Latest News

Tops-Alexander claims first GCT podium finish for 2013

Edwina Tops-Alexander and Itot du Chateau At a warm-up event at the 2013 Longines Global Champions Tour of Hamburg Photograph:Stefano Grasso/Longines Global Champions Tour

She and her champion gelding Itot du Chateau were one of six combinations to produce two clear rounds and only missed top position by the narrowest of margins after America's Laura Kraut and Cedric were just two tenths of a second in an all-star jump off.  

Edwina's overnight result catapults her into seventh position in the race for the series title and with 10 rounds still to contest a third straight successive title is well within her sights. The fourth round of the Global Champions Tour now moves to London where it will be held in the Olympic city for the first time.

Read the full report, including comments from Edwina HERE

17 May 2013

Global Champions Tour travels to Wiesbaden

The third start in as many weeks in the Global Champions Tour sees the world's top jumping horse and rider combinations in Wiesbaden, Germany for the next round of the series.

Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander and Julia Hargreaves will be flying the flag for Australia at this event this weekend.

The reigning series champion will be eager to claim her first podium position for the season after finishing 12^th in the second round and 26^th in the season opener. She is currently sitting in equal 23^rd position.

Those with Foxtel will be able to watch a replay of the Wiesbaden Grand Prix on Eurosport, simply visit http://tv.au.eurosport.com/ and search equestrian. Live streaming is also available through the GCT website. Click HERE for the broadcast schedule.

For the latest results and news please visit http://www.globalchampionstour.com/

10 May 2013

Three Aussies in action at GCT of Hamburg

The Longines Global Champions Tour moves to Hamburg this weekend for the second round of competition and Edwina Tops-Alexander won't be the only Australian in the line-up.

London Olympian Julia Hargreaves will also compete at the event as will Georgina Harvey who is competing in the amateur classes.

Edwina will be looking to finish higher up the order than she did at last week’s opening round in Madrid, where the five penalties that she incurred in the opening round cost her a start in the second. She finished the season opener in 26^th position.

 Edwina is searching for her third straight successive Global Champions Tour series victory.

Those with Foxtel will be able to watch a replay of the Hamburg Grand Prix on Eurosport, simply visit http://tv.au.eurosport.com/ and search equestrian. Live streaming is also available through the GCT website. Click HERE for the broadcast schedule.

For the latest results and news please visit http://www.globalchampionstour.com/

Free Club resources revealed to coincide with National Volunteer Week

Volunteers are at the heart of every equestrian event and the Lend your Hands to Horse Events resources include certificates and recognition cards which give Clubs an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution that volunteers make.

The collection of downloadable resources includes a range of certificates which can be presented to volunteers when they reach a milestone service period as well as a postcard size recognition card which can be presented to all volunteers at the conclusion of every event that a Club holds.

As well as recognising the ongoing efforts of hard working helpers, there is also a recruitment tool which has been created to allow Clubs to promote new volunteers. An A4 recruitment flyer provides space for event details to be added before posting in public areas.

The Lend your Hands to Horse Events resources are a free resource available to all equestrian and pony clubs. View the full suite of resources HERE

Be The Influence and mix with Australian equestrian royalty

Be The Influence - Tackling Binge Drinking is giving one lucky equestrian fan the experience of a lifetime with a VIP experience to the Melbourne 3DE Cross Country Day at Werribee Park on June 9.

The winner will be hosted by equestrian royalty with a tour of the stables by Australian Olympian Barry Roycroft, a rider meet and greet session, VIP event tickets as well as official team merchandise.

Don’t miss this exclusive chance to go behind the scenes at an international equestrian event and meet your riding heroes.

To enter* go to www.facebook.com/equestrianaustralia

Entries close on 30 May 2013 and the winner will be announced on 31 May 2013.

The Be the Influence – Tackling Binge Drinking initiative is part of the Australian Government’s National Binge Drinking Strategy and aims to address youth binge drinking and the influence of alcohol promotion on young Australians.

Equestrian Australia is proud to be one of the 15 national sporting organisations that have come together to tackle youth binge drinking, saying no to alcohol sponsorship and providing environments, from national to community level, that are free of alcohol promotion and messaging.

For more information visit: http://www.tacklingbingedrinking.gov.au and like Be the Influence – Tackling Binge Drinking on Facebook for future competition news.

*This app is only viewable via desktop, not on a mobile device

Gow-Gates Answers Member FAQ's

Gow-Gates are also running a competition for the best question received for this section. If you have a question which you would like to see answered here, please submit it to equestrian@gowgates.com.au with the subject “Impulsion Q&A” or send us a message via the “Gow-Gates Equine Insurance” Facebook Page for the chance to win a $50 Horseland Voucher.

1. I am an EA Member and I would like to know if my horse was to escape and injure someone who was passing my property and I was sued, would I be covered?

Yes, as a horse owner you would be covered if your horse injured someone regardless of where the incident occurred.  It is, however your responsibility to keep your horse secure and safe at all times, but in the case where a horse gets out and causes an injury to a another person, your Public Liability insurance will cover legal claims made against you. Obviously, in order to claim on the Liability policy, you would need to be found legally liable for the incident and comply with the terms and conditions of the policy

2. I am an EA Member and I own a property with a Dressage Arena. Coaches often ask me if they can hire my property for a fee to give lessons on the property. Am I covered for this?

No, your EA membership is in place to cover you for your non-income earning equestrian activities.  This includes, but is not limited to, riding and handling horses.  If you own a property with facilities for which you receive a fee to hire out to others, this would be deemed an income earning activity and you would require separate insurance.  Some farm policies would extend to cover this activity, however you should be very careful to check that it does provide you with that cover because some insurers specifically exclude all horse-related activities, or only horse riding/training, from their policy.  Some people are unaware that their policy contains this exclusion.  If your property insurance does not provide you with cover for facility hire or any of your other horse activities, Gow-Gates can arrange a policy which will ensure you are fully covered.

3. Does my EA Membership cover my own horse if it was to get injured?

No, your EA Membership does not cover injury or death to your horse.  This is a completely different insurance policy which can be arranged through Gow-Gates.  Being an EA member allows you to take advantage of discounted premiums made available by Gow-Gates as a National Partner of EA.  In addition to the Mortality/Theft cover which forms the basis for the policy, there are various different options you can choose to suit your needs such as Loss of Use, Veterinary Fees, Life Saving Surgical Fees, etc.

4. I am an EA member. Does my insurance through the EA Membership cover me whilst going on a trail ride with my friends?

Yes, your EA membership will provide you with both Personal Accident insurance (if you are injured) and your Public Liability insurance (if your horse injures someone else or causes third party property damage) whilst going on a trail ride with your friends.

5. As an EA member, if I am injured whilst riding at an event and an ambulance is required to take me to hospital, but I am discharged from the emergency department shortly after, what costs are covered by my EA insurance?

The Personal Accident insurance provided as part of your EA membership will cover 85% of the ambulance cost (after any reimbursement from your Private Health fund) and any other medical expenses which are not either partly or fully payable by Medicare.

Disclaimer: The information in the above article is intended as a guide only and should not be relied upon without the seeking independent professional advice. Furthermore, all the examples given above are subject to the terms and conditions of the EA Insurance Programme policies and it is important to read the policy documents to fully understand the cover.  Further information on the cover available to EA Members is available at www.gowgatessport.com.au/equestrian

Please CLICK HERE for full terms and conditions.

Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd | ABN 12 000 837 785 / ASFL 245432

Casual Board Vacancy

Position: Executive Board – Non Executive Director

Responsible to: Chairman and Board of Equestrian Australia.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary role. Any reasonable out of pocket-expenses will be met in accordance with the Equestrian Australia’s Expenses Claim Policy.

Closing Date: Friday 31^st May 2013

Selection process: applications will be reviewed by the ‘Nominations Committee’ which comprises of 3 EA Board members and 1 State Chair (as appointed by the state branches).  The Nominations Committee will submit their preferred applicant(s) to the Board who will make the appointment.

Equestrian Australia (EA) is the recognised National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for the equestrian sports of Jumping, Eventing, Driving, Show Horse, Para Equestrian, Vaulting and Dressage in Australia. EA is responsible for the development, promotion and delivery of these sports across Australia.

Equestrian Australia is currently looking to appoint a voluntary Non-Executive Director.

Your role will include:

To act as a Director of the Equestrian Australia Ltd in the best interests of the Company with honesty and good faith towards its members, employees, partners, funding agencies, sponsors and of the communities within which the Equestrian Australia operates.

To use such personal and professional skills together with such contacts, experience and judgement as they may possess with integrity and independence to optimise both the short and long term performance of the Equestrian Australia and in particular the areas of her/his own portfolio of responsibility.

Provide technical input, advice and guidance on projects and act as a sounding board on potential issues.

Attend all Board meetings called during the year, unless prevented by exceptional circumstances.

Attend the Annual General Meeting and such other Extraordinary General Meetings as may be necessary.

We are looking for a candidate whose skills and qualities include:

An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a Company Director.

Broadly based first class financial reporting skills gained either as a CFO or senior executive of a substantial business, a partner in an accounting firm or a senior investment analyst within the financial services industry. The preferred candidate will have an education in finance, accounting or economics.

A proven track record of success as a key organisational player significantly involved in delivering strategic objectives.

Excellent strategic and analytical thinking skills combined with a practical and pragmatic mindset and a strong interest in serving the non for profit sporting sector.

Team player with personal impact and superior communication skills, able to work effectively with a broadly based group and represent EA effectively externally.

How to Apply: Please forward the completed nomination (click here) form and resume template to grant.baldock@equestrian.org.au by COB Friday 31 May 2013

Fitting reception for retiring champions

L-R - Headley Britannia, Inonothing, Lenamore Photograph:Kit Houghton

Lucinda Fredericks’ Headley Britannia and Paul Tapner’s Inonothing received a rousing reception on the final day of competition at the Badminton Horse Trials when they completed one final lap of honour with fellow retiree Caroline Powell’s Lenamore.

Both Headley Britannia and Inonothing are former winners of this event and they were fittingly afforded one last chance to appear at the historic venue in front of an adorning audience.

Fredericks’ courageous mare was officially retired in March 2012 and would have been at last year’s event had it not been cancelled due to bad weather.

Among her long list of achievements, Headley Britannia was a member of Australia’s three-day event team which won a silver medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.

The 2007 winner of Badminton might be smaller than most elite event horses but what she lacks in size, she makes up with determination. She is one of only two horses in history to win three of the world’s top four-star events. In addition to winning Badminton she also won the 2006 Burghley Horse trials and Rolex Kentucky in 2009. She was the first mare in 53 years to win at Badminton.

As well as winning at Badminton in 2010, Inonothing represented Australia at the World Equestrian Games of the same year.

Inonothing amassed a huge career total of 1625 BE points, making him the 17th highest point scoring horse of all time. This achievement includes 61 top 10 placings from BE100 up to 4* with eight CCI4* completions. During his career he was 5th at Pau, 7th and 10th at Luhmuhlen, 6th and 9th at Burghley and 28th and 13th at Badminton. Not forgetting of course his greatest win which was at Badminton on his third time at the event in 2010.

Olympian Gill Rolton joins EA Board as Athlete Director

Gill Rolton and Peppermint Grove Gill Rolton and Peppermint Grove at Barcelona Olympic Games

A multiple Australian Team representative in Eventing, Rolton has since gone on to hold key positions in the sport including Australian Eventing Team selector, Chair of the National Eventing Committee, Eventing Committee member of the Federation Equestre International (FEI) as well as Ground Jury member at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Event Director of the Australian International 3 Day Event.

EA Chairman Dr Warwick Vale, said he welcomed someone of Gill’s calibre to the Board and emphasised the importance of the board appointed, athlete director position.

“On behalf of the Board I would like to welcome Gill as the athlete appointed director, an important position that ensures the athletes’ views are represented and expressed.

“As an athlete who competed at the highest level of the sport, Gill has great insight to offer and her presence on the board and her involvement in the decision making process will be of great benefit,” Mr Vale said.

Ms Rolton is pleased to be joining the board at this time.

“This is a time of change for EA and it’s always good to be involved in change. I hope my contribution as athlete appointed director will benefit the sport and the athletes.

“I see part of this role as being a conduit from the riders to the board and having experience as a rider in most disciplines, event organiser, official and administrator I feel I can offer the board a diverse voice.”

“The role of athlete director is one of communication and representation of rider issues. I’ll be an ear to the athletes and take forward their opinions to the board,” Ms Rolton said.

Gill will hold the position of appointed athlete director until the 2014 AGM. She is currently serving as the Chair of the National Eventing Committee (NEC) for which her tenure will conclude later this year. Gill will remain as the NEC Chair until the Committee reconvenes.

The casual vacancy position which became available after Paul Biancardi stepped down will be advertised and the board will look to fill this position in the coming month.

Katrina Dukats appointed Steward General for Jumping

Katrina Dukats the Chief Judge at Maitland

Katrina has served in this role since 2008 and her re-appointment is for a four year term which we see her remain in the position until after the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

As well as being a level 3 FEI Jumping Steward, Katrina is a level 3 FEI jumping Judge.

The role of the Steward General is to act as liaison between EA and the relevant FEI Steward General(s) as well as liaise with organisers of international event classes to ensure that correct processes are being followed.

Steward Generals for Eventing, Dressage and Vaulting are currently in the process of being elected and will be announced shortly.

Australian International Three Day Event - new promo video available now

This new promo video highlights our Eventing heroes and the date for 2013.

Accommodation and ticketing packages will be available shortly. Stay tuned to the EA website for more details.

Vale Ted Dwyer OAM

Ted was instrumental in developing World Cup Jumping competitions in south-east Asia and was the Coordinator of the Pacific League of the World Cup more than 25 years.  Among the various positions he held, Ted was a well-respected FEI international course designer and show jumping judge, as well as the owner of ‘Ocean Foam’, ridden by Kevin Bacon and represented Australia at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.]

In 1996 Ted helped lobby the World Cup Committee members for the establishment of the South East Asian League, the 13th league in the world.

EA Chairman Dr Warwick Vale conveyed his sympathies to the Dwyer family on behalf of the Equestrian Australia community.

“Our thoughts today are with Judy and her sons and their extended family and friends.  Ted was an institution in our sport and his loss will be sincerely felt across the sport.

“Ted’s contribution over many decades was significant and his work in our sport will be a legacy for many years to come.

“Our Jumping community here in Australia and indeed internationally is in a far greater position today thanks to Ted’s great work,” said Dr Vale.

Ted’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 15th May at Catholic Church in Young at 11.30am.

For Ted’s full biography from the 2011 EA Hall of Fame – please click here.

The FEI remembers Ted Dwyer, OAM

Ted Dwyer, former coordinator of the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Pacific League and international course designer and judge, has died in Australia just days before his 90^th birthday.

Ted lived in Young, New South Wales together with his wife, Judy and their two sons on a farm that had been in his family since 1868. Ted was a livestock and crop farmer, and he and Judy, an accomplished four-in-hand driver, also produced English Hackney horses at their Ellmore Stud.

Ted was an FEI international course designer and Jumping judge and was instrumental in developing FEI World Cup™ Jumping competitions in New Zealand and South-East Asia. He was the coordinator of the FEI World Cup™ Pacific League for 25 years, from its inception until his retirement at the 2003 Final in Las Vegas. He helped lobby the FEI World Cup committee members for the establishment of the South-East Asian League, the 13^th league in the world.

He owned a number of successful Jumping horses, including Ocean Foam, the horse ridden by Kevin Bacon on the Australian team that finished seventh at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games

He officiated as both a course designer and a judge all over Australia and New Zealand, as well as much of South-East Asia, including designing courses for the Xanthus Show Jumping Open series from 1991-1994, the 2^nd and 4^th Asian Show Jumping Championships and the 1995 Chiang Mai South-East Asian Games.

Over a 40-year period, Ted was also a contributor to a number of magazines in Australia and New Zealand and wrote two books, Show Jumping Down Under (1972) and Show Jumping in Australia (2005).

British equestrian journalist Alan Smith, who worked closely with Ted on the FEI World Cup circuit, remembers him with great fondness. “The huge contribution that Ted has made to show jumping in Australia and in parts of South-East Asia, where he is something of a godfather figure, would be hard to exaggerate,” he wrote in a foreword to Show Jumping in Australia. The pair were together at a party on a cruise ship during the 1989 FEI World Cup™ Final in Tampa, Florida. Thinking it might get chilly on the boat later in the evening, Ted asked one of the organisers if he should take a jumper, and was told by a very alarmed lady that no horses were allowed on board!

Ted was awarded the FEI Medal of Honour in 1998, three years after the Governor General had presented him with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of his “services to equestrian sport both nationally and internationally”. He was inducted into the Equestrian Australia Hall of Fame in 2011.

“The FEI World Cup exists in its present form in Australia thanks to the dedication and passion of Ted Dwyer,” said John Roche, FEI World Cup Director. “The sport in Australia owes a lot to Ted’s dynamic efforts and enthusiasm. Our thoughts are with Ted’s family and friends at this sad time. He will be much missed.”

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to Ted Dwyer’s family and friends, to Equestrian Australia, and all his many friends on the international Jumping circuit.

Ted’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 15 May at Catholic Church in Young at 11.30am.

EA Showhorse and Rider Championships - Judges Appointed

Jane Hallows (VIC)

Geoffrey Garton (WA)

Danny Hawkes (TAS)

Vicki Matheson (QLD)

The panel was selected at random from the EA Australasian Show Horse judging list, this process was approved by the National Show Horse Committee at a meeting in March 2013. As per the national rules, Judges who have officiated at a Royal Show or the Horse of the Year event in the previous 12 months are not permitted to serve as a judge at the Championships and were therefore not included in the ballot. The Organising Committee has now selected four judges in accordance with the National Show Horse rule 5.8.

The EA Australasian Show Horse and Rider Championships will be held at the Werribee Park Equestrian Centre from 6-7 December 2013. The annual event attracts over 400 competitors of all ages from across Australia as well as New Zealand. The event is the culmination of the Showing year with the best horses and riders at each state Championships qualifying.

The National Show Horse committee moved a motion at the committee meeting on 6 March 2013 to allow for the random selection of judges for the Australasian Show Horse Championship in 2013. This motion was unanimously carried by the committee and approved by the EA Board (as per the EA Committee bylaws section 2.4)

World Young Dressage Horse Championships - Selection Criteria

The Selection policy for the 2013 World Young Dressage Horse Championships to take place in Verden, Germany 6-11 August 2013, has been finalised is published via the link below.

Should you wish to nominate for this event, please send your application to michelle.battams@equestrian.org.au by the required dates.

For any enquiries regarding this competition, please call Equestrian Australia 02 8762 7777.

2014 World Equestrian Games Selection Policy - Eventing

Selectors have released the 2014 World Equestrian Games Selection Policy for Eventing.

For the full selection policy click here

Other disciplines will look to finalise their selection policies in the coming months.

MI3DE Has a Visit from Mike Etherington-Smith

7 March 2013

Tickets for the 2013 MI3DE are now on sale through Ticketek & new promo video out now

The 56th edition of this prestigious CCI event will be held from 6-10 June 2013

Days open to the public will be Friday to Monday. Check out the new ticket prices for this year, there have been some exciting new changes. The organising committee has listened to your feedback from last year and we have changed the price structure accodingly.

• Friday is admission free for everyone
• New concession rates for Aged Pensioner, TPI, Health Care Card, Tertiary and Secondary Full Time Students
• New Junior price for children aged 5-15 years
• Family ticket for Sunday's Cross Country

Werner Deeg Master Class Review

The Master Class was open to riders, coaches and officials and provided an excellent opportunity for professional development. Those present at the master class were able to listen, learn and question Werner over a range of topics related to Jumping.

Presented as an open forum, discussion ranged over a variety of topics including the history of course design, the changes in equipment of the previous 18 years, how a horse perceives a fences and course designing at the Olympics.

Christoph Hess Tour, June 2013

Members of Equestrian Australia will be presented with a fantastic opportunity during June to participate in clinics conducted by Christoph Hess.

Christoph is an FEI “I” level judge for both Dressage and Eventing and a sought after commentator for events such as the World Equestrian Games and World Young Horse Championships.

Christoph will be in Australia to Judge at the Melbourne 3DE and has agreed to an extended stay to present a series on workshops. Time limitations mean Christoph will be spending 2-3 days in Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart and Sydney presenting his workshops.

The workshops will be open to all riders, coaches and officials allowing them an opportunity to work with Christoph. The program and further details will be released in the near future.

Officials Reaccreditation

The reaccreditation process is currently underway and at the National Office we have received almost 200 reaccreditation forms over the past weeks.  

The database updating of those officials who have submitted their forms will now commence and in the coming weeks they will recieve an updated accreditation card. 

 A big thank you from the Education Department to everyone who has already submitted their forms.

A reminder for those who are yet to submit their reaccreditation forms, please return them ASAP to prevent a lapse in accreditation and members dropping off lists. Currently we have 200 outstanding reaccreditation forms. If you have not received your reaccreditations forms please contact the Education Department at the National Office on 02 8762 7777 or email stuart.newman@equestrian.org.au

Confirmed CNC events to count toward FEI qualification

The events included are as follows:

• Scone Horse Trials 9-10 March - CNC2*
• Reynella Horse Trials 16-17 March CNC3*,CNC2*,CNC*
• Ballarat Horse Trials 11-12 May CNC3*, CNC2*, CNC*
• Warwick Horse Trials 18-19 May CNC3*
• Wooroloo Horse Trials 18-19 May CNC3*,CNC2*,CNC*
• Naracoorte Horse Trials 18-19 May CNC3*, CNC2*, CNC*
• Camden Equestriad 25-26 May CNC3*, CNC2*, CNC*

If you have any enquiries regarding these events, please contact the Organising Committee of the event.

If you have any enquiries regarding qualification, please contact the EA office on 02 8762 7777 or via email michelle.battams@equestrian.org.au

Quarterly Coaching Updates Now Available

The release of coaching updates from the education department is intended to assist coaches by keeping them up to date with developments and also reminders of the requirements of their accreditation.

Specialist Advisors for Show Horse

Specialist Show Horse Advisors

With the recent release of the Show Horse Level 1 Riding and Level 1 Coaching courses, there was a need to have suitably qualified people to advise Coach Educators on the specifics of the Show Horse discipline.

These “Specialist Advisors for Show Horse” (SASH) are all National Level Show Horse Judges who have expressed a desire to be involved in the assessment of future Show Horse Coaches.

This was approved by the National Show Horse Committee and the National Coaching Committee.

FEI Guidelines for Grand Prix Freestyle

General Remarks:

There is a close connection between the Degree of Difficulty and the technical execution.

The rider should at least show all the compulsory movements and these movements should be based on the basic requirements of the FEI Grand Prix and their respective degrees of difficulty.

For further information from the FEI please click on the link below.