At 22, Pedretti is the youngest member of the 12-person squad, and will be training alongside former Olympic Games and World Championship representatives.

She is set for a long career in dressage, and hopes to compete in the World Equestrian Games and future Olympic Games.

The talent squad, along with some dressage contacts in Germany, will give her the chance to develop her skills, as she said some riders compete into their 60s.

Her selection came as a surprise when she received a letter.

"It was something I was aiming for in the next few years," she said.

Pedretti's performances in the previous six to 12 months secured her a spot in the squad, and she is one of only three Victorians to gain selection.

The next step up is the National Elite Squad, which has only five members.

As dressage riders peak at later ages, Pedretti has time to develop her skills and train with world class horses.

With international standard Daylesford horse Northern Regency, owned by Maureen Barrell, Pedretti is part of a combination that has already shown ability to mix it with the best.

In December Pedretti and Northern Regency combined to finish second at the national Dressage with the Stars event, behind Sydney 2000 team gold medal winner Heath Ryan.

She said temperament, strength and endurance were essential in a dressage horse, and Northern Regency was the horse she hoped would take her to national representation.

Pedretti trained and competed with her own horse SL Thomas for six years, gaining a place in the Victorian A squad last year after successful performances.

Her place in the National Dressage Talent Squad means Pedretti will have opportunities for funding and admission to clinics.

Pedretti thanked Horseland Ballarat, the NRG Team, Hamag Gaiters and Quality Rural Marketing for their support.