NextGen Equine is proud to support Matia Hopwood as a sponsored rider, recognising her dedication to her horses, strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and genuine passion for all aspects of the equestrian lifestyle. We are incredibly excited to support her journey and look forward to watching what the future holds for this hardworking and talented young rider.
Growing up on her family’s farm, where they breed beef cattle and keep many horses, Matia has developed a strong work ethic and genuine love for life with horses. While Matia has officially been riding since the age of three, she really grew up on the front of her parents’ saddles, helping around the farm from a very young age and learning the importance of responsibility, horsemanship, and perseverance.
Matia recently achieved a major milestone, winning the FEI Pony Champion title at the Willinga Park Dressage by the Sea aboard Clare Downs Arian Lledrith (aka Ari), her talented Welsh D gelding. She has also proudly represented NSW on three occasions, highlighting her consistency and commitment to the sport.
Alongside Ari, Matia also rides Cooramin Del aRouge, an exciting Warmblood mare competing at Novice dressage, with long-term goals of progressing through the levels toward FEI-J competition.
Outside of dressage, Matia also enjoys showjumping with Bentley Continental, a buckskin Warmblood gelding she trains and competes with under the guidance of Tara Sheridan from Views Equestrian. Her dressage training is supported by 2026 FEI World Cup Dressage Finalist, Serena Ireland, as well as respected coach Robert Schmerglatt.
When she is not competing, Matia can usually be found hacking, trail riding, or helping with cattle work back home on the farm, experiences that continue to build her confidence, independence, and partnership with her horses.
Some of Matia’s favourite products from NextGen Equine include the E.A.Mattes saddle pads, Toptac Fleece Tendon & Work Boots, and plaiting supplies from NTR Equestrian, which she uses for both training and competition preparation.
Photo credit to Amy-Sue Alston Photography for the beautiful photos below.
