Northern Territory Institute of Equestrian Sport

🌟 Sophie Carlton: A Season Painted in Gold 🌟

With her old reliable OTT Thoroughbred Taquito, Sophie has delivered a show campaign that can only be described as outstanding. Together, they’ve claimed multiple Championships across the season, proving once again that a good Thoroughbred with heart can shine just as brightly as any purpose‑bred mount.

And now, Taquito has added the ultimate jewel to his crown:
TRNT Champion Novice Dressage Horse for 2026.

But Sophie wasn’t done.

Her NTIES youngster Fat Amy, now proudly owned and produced by Sophie, stepped confidently into her first season of competition — and wasted no time making her mark.
Fat Amy has taken out:

TRNT Champion Preliminary Dressage Horse for 2026.

Two horses.
Two levels.
Two Championship titles.
One rider whose season has been nothing short of golden.

Congratulations Soph!





📸 Sophie and Fat Amy

🌟 Elementary Champions: Kirsten Leslie & “Roozy” 🌟

Kirsten Leslie and her Waler gelding Dryandri Toru, affectionately known as Roozy, were crowned Elementary Champions at the Darwin Dressage Club Championships — a title that reflects far more than a single weekend of competition.

Their journey has been one of steady progression, built on hard work, consistency, and Kirsten’s unmistakably kind, gentle approach to horsemanship. Roozy is a testament to what thoughtful training can produce: a horse who trusts, listens, and rises to the occasion.

Kirsten and Roozy have climbed the ranks, proving that excellence comes from showing up, doing the work, and nurturing the partnership every step of the way. We are incredibly proud of everything they’ve achieved.

And now, they set their sights on the Alice Springs Masters Games in October — ready to take on the next challenge!

⭐️ Recognising Rider Excellence ⭐️

Kelli Jasinski and ‘Go West Ranger’, crowned Novice Reserve Champions at the Darwin Dressage Club Championships - these two continue to prove they know their job.

Kelli’s ride was sharp and focused, adding yet another strong result to a partnership that’s become very familiar with the winners circle.

Now, the sights shift to the Alice Springs Masters Games in October, where this combination will no doubt bring the same determination and polish.

Congratulations, Kelli — a fantastic achievement and a brilliant momentum-builder heading into the next big challenge.

Kevin in his little unicorn 🦄 costume 😂 the kids loved it, the horses not so much 😂😂😂

FOUND and safe ❤️

For the Fat Amy fans! 🐴❤️

You'd never pick this laid-back little mare as an OTT Thoroughbred. Fat Amy is best known for her relaxed attitude — or, more accurately, her "laid down" attitude! 😂 Sleeping is her second favourite pastime after eating, and where possible, she even combines the two with a bit of sleep-eating.

But when she's not stretched out on the ground, Amy can certainly pull out the moves. Last weekend at the Darwin Dressage Club Championships, owner Sophie Carlton and Fat Amy were crowned Preliminary Reserve Champions.

This little OTT mare has absolutely excelled in her first season of competition. Sophie has developed a beautiful connection with Amy and adores her "fat pony" vibe.

Fat Amy is also a recipient of the TRNT OTT sponsorship, supporting her successful transition to life after racing.

And needless to say... Amy won $0 as a racehorse, but she's proving she was destined for a very different kind of spotlight ⭐️

🏆 Celebrating Rider Excellence 🏆

Congratulations to Lee Niven and her beautiful Warmblood mare Bellabindi (“Bindi”) on their outstanding success at the Darwin Dressage Club Championships last weekend, where they were awarded the Preliminary Championship.

This achievement is the result of an incredible amount of hard work, dedication and perseverance. At the beginning of the season, Bindi struggled with float loading and found travelling a very stressful experience, displaying reactive and unsafe behaviours around the float.
Through careful, patient training, she has transformed into a confident and relaxed traveller, arriving at training sessions calm, focused and ready to work.

Lee and Bindi have overcome a number of challenges on their journey to competition, making this success even more rewarding. Lee's unwavering commitment to Bindi's wellbeing has been at the heart of their progress, always ensuring that her horse's welfare comes first while building a beautiful, harmonious partnership based on trust and understanding.

We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved and couldn't be happier to see their hard work rewarded. Congratulations, Lee and Bindi, on a well-deserved Championship win! 🎉🐴🏅




📸 Lee and Bindi at training