DWA COMMITTEE

Bella Robson

Chair
I started riding at a local riding school on my 9th Birthday and haven’t looked back since. As a child, I participated in pony club, eventing, show horse and dressage. Later in life I focused purely on Dressage and spent 6 years working, training and competing Europe. Submerged in an international dressage barn I learnt an incredible amount and upon my return home I am thoroughly enjoying sharing my experiences.

Professionally, I am coaching riders, training horses and competing my own warmbloods here in WA. I enjoy the journey of coaching riders and training young horses from the start of their dressage journey through the levels to FEI.

I am passionate about contributing to my local dressage community and putting back into a sport that is important to me. My key focus is to improve participation in dressage events, introduce a youth dressage championship, open up opportunities for riders to compete on the East Coast and encourage a positive and welcoming culture to Dressage in WA.

Graeme Dick

Vice Chair
​Young Horse Representative
I have been involved with horses all my life. Beginning riding at the age of 8 at Horsemans Pony Club. In my adult years, I competed in a range of equestrian disciplines, including Dressage, Show Horse, Showjumping and Eventing, with some of the highlights including riding the talented Marcel around the WA eventing circuit, competing at Gawler 3 Day Event in Adelaide and competing on the Showjumper, Conclusion, who went on to compete at the LA Olympics. 

My professional career has always involved the training and educating of young horses. My focus for the past few years has been the development of my 3 young Bloomfield Warmbloods, which were purchased as yearlings. They are now 6 and 7 years old, and I get great satisfaction developing their natural talent as they mature. 

I look forward to this position on the committee, as I see the development and promotion of young horses as key to the future of our sport. ​ 
Julie Inglis
Treasurer

Georgia Grose

Junior & Young Riders Representative
Website & Social Media Manager
I live South of the River on 5 acres, and currently compete Elementary on my young Warmblood 'Sir Cisco', and Medium on my schoolmaster 'Rivale'. 
 
Outside of horses I work at Vetnostics as a laboratory technician in the Microbiology department, and also do triathlons in my spare time!

I look forward to helping the Junior and Young Riders of WA Dressage succeed, especially with the inclusion of the Youth Dressage Festival on our calendar!​

Celeste Burns

​Clubs Liaison
I live in Gidgegannup and have been riding since I was 8 years old, starting out at pony club in Tasmania and then finding a passion for dressage after moving to Queensland as a teenager. I am currently owned by an Andalusian x Warmblood gelding called Admiral who will be competing at Elementary level this year and an OTT Thoroughbred called Arnold whose only job in life now is to go to the beach.

Professionally, I am a Chartered Accountant by trade and my day job is as a Project Lead for BHP delivering infrastructure projects in the Pilbara region.

This is my third year on the DWA committee and I am very excited to be working with some amazing people and helping to provide greater opportunities for our sport in Western Australia! 
Kristy Padberg
​Sponsorship 
​SDC Coordinator
I grew up in a horsey family and was on a horse from before I could walk. My family is involved in harness racing, which is what I spent my younger years doing. I always loved riding, so started my initial show career on standardbreds I reeducated Off the Track myself.

I eventually purchased my first warmblood and commenced my dressage career in 2011, taking him from Preliminary to FEI level. From there I purchased a young horse and have enjoyed the journey of educating her
through the levels.

Professionally I hold several qualifications, but currently work as a National Sales Coordinator for Epiroc.

I look forward to contributing to the sport of dressage in WA.
Alexia Sita
Rider Representative
​Graphics
Starting on committee in 2024, I love chatting to riders on game day, touring around to the regional events and fist pumping centerlines.
​I am lucky to be in partnership with my horse Dutchy.
Away from horses, I work for myself in drafting contracts and negotiation around Australia! 
 

Katherine Sturges

Committee Member
I've grown up with horses for as long as I can remember. My mum bred Arabians so I grew up raising, training and riding them. Eventually I moved on to derivatives as I still love the Arabian breed, and dabbled with dressage on a Medium trained Arabian Warmblood mare before getting my current horse, a full warmblood mare 'NEP Santa Barbara'. We are currently competing Elementary dressage, show jumping up to 1.15m, and eventing at 95cm with designs to upgrade to 1*.

I have a husband and 9yo daughter that help support my love of horses and competing. My husband often holds down the fort and my daughter loves to come camping at eventing competitions.

I joined the committee beginning of 2024 as my end goal is FEI dressage and I wanted to be more apart of the sport, learn and give back. I'm really enjoying working with like-minded people and bringing WA some top-class events.

Professionally, I currently work in construction as an Environmental Advisor, with a background in Contaminated Sites.
Elizabeth Wakley-Dawes
Committee Member
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