Saddle Review: Defiance Dressage

country medal as well as being awarded the Equestrian NSW State Primary Rider trophy.

But time doesn’t stand still, and when

Elise outgrew her talented pony along came Tulla, a Warmblood gelding.

Elise was previously awarded a scholarship to NEGS in Armidale, a school renowned for its world

class equestrian centre with its elite coaches, programs and training facilities. It was while at NEGS that

Elise trained under former Olympian Imtiaz Anees, developing the skills to take Tulla to second place in the 2018 Equestrian NSW Interschool’s EVA95 Championship. The pair, who represented NSW and were placed fourth at Interschool’s Nationals that year, also enjoyed dressage wins and a team 120cm six bar show jumping win.

Sadly, Elise’s time at NEGS was limited to eighteen months due to family financial pressures.

Today, Elise is in her final year of school. COVID-19 and continuing family financial pressures meant it was difficult to keep Tulla in the work required to maintain him. Unfortunately he was sold, sadly leaving Elise without a mount.

However, Elise has partnered with Melanie Schmerglatt to ride a tricky three-year-old. Melanie says that Elise is demonstrating natural talent, empathy and maturity beyond her years to bring this horse on.

It is her drive, determination, maturity and natural talent that makes Elise Payne such a deserving winner of the Remi Stud Scholarship, and we wish her every success into the future.

Thanks again to Cheryl and the team of supporters and sponsors who make this valuable scholarship possible. It truly is an amazing opportunity for a deserving young rider to receive the support they need to enter the Australian equestrian industry.