2026 – A Year of Dreams Becoming Reality
2026 has been an absolutely massive year for me in the world of jumping officials.
I am still a little astounded, incredibly thrilled and, if I am completely honest, feeling very overwhelmed by what I have achieved this year.
I have accomplished another dream that I have worked towards for a long time — I am now a qualified FEI Level 1 Jumping Judge.
To actually say those words feels quite surreal.
In August 2026, I received my official Equestrian Australia National Level 3 Jump Judge certification, and then, just two months later in October, I received my FEI Level 1 Jumping Judge certificate.
Both certificates are now proudly framed and have a very special place in our home, where I can look at them often. They represent so much more than simply a qualification. They represent hours of study, travelling, learning, being assessed, listening, taking advice, making mistakes, improving and continually pushing myself to become better at something I absolutely love.
And there is another qualification that makes 2026 even more special.
In July 2026, I achieved my Equestrian Australia Level 2 Steward qualification.
Taking on the Steward pathway was something I wanted to do because I felt it would give me another perspective of our sport. Being a Jump Judge, I see an event from one particular position, but I wanted to understand more about what our Stewards experience and manage throughout an event.
By stepping into that role, I have gained a much greater understanding and appreciation of the work our Stewards do. I have seen the responsibilities they carry, the decisions they need to make and the many different situations they can be faced with at an event.
For me, all extra knowledge is valuable.
Every role I undertake helps me understand another part of the sport. Every official I work alongside teaches me something. Every event gives me another experience to learn from.
I genuinely believe that the more we understand about the different roles within our sport, the better officials we can become.
So, when I look at those three achievements together — EA Level 2 Steward, EA National Level 3 Jump Judge and FEI Level 1 Jumping Judge — I feel incredibly proud.
But more than proud, I feel grateful.
Grateful to Equestrian Australia and the FEI for providing these pathways. Grateful to the many officials who have shared their knowledge and supported me. Grateful to the organisers and riders who provide the events where I can continue to learn and gain experience.
And, of course, incredibly grateful to my family, particularly Wes, who has supported me through every kilometre travelled, every study session, every assessment and every moment of “I think I need to learn that better!”
2026 has shown me once again that it really is never too late to set yourself a new goal.
If you have something you have always wanted to achieve within equestrian sport, I hope my journey encourages you to take that first step.
Set the goal. Do the study. Ask the questions. Take every opportunity to learn. And don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.
Because you never stop learning — and every piece of knowledge you gain only makes you better at what you love.
For me, this journey isn’t over.
It is simply the beginning of the next chapter.
And I cannot wait to see where it takes me.
