KER Owner of the Year – Nicole Brown
Nicole is a well-respected horsewoman who operates a successful breeding program through her Jellystone Park Stud. The Jellystone Park prefix is becoming a popular fixture at events with quality horses being bred and produced by Nicki. Nicki is committed to producing quality horses and is regarded as an honest breeder, producer and seller.
Administrator of the Year – Tina Stafford
A highly respected and well known member of the NSW Eventing community, Tina is known to give up numerous days and weekends to ensure the smooth running of events. Tina is the secretary of the Sydney International Horse Trials, Berrima Horse Trials, Wallaby Hills Horse Trials, Treasurer of Eventing NSW and helps at numerous other events including Scone, Albury and Tamworth. Tina often acts as a mentor to many new event secretaries and is always happy to pass on her experience to those new to the sport.
Domestic Horse of the Year – Cera Cassiago
This 9 year old Warmblood is owned and ridden by Chris Chugg. Cassiago made his World Cup debut at the 2015 Sydney Royal where he finished sixth. The promising grey stallion also won the 1m55 Showcase of Showjumping, Gawler and Caboolture World Cups and the 1m40 Rider Series. Cassiago has all the ingredients of a top Grand Prix horse and is currently competing in Europe having been identified as a combination eligible for an Australian Jumping team position for the Rio Olympics.
IRT International Horse of the Year – Boyd Exell’s four in hand team of Demi, Conversano, Cselentano, Clinton Star, Bajnok and Lucky
In 2015 Boyd Exell and his indoor team of horses wrote history in Bordeaux by winning the FEI World Cup Driving championship for the sixth time. Together the team won in every city they competed in – London, Madrid, Stuttgart, Mechelen, Lähden, Saumur, Bordeaux and Geneva.
Gow-Gates Club of the Year – Sydney Show Jumping Club
Founded in 1964, Sydney Show Jumping Club is the oldest running Jumping Club in Australia. It has been the birth place for some of the best horses and riders in the country. Originally starting with just 30 members, the club now hosts over 530 active members offering programmes designed to improve the jumping ability of members with the best and varied equipment available. The Club conducts the winter and summer Regional Jumping Championships which attract over 7,600 horses and have been fortunate in attracting sponsors for competitions.
Gow-Gates Coach of the Year – James Collin
James is an experienced breaker, trainer and successful FEI dressage rider. As an EA level 1 Instructor, Jim has developed his own unique teachings as a coach of all ages and riding capabilities. Jim is known for his patience, empathy, commitment and harmony towards horse and rider, Victoria Davies, Para-Equestrian rider competing at international level, has been a stand out student of Jim’s and her results over 2015 prove his significant contribution to her achievements. Jim has numerous students that have enjoyed success at local events.
Gow-Gates Volunteer of the Year – Joy Charlton
Joy has been involved in Dressage since its introduction into Australia and helped establish the National Judges Accreditation Scheme. Joy previously served as a National Dressage selector and is currently an International Judge. She has been a successful rider all her life bringing a number of horses through to FEI level. Joy has been running the Sutherland Shire Horse Owners Association for more than 30 years and always encourages young riders starting out.
Gow-Gates Official of the Year – Suzanne Betts
Suzanne is an FEI & EA Dressage Steward and Dressage Judge. In 2015 she was the Chief Steward at the Tasmanian Dressage Championships, before officiating at Dressage & Jumping with the Stars and finally the Victorian Dressage Championships in December. Suzanne is the only FEI Dressage Steward in Tasmania so interstate travel is essential to maintain her accreditation and experience. Suzanne is encouraging of officials and makes sure that judges and riders in remote locations are looked after.
AIS Event of the Year – The Australian International Three Day Event
The Australian International Three Day Event is one of only six events in the world to host a CCI4* competition – the highest level in Eventing. In a first for the event, in 2015 the Australian International Three Day Event hosted the Equestrian Grand Final, bringing World Cup Show Jumping and FEI Dressage to the event for the first time. Set in the picturesque Adelaide Parklands and against the stunning Adelaide skyline, the Australian International Three Day Event is a delight for spectators and competitors alike.
Barastoc Young Athlete of the Year – Isabel English
Committed to riding and with a determined nature, the 21-year-old from Biddaddaba in south-east Queensland is making her mark in the world of Eventing. In 2015, Isabel placed eighth at the Australian International Three Day event with her horse Feldale Mouse. She won the Tamborine CIC2*, was fourth and sixth at Camden CIC3* and finished fifth at the Tamworth CIC3*. Although still eligible to compete as a Young Rider, Isabel was selected for Australia’s Senior Oceania Championships Team which travelled to Taupo, New Zealand in May 2015.
Ariat International Athlete of the Year – Boyd Exell
In 2015 Boyd wrote history in Bordeaux by winning the FEI World Cup Driving championship for the sixth time. Boyd was also awarded the prestigious FEI Best Athlete award. He is also a multiple winner of the Ariat International Athlete of the Year award having taken home the honours in 2010, 2013 and 2014.
Ariat Domestic Athlete of the Year – Brett Parbery
2015 was a busy year for Brett and his team of horses. As well as being crowned Australian Dressage Champion, his notable victories included winning the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at the Sydney CDI and the Grand Prix Special at the NSW State Championships where he was also the winner of the Small Tour Championship. Recently named one of seven riders eligible for a Rio team positon, Brett is currently overseas preparing for the second Dressage nomination event.
