Mary Hanna on her win of the Pacific League Final with Ivanhoe

In winning the Pacific League (PAL) World Cup Final, Australian Dressage rider Mary Hanna and Ivanhoe are now eligible to represent the PAL at the FEI Dressage World Cup Final to be held in Basel, Switzerland from 2-6 April 2025.

The Pacific League qualifying events were held at Dressage & Jumping with the Stars, Werribee CDI-W in March, Equitana CDI-W in November and the Victorian Dressage Festival, CDI-W – LF held just over a week ago in Werribee. 

It was a very close competition, with Mary just taking the win from New Zealand competitor Wendi Williamson.

When asked about how it felt to win the Pacific League this year, Mary replied, “I was a little bit surprised actually! The horse had been going well and was in good form, but there was some pretty stiff competition, so it was a pleasant surprise. I was very happy with his test. He was very consistent and really on point. I was really happy. To be honest, I really didn't expect to win."

With regards to her plans to travel to the World Cup Final in Switzerland next year Mary says, "It is definitely my intention to go. It’s a great honour to represent Australia at these World Cup Finals. I've done five before, three on Mosaic, one on Sancette and one on Umbro. I was set to do my sixth one on Calanta and went over there and unfortunately just the week before the event she went lame. So I was terribly disappointed with that."

Mary thinks Ivanhoe will be a great horse to take to the finals, saying, “Ivan is really a good horse and suited to doing a World Cup Final. He's got a great temperament. I think he will handle the atmosphere and everything very well." 

Mary will base with her old coach, Patrik Kittel, in Germany. "That's where I was before the Paris Olympics. I was training with him and it will be great to be back there."

When asked about whether there are plans to do other shows when over there Mary said, “No, I find that normally doesn't work. And that's the mistake I made with Calanta. I went and did another show and then things just started to go wrong. I find it's best not to unless there is long time before you head off.”

We congratulate Mary on this fantastic win, and wish her all the best for what will be her 6th World Cup Final (having qualified for 7). What an incredible achievement Mary - we are sure you will continue to do Australia proud!