.
Advertisement
In the Gold section, it was Brooke Anderson and Hectar Xtreme who delivered under pressure. With a double clear on Saturday and just a single rail on Sunday, Brooke finished with 4 total faults and a sharp combined time of 116.74 seconds.
Above: Brooke Anderson and Hectar Xtreme.
Valentina Hercus and Carousel GV followed closely, picking up 8 faults across the two rounds but posting an impressive combined time of 107.19 seconds. Amy Thomson and Rothswaite Freddy Flintstone were right behind with 12 faults and a fast 103.95 seconds, rounding out a highly competitive top three.
Advertisement
Eliza Baird was unbeatable in the Silver section, going double clear on Bling Du Rouet across both days to take top honours with a combined time of just 93.15 seconds.
Above: Eliza Baird and Bling Du Rouet.
Georgina Pillar and Joselands Cosmic Star were close behind with a faultless second round on Sunday and just 4 faults overall. Evie Magnier and Master Stevie G also kept the pressure on, with 4 faults and a time of 122.58 seconds.
Annalise Cooper-Morgan piloted Law Abiding Citizen to a solid result as well, showing her consistency across multiple divisions throughout the weekend.
Advertisement
In the Bronze section, Luisa Dias Marucio rode Molinda JB to victory, posting 4 faults and a tidy time of 115.91 seconds. Iliana Hercus and Black N White weren’t far behind, finishing with 8 faults, while Molly McKittrick and Illuminate HL rounded out the top three on 12 faults.
Above: Luisa Dias Marucio and Molinda JB
For these talented young athletes, the weekend was a powerful step on a bigger journey.
Advertisement
