2026 Remi Stud Young Rider Scholarship winner

It was a very special occasion at the 2026 The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI & Queensland State Dressage Championships on Saturday, as Alicia Dyke from South East Queensland was announced as the recipient of the 2026 Remi Stud Young Rider Scholarship.

This year’s presentation was particularly poignant, as after 14 incredible years, 2026 sadly marks the final chapter of this wonderful initiative.

Created to give a talented and dedicated young Australian rider a helping hand towards achieving their equestrian dreams, the Scholarship has grown into an extraordinary package valued at more than $40,000.

Alicia receives ownership of the beautiful Hanoverian weanling filly Remi Ballereena S (Anna), by Remi Braveheart and out of an imported Furstenball mare, together with an incredible package of training, feed, equipment, veterinary care, registrations, transport, farrier care, health products and riding apparel. 

This has all been made possible through the generosity of an amazing group of supporters:
✨ Lord Dressage Australia
✨ Pryde's EasiFeed
✨ Edwards Saddleworld
✨ Dr Show
✨ WestVETS Equine Hospital
✨ Equestrian Queensland
✨ Hanoverian Horse Society of Australia
✨ Manuel Equine Transport
✨ Adam Dolman Farrier Services
✨ Kelato Animal Health
✨ Gala Equine
✨ Horse In A Box
✨ Equilibrium

Alicia began riding at seven and has progressed through Pony Club, Interschool and EA competition, with dressage becoming her passion. She has already achieved some wonderful results with her young Hanoverian mare Louvale Vivaci Storm, including Queensland Interschool titles and Queensland Young Rider Championships, and has been selected as Dressage Captain for Queensland at the Australian Interschool Championships commencing next week. 

She has also demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back to the equestrian community through volunteering and junior committees and will soon begin a Bachelor of Equine Science at Charles Sturt University, with aspirations of establishing her own equestrian centre in the future.

The Scholarship has never simply been about competition results. It recognises talent, dedication, horsemanship, resilience and a willingness to contribute to the wider equestrian community; qualities Alicia demonstrated throughout the selection process.

And as this chapter comes to a close, special recognition must go to Cheryl O’Brien.

As the owner of Remi Stud, and the founder and driving force behind the Scholarship, Cheryl has spent over 14 years turning an idea into something truly remarkable.

Her generosity has extended far beyond breeding and gifting a quality Hanoverian youngster each year. Cheryl has personally invested an enormous amount of time, energy and heart into selecting each recipient, raising and preparing the Scholarship horses, bringing together an incredible network of sponsors and supporters, and continuing to follow and encourage the young riders long after presentation day.

Fourteen young riders have now been given an opportunity that may otherwise have been beyond their reach.  And fourteen purpose-bred Remi horses carry the “S” at the end of their names as a lasting legacy of the Scholarship.

That is an extraordinary contribution to Australian equestrian sport and, in particular, to its young riders.

Cheryl, from everyone at the The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI, thank you for your vision, generosity and unwavering commitment to giving young riders an opportunity to dream bigger. The Remi Stud Young Rider Scholarship may sadly have reached its final presentation, but its impact will continue for many years to come. 

And to our 2026 recipient…
Congratulations Alicia Dyke, a very deserving final recipient of the Remi Stud Young Rider Scholarship!
We can't wait to follow the journey of Alicia & Remi Ballereena S and see what the future holds for this exciting new partnership. 

Photo Credits to Derek O'Leary

Past Winners of the Remi Stud Young Rider Scholarship

2013: Isabella Wilkinson - Qld -McIntyre - Remi Livingstone S

2014: Alexander Barlow - Qld - Remi Liberty Belle S

2015: Jordyn Faint - NSW - Remi Fall Guy S

2016: George Grover - Tas - Remi Lord of the Vale S

2017: Olivia Ruzsicka - NT - Remi Lazzarini S

2018: Saskia Smith - NSW - Remi Lauries Dream S

2019: Charlotte Stephens - Qld - Remi Lauristinus S

2020: Elise Payne - NSW - Remi Laurentia S

2021: Amelia Dart -NSW - Remi Virtual Star S

2022: Georgia Creed - Qld - Remi Valdemar S

2023: Amy Bachmann - Vic - Remi Valentino S

2024: Bella Plumbridge - Vic - Remi Venturo S

2025: Molly Farran - Vic - Remi Be Brave S