Stal Tops Young Rider Series

10/08/2026

Two rounds down… and we have a tie at the top! 🏆

With the Festival of Showjumping now complete, the 2026 Stal Tops Young Rider Series has reached the halfway point – and the leaderboard is starting to take shape.

Round 1 winner and defending Series Champion Alexander Jang & Parallax SCF remain on 11 points, but they now have company at the top. A brilliant win in Round 2 saw New Zealand's Emma Gillies & Black Jack collect the maximum 11 points, putting the two combinations level heading into the second half of the series.

Close behind are Charlie Magnier & Notre Dame de Bourgignon and Cody Tincknell & Numero Too, both sitting on 9 points, with Olivia Price & Lafayette MVNZ and Liam Rutland & Glenara Chartelle M on 8.
And with points awarded to the horse and rider combination, every round counts. There are still plenty of opportunities for this leaderboard to change before the 2026 Series Champion is decided.

Next stop is Round 3 at the Divas Beverages Stonewall International World Cup Show, 15–18 October, before the series heads back to Boneo for the fourth and final round in November.
We can't wait to see what Round 3 brings!

02/07/2026

Stal Tops Round 2 - FOSJ 🏆

With 44 entries in the class, the Stal Tops Young Rider definitely shaped up to be an incredibly competitive and fast class. 9 clear rounds in the first round over a beautifully designed course by German builder Martin Otto definitely proved an exciting watch.

But a huge congratulations to the New Zealander Emma Gilles 🇳🇿 and Benrose Black Jack with a time of 36.50 who just managed to beat out Cody Ticknell and Numero Two on a time of 36.67. Rounding out the top three was another Kiwi with Liam Rutland and Glenara Chartelle M on 38.09. A massive congratulations to all the other place getters and competitors on their brilliant riding in the class 🙌.

STAL TOPS ROUND 2 RESULTS:
1st. Emma Gillies - Benrose Black Jack
2nd. Cody Ticknell - Numero Two
3rd. Liam Rutland - Glenara Chartelle M
4th. Zoe Willis - Koko Dusty FPH
5th. Mack Rudder - Hillbreeze Chacco De Lux
6th. Malikah Rudge - Finch Farm Gunn
7th. Charlee Dobbin - Gabriel MVNZ
8th. Alexander Jang - Griddy

A big thank you to Festival of Showjumpingfor hosting a brilliant event and we will see all of the young riders again in October ready for Stonewall Equestrian WC Show.

📸 -

26/06/2026

Just one more day to the Stal Tops class! 🤩

The excitement is building. This has to be one of the strongest fields we've seen, with 43 talented horse-and-rider combinations lining up. It's impossible to pick a clear favourite, and that's what makes it so exciting.

Tomorrow, it all comes down to who can hold their nerve, put together a flawless round, and deliver when it matters most. May the best combination win! 🏆🐴

🏆 Who are you hoping takes the title?

📸 - Australian Jumping - Jack Barker winner of 2024 Willinga Leg

16/06/2026

The Stal Tops Young Rider Series continues to play a vital role in supporting the future of Australian showjumping. Founded by Jan Tops and Edwina Tops-Alexander, the series provides emerging athletes with the opportunity to compete at an elite level, gain invaluable experience, and continue their development towards the top of our sport.

As riders prepare for Round 2 of the Series at the Festival of Showjumping , we wish all competitors the very best of luck as they continue their journey towards the Stal Tops Young Rider Final.

The pathway to success doesn't end in the arena. Stal Tops continues to shape the future of the sport globally, with the prestigious Stal Tops International Auction returning on 7 September 2026. Held following the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard, the auction showcases an exclusive collection of elite sport horses destined for the highest levels of showjumping.

Stay up to date with all things Stal Tops by subscribing to their newsletter and following their upcoming events and opportunities.
https://staltops.com/

Best of luck to all riders, horses and connections competing at Peachester Lodge Festival of Showjumping. We can't wait to follow the action on Saturday 27th June!.

Stal Tops Young Rider Series

16/02/2026

Thanks to Equestrian Life for your coverage of the GDP Classic and giving our young rider combinations recognition for their efforts in the Stal Tops Young Rider Series. Well done to everyone who trained and competed with grit and determination. See you all in Caboolture at the Festival of Showjumping for Round 2

Emma Collins stamped her authority on the 2026 GDP Classic, partnering Oaks Abracadabra to a debut victory in the Grand Prix.

14/02/2026

Congratulations to all of our Young Riders! 32 combinations competed in the class, showing Australia the bright future ahead for Australian Showjumping as they strive towards their dreams. Congratulations to all riders and their horses and to the winner Alex Jang and trainers Rhys Stones and Marie Hewitt for a great win

12/02/2026

We are excited to be presenting the 1st round of the Stal Tops Young Rider Series 2026 at the GDP Classic this weekend. Join us tomorrow to watch our country’s top young riders compete.

Round 1 GDP Classic 14 Feb 2026
Round 2 FOSJ Caboolture 19 to 28 June 2026
Round 3 Stonewall International WC show 15 to 18 October 2026
Round 4 Boneo WC Final show 6 to 8 November 2026

The country’s richest young riders class thanks to Stal Tops, Jan Tops and Edwina Tops-Alexander.

$3,400 prize money each round plus a rug supportee by "Harcour" for each round winner and the overall Champion.

1st: $1,200 2nd: $800 3rd: $600 4th: 400 5th: $250 6th: $150 plus rug for winner (supplied by "Harcour")

Good luck young riders

31/01/2026

STAL TOPS AUSTRALIAN YOUNG RIDER SERIES

The Stal Tops Australian Young Rider Series returns in 2026, with the GDP Classic hosting the opening leg. GDP is pleased to welcome the series and support its role in the development of emerging Australian riders.

Established in 2018 by Edwina Alexander-Tops and Jan Tops, the series was created as a long-term initiative to support the future of Australian showjumping. It provides young riders with the opportunity to compete at leading events while developing the skills, experience and professionalism required at higher levels of the sport.

Central to the philosophy of the series is an understanding that modern showjumping extends beyond competition results alone. The initiative also reflects the broader structure of elite sport, including the role Stal Tops plays internationally in the identification, development and placement of showjumping horses. Through this context, the series encourages young riders to better understand the professional standards, pathways and responsibilities that exist within the global showjumping environment.

Across the season, combinations earn points toward the overall series title, with the 2026 overall winner invited to undertake a short internship at Stal Tops, gaining first-hand exposure to this professional setting.

A sincere thank you also to Harcour, who are supplying the trophy rugs for the Stal Tops Australian Young Rider Series. Harcour’s long-standing reputation for quality, functionality and thoughtful design adds an appropriate level of distinction to the series.

🔗 Learn more about the Stal Tops Australian Young Rider Series, including its background and participation expectations, at
www.gdpclassic.com/staltops

🔗 To learn more about Stal Tops and their work within the international showjumping industry, visit www.staltops.com You can also subscribe to the Stal Tops newsletter to stay informed on upcoming auctions, horses, and broader updates from the Stal Tops operation.

🔗 Learn more about Harcour at
www.harcour.com.au