14 Over the past year Equestrian Australia has focused strongly on improving its policies and governance structure, continuing to see positive results from the changes that have already been implemented to date. This year saw a new set of National Discipline Committee (NDC) Charters implemented providing clear guidance and support to the NDC’s. The new Charters are the next step towards providing a solid framework for our committees to operate within, and to give the dedicated volunteers who sit on these committees clarity about their role and responsibilities. Equally important the Charters also enable the broader equestrian community to understand the remit for each NDC and what they are, and are not, able to influence. Each of the NDC’s has worked tirelessly to ensure the promotion and advancement of their discipline in Australia over the past twelve months. There has been a range of new developments and initiatives implemented by the NDC’s this year. With the support of the EA Dressage Committee we saw Australian riders given the opportunity to perform for the first time in the FEI World Dressage Challenge. The Australian team took 3rd place with only 0.6% separating the top 3 teams from the 39 teams who participated worldwide. The Equestrian Australia Jumping Committee, along with the National Jumping Selectors, gave both junior and senior competitors the chance to participate on borrowed horse events in Taipei, Hong Kong and New Zealand. The Equestrian Australia Jumping Committee has already engaged expressions of interest for two more international borrowed horse events, setting up our riders to have the best possible chance to gain international experience. The Equestrian Australia Carriage Driving Committee (EACDC) chose to utilise its budget to implement a funding grant to further encourage the promotion of Driving in Australia. With the assistance of the EACDC four events/clubs were awarded funds to support a variety of activities including FEI competition, Junior Driver Schools, Grass Roots competition and Officials Workshops. We are also in constant communication with the FEI in order to ensure we are at the forefront of all developments that impact on Equestrian Sport, not only in Australia, but also worldwide. EA are active in engaging in discussions with the FEI offering feedback on a variety of matters and championing Australia’s interests. It is important to note that all members of the Equestrian Australia National Discipline Committees serve on a voluntary basis, giving up their time to selflessly assist in the advancement of our sport. Without their hard work and dedication, including the many behind the scenes hours, the sport would not have the many exciting opportunities it has before it. Kirsty Pasto Committee Liaison Manager COMMITTEE Liaison Young Rider showjumping team on the podium in Hong Kong