Elke Pledger
At nine years old, Elke is already a passionate and accomplished young rider with a focus on showing and dressage. She has been riding since before she could walk and began competing in the show ring just two and a half years ago.
Her greatest achievements include being named the 2025 Grand Nationals Grand Champion Under 18 Rider and Grand Champion Child’s Hunter in both 2025 and 2026.
Over the past year, Elke has also been developing her dressage riding aboard her mum’s horse. She hopes to compete at Medium level next year when she turns ten and becomes eligible to ride horses in official competition.
Under the guidance of Emma Adams, Elke loves training and competing with her three horses. Her long term goal is to train one of her own horses through to Grand Prix, with the ultimate dream of one day representing Australia.
Quick Questions with Elke
I COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT THIS BARE PRODUCT BECAUSE…
The youth performance competition tights. They are my go to for every show! They are so comfortable and I love the range of colours.
MY MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IS...
Winning Grand Champion under 18 Rider & Grand Champion Child’s Hunter at my first Grand Nationals.
MY FAVOURITE EXERCISE OR TRAINING TO PRACTICE IS…
Tempi changes. I have been learning 2’s on my mums horse.
THE LAST THING I THINK ABOUT BEFORE ENTERING THE ARENA IS…
Try my best, hands up & shorten my reins.
BEST COMPETITION DAY TIP...
You can only ride the horse you have on the day.
RIGHT NOW I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO...
Attending the Bare Equestrian ENSW HOTY and hoping to qualify for Nationals.
MY TOP 3 BARE PICKS ARE…
- The Bare Deluxe Merino Saddle Pad we use them everyday on all our horses, they look great and the fleece gives that extra bit of comfort for the horses.
- The Youth Performance Tights for everyday riding, they are comfortable and I love the fun details on them, the houndstooth are my favorite
- I love to match the youth bare emblem T-shirt to my riding tights.
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