Mietta Innes-Irons, pictured with her prize, received the Para-Equestrian of the Year Award for Victoria.
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ONEEYEDFROG PHOTOGRAPHY
Shepparton star Mietta Innes-Irons is celebrating yet another major accomplishment after she was named as Victorian Para-Equestrian of the Year for 2026.
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The 32-year-old is fast becoming a household name in her sport after her rise to fifth-place in the world rankings in recent months, which she backed up with a successful debut foray at the FEI World Equestrian Championships in August.
She made the trip to Aachen, Germany alongside Sir Helmut, with the pairing making a major impression as they earned a sixth-place finish in the FEI Grade V Para Dressage event.
The rider has battled back from two life-altering spinal injuries to emerge as one of Australia’s standout talents in the discipline and she has already been earmarked for a potential podium finish at future Paralympic Games.
Her partnership with her 10-year-old gelding is expected to only continue to develop in the coming years, with her placing on the Australian Equestrian Team’s National High Performance Eventing program (Green Squad) reflecting their potential.
Now, Innes-Irons has further reason to celebrate, after she earned the illustrious Victorian Para-Equestrian of the Year Award for 2026, reflecting the impact she has made on the global stage in the last 12 months.
A proud product of the Goulburn Valley, this latest achievement demonstrates the esteem she is held in back on home turf.
Mietta Innes-Irons, pictured with her rosette for having clinched sixth place at the FEI World Championships.
Speaking after she added this prize to her growing honours roll, Innes-Irons described her joy as her efforts in partnership with Sir Helmut were recognised.
“What an honour to win Equestrian Victoria Para Equestrian of the Year with Helmut,” she said.
“It was a wonderful night at the awards night, being held the day after getting home from Aachen.
“Congratulations to my fellow teammates from Aachen, Di Barnes and Bridget Murphy, on being finalists.”
As Innes-Irons mentioned following her latest accolade, Di Barnes, of Red Hill South, Victoria and Bridget Murphy, of Healsville, Victoria were also nominated as finalists on the star-studded occasion.
In addition, Equestrian Victoria expressed their own admiration for the Sheppartonian following her inspirational rise.
“What a way to return from Aachen! Congratulations to Mietta Innes-Irons and Sir Helmut, winners of the 2026 Para Equestrian Rider of the Year,“ they wrote.
“Her determination, talent and commitment have been remarkable, and we’re delighted to recognise her achievements with this award.
“Congratulations Mietta and Sir Helmut on an extraordinary year!”
After representing the green and gold with valour over in Germany, this major prize further consolidates Innes-Irons’ burgeoning reputation as a true trailblazer in the saddle.
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