About Us
Dream. Dedicate. Compete.
At Darwin Dressage Club we inspire riders to dream big, dedicate themselves to their passion and compete with confidence. We welcome you to join us and elevate your dressage journey.
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OUR HISTORY
We are grateful to Judy Sheldrake and Lesley Sullivan for their contribution to this section.
1976
Darwin Dressage Club entered the NT Equestrian scene in 1976. The first training day was held at the Noonamah property of Pat (dec) and David Veal and for the first 12 months training and competition days were held at this property. An enclosed 20 x 40 arena was used at that time. The first DDC arena was donated by Pat and David. They had purchased it in England. During the first year the club was lucky in being allocated the still existing ground at Freds Pass Reserve and purchased a shed to house the required equipment.
1977
Joining fees were introduced in 1977: Family $10, Senior $5, Junior $2 and at that stage a Country Membership of $5.
1977 saw the introduction of clinics with interstate instructors, the first of which was Tina Wommelsdorf. This was Judy Sheldrakes introduction to dressage. The Clerk of the Course kindly lent her a horse as her horse was out of action, and from then on she was hooked!
The main volunteers and committee at that stage were Pat and David, Lesley Sullivan, Jeanette Carrier (now Missen) and Bernice Butcher.
In late 1977 there was a suggestion that the club should investigate the possibility of affiliating with EFA (now EA).
1978
In 1978 another clinic was conducted by Joy Charlton (dec) from Sydney, who became a regular judge and instructor for many years for the club. Joy became a dear friend and wonderful mentor to Judy Sheldrake and Lesley Sullivan, supporting them in their judging achievements.
1982
In 1982 the club agreed to conduct the first Australia Day Unofficial Competition on January 31.
1983
In 1983 DDC sent 3 junior members to the NSW Dressage Junior Championships. Cindee Cordingley, Kyli Bullock and Suzanne Sheldrake. They rode pool horses.
1984
In 1984 there was some fairly serious discussion on sending a team to compete at the National Championships in Perth which led to the nomination of a team. Eladoron Katousa, Tadorna Joy, Cheerio Inca Gold, and juniors Coquette and Great Lip. David Veal raised an amazing $7,000 which covered the hire of a truck to travel to Perth and back, and for necessary travel within Perth. 1984 also saw Darwin and Alice Springs join and become the NT Dressage Championships with the same Interstate judges to judge in both centres. This lasted for a number of years.
1985
In December 1985 the club was affiliated with the EFA NT Branch.
1987
In 1987 Judith Sheldrake passed her “C” Level Accreditation in NSW.
Late 80s
In the late 80s Judy Cubitt came to the NT, judging first at the Royal and from then continuing with judging & clinics even coping with the weather to judge at our Australia Day Competition.
1991
In 1991 Karen Powell travelled to the National Dressage Championships In Adelaide and won National Elementary Championship.
1993
In 1993 Lesley Sullivan and Judith Sheldrake upgraded to “C” judge in NSW.
1995
In 1995 Lesley Sullivan upgraded to “B” level and Judith Sheldrake to “A” level.
1996
In 1996 DDC invited Joy Charlton to judge our Australia Day Competition. She replied she would be prepared to come if Judy Sheldrake became an Australian citizen, which led to Val Thomas, Bobby Cleveland (in a buggy), Judy Sheldrake and John Manley attending the citizenship ceremony at Freds Pass on horses.
Judy & Joy Charlton contributed so much to the Club they were given Honorary Life Membership.
Our Club Today
Jumping forward to 2024, the incumbent committee Danila Lochrin – President, Anne-Maire Cruciskshank – Vice President and Rachael Fisher – committee member are proud to continue the legacy of these amazing pioneers that developed strong foundations ensuring the clubs longevity.
Today’s DDC has grown to approximately 80 members. A typical season comprises of training days December to March, our Australia Day competition, club days and official shows April to August with local and interstate judges officiating, our annual club championship and our charity event “Pink My Ride” to finish off the season.
DDC offers many great incentives for its members including our annual Leader boards, TRNT OTT sponsorship, regular clinics with interstate clinicians our awards night and much more.
We look forward to welcoming all new members.
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS
ARCH McGILL
1982
On 14 March 1982 Arch McGill was presented with Honorary Life Membership by our then Patron Mr Noel Lynagh. Arch was a strong supporter of the Club from its inception in 1976. Arch was always available to sit in the hot sun and judge whenever he was asked. Arch never said ‘No’ to any request from the Club. If it were not for Arch our Club would not have progressed the way it had. Arch’s competent, consistent, unbiased judging over the years kept members looking forward to attending competition days.
The presentation was followed by a chicken and champagne luncheon. Mrs McGill brought along a cake beautifully decorated as a Dressage Arena.
JOY CHARLTON
1986
Joy first came to the Top End to conduct a Dressage School and judged way back in 1976. From then on Joy was our mentor as far as dressage was concerned and provided help and guidance for many years. Joy conducted the first judges’ accreditation exams in 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988.
LESLEY SULLIVAN
1986
Lesley was a foundation member of the Darwin Dressage Club and she was actively involved in the Club since its inception. Over the years Lesley worked tirelessly for the Club, she has held the position of President (6 years), Publicity Officer (4 years) and Committee person (2 years) at various times during the Club’s history. Lesley was also a very successful competitor in Dressage from 1976 to her retirement from competitive riding in July 1992.Lesley successfully worked her way up to National ‘A’ level Dressage judges accreditation. In 1987 Lesley was successful in gaining her NCAS EFA Level 1 Coaching accreditation although as she is no longer riding, she has let this lapse.
Lesley is also a Life Member of the Royal North Australian Show Society and was Chairman of their Ring Committee for many years and she was instrumental in the introduction of Dressage tests at the 1997 Royal Darwin Show.
JUDY SHELDRAKE
1990
Judy has been involved with the Club since 1976. During the Club’s history Judy has held a range of positions on the Committee – President (7 years), Vice President (4 years), Secretary (1 year), Treasurer (5 years), Publicity Officer (1 year) and Committee person (1 year) – a total of 19 years served on the committee. Judy was also the Club’s delegate to the EFA for 7 years from 1985 to 1990 and 1995 to 1997.
During her Dressage career Judy has also become an accredited National ‘A’ level Dressage Judge. Whilst Judy has moved to QLD DDC invite her back to Judge every year -2024.
JAN NOWAK
1993
SHIRLEY DICKSON
1999
Shirley joined the Committee in 1988 and was a Senior Committee member in 1988-1989. In 1990 Shirley took on the role of Secretary, Shirley as always available on competition days making sure that tests sheets etc are ready for the judges and pencillers and to help with the adding up of scores.
BERNICE BUTCHER
1999
Bernice was a foundation member of the Darwin Dressage Club. She served on the Committee every year since from 1976 to 1999, Shirley held a range of positions, Vice President 1978, 1979, 1992 1998; Publicity Officer 1988 and Senior Committee member 1976, 1977, 1980 to 1982, 1984 to 1987, 1989 to 1997 and 1999 to 2021.
PAULETTE TOLLEY
1999
Paulette was a Senior Committee member continually since 1988 to 2021 and rarely missed a meeting. Paulette to always available to pencil on competition days. Paulette was responsible for photocopying, collating and posting of the Newsletter. Paulette continues to support the club as writer extraordinaire 2024.
KYM CLARK
2019
Kym sat on the DDC committee from 2000 to 2019 and was instrumental in the successful running of our events. Kym was responsible for all aspects of event management ensuring our members, Judges and official were well supported in their roles. Kym’s tireless dedication and attention to detail has ensured the clubs continued development and success in line with National standards.
DANILA LOCHRIN
2021
Danila became a member of DDC in the 90s. Her first time riding at the club was at a very wet practice day on her newly off the track horse. Back then practice days were held outside on the grass arena running down the hill! Judy Sheldrake was the judge, they all survived and have never looked back.
For many years Danila took on dedicated rolls outside of the committee. When Judy left for QLD Danila took on the role of (the ENT) Dressage NT Chair (which she still holds today 2024) and was instrumental in this role, building relationships with interstate counterparts, Judges and clinicians getting them to the NT to support and develop our Dressage riders.
In 2014 Danila commenced her Judging pathway and is a currently working towards attaining her C level accreditation. Danila dedicates her time to mentoring and supporting new judges ensuring we have local officials to continue to grow the sport within the NT. In 2024 Danila remains an active committee and club member.
