17 #LoveOfTheHorse AnnuAl RePORT 2017 – 2018 DRESSAGE Sometimes issues arise in the field of play, which call for prompt recourse to a particular rule, usually in the form of an amendment. Whilst FEI Rule changes are implemented without delay, as a National Discipline Committee, our responsibility lies in being on top of issues relating to competition and being responsive when needed within the Rules and Guidelines to ensure fair play all round. Our annual meeting with the SDA Chairs took place in July 2018 and with the exception of the Northern Territory (due to Darwin Show), all attended. As always these meetings are the only chance for networking and personal contact, and the exchange of information just keeps delivering innovation. Dressage Tasmania for example subsidises A & B level, Para and Young Horse Judges up to $1500 to enable interstate travel to gain these qualifications. These Judges also receive a subsidy of about $250 in each three-year accreditation period to attend seminars interstate, in order to maintain their accreditation. In a new initiative Dressage Tasmania will subsidise G to C Level Judges $200 each year to attend interstate events to gain further experience and see different horses. NSW continues to be the dominant state with respect to competition and the resultant demand on judges and for judge education. DNSW has 55 affiliated clubs and 175 official competition, with over 9000 official Dressage tests ridden in NSW in 2017, trending upwards in 2018, and serviced by 172 accredited judges. This of course doesn’t include the demand of Pony Club, Interschools and Eventing, thus a balancing act between encouraging participation and growing the sport and overstretching scarce resources. Dressage Victoria has undergone a new Committee structure which ensures each Committee member has responsibility for particular portfolios - Financial management/Senior Squads (A Squad, Development and AOR)/Youth Squad/ AOR/Clubs/Pathways/PE/DJEP/Events. The delegation is proving popular with members and membership groups; the single point of contact ensures better communication flow both ways. New website and governance documents are already published – these include a better alignment with the Bylaws and ensure that each of our sub-committees are operating within the Bylaws and within good sports governance processes. Dressage QLD’s host of initiatives include the introduction of a Regional Riders Recognition squad adding to the subsidies available for regional riders and judges. As well, DQ is now in its second year of hosting the Australian Adult Amateur Owner Rider Championships, with 2018 seeing increased support, particularly NSW and VIC. The increase in numbers is seen as incremental with the development of the Brisbane CDI growth. It has to be noted that DNSW has contributed sponsorship and Dressage Victoria has subsidised a rider from their state AAOR Championships to travel to compete at the National Championships. Likewise, Dressage WA and Dressage South Australia continue to build on their memberships. The input from our SDA’s is integral to the EADC – we can’t formulate rules or advise on issues unless we have a strong network that sees any one of us able to pick up the phone and discuss the various issues that come ‘on line’ throughout the year. Each level of our sport is run by and relies on volunteers. Their vast knowledge, experience and teamwork ensure that members have every opportunity to enjoy competition with their horses and strive for their own personal bests. Likewise, our own communication between the EADC is such that there’s recognition of each member’s strengths and experience, which ensures the decisions we make always have the spirit of the sport well and truly uppermost. Prue Spurrett Equestrian Australia Dressage Committee Chair Equestrian Australia Dressage Committee Prue Spurrett – Chair Mary Seefried Virginia Creed Hannie Byrne Fiona Selby Denise Rogan – Riders’ Representative