Shepparton superstar Mietta Innes-Irons is celebrating a top-ten placing on her debut appearance at the 2026 FEI World Equestrian Championships.

The 32-year-old wrote another memorable chapter in her inspirational rise to the summit of the global para-equestrian scene, as she claimed sixth place in the Grade V Para Dressage event at the spectacle in Germany.

Making the trip to the city of Aachen alongside trusted 10-year-old black Westphalian gelding Sir Helmut, the pairing delivered on its billing while flying the flag for Australia on the international stage between August 11 and 23.

Having battled back from two life-altering spinal injuries, Innes-Irons wore the green and gold with distinction against the world’s best - earning an overall score of 70.053 percent across the Grand Prix Tests A & B to earn a place in the Top Eight Freestyle.

The Goulburn Valley product then exhibited her talent in the saddle once more in the decider, capping off her campaign with a score of 74.425 percent, which came close to equalling her personal-best set on home turf previously.

Reflecting on the experience, she expressed her gratitude towards well-wishers for their support en route to a landmark result.

“I finished sixth in the world!” she said on social media.

“Thank you so much to everyone for the love, support and messages it really means a lot to me. I will eventually get back to everyone.”

Her exploits at Sport Park Soers earned her recognition from the Australian Equestrian Team, with a representative having praised her showing, alongside highlighting her special connection with Sir Helmut.

“From the moment they stepped into the arena in Aachen, this special partnership continued to rise to the occasion, producing performances to be proud of against the very best Para Dressage combinations in the world,” they wrote.

“Congratulations Mietta, Sir Helmut and the entire team behind them on an incredible World Championships!”

Sweden’s Lena Malmström emerged as the victor in the event, with Germany’s Regine Mispelkamp finishing second and the Netherlands’ Britney de Jong rounding out the top three.

Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Sophie Wells claimed fourth place, as Jonna Aaltonen of Finland took fifth place.

Innes-Irons will now be hoping to use this experience as preparation towards achieving her ultimate goal of competing at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, before a potential homecoming at the 2032 edition in Brisbane.

She has already gained a spot on the Australian Para Equestrian High Performance Squad (Green Squad), with the national governing body earmarking the Sheppartonian as having future “podium potential”.

Heading into the World Championships in Aachen, the competitor was named as the fifth-best performer in the FEI Grade V para dressage world rankings, to further reinforce her standing as one of the planet’s very best performers.

With her partnership with Sir Helmut still in its relative infancy, the athlete is hopeful that they can continue to make their mark together for many years to come.

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Wednesday, 23rd June 2027

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