25 #LoveOfTheHorse AnnuAl RePORT 2017 – 2018 Australian Endurance has had another good year of competition both in Australia and internationally and the Equestrian Australia Endurance Committee (EAEC) is working hard to increase participation in FEI rides. We are encouraging and supporting ride organisers and providing help to conduct the events, as well as helping riders negotiate the intricacies of the FEI system. The Trans-Tasman competition between Australia and New Zealand, sponsored by Bullio Arabians, was held at the magnificent Stirling’s Crossing Endurance Complex in QLD, alongside the Australian FEI Endurance Championships in August 2017. Over that weekend, there were 1*, 2* and 3* events held, as well as a CEN 80km ride. Local horses were secured for our New Zealand competitors, who managed their mounts very well and won the Trans-Tasman trophy. This competition allowed riders to experience international competition and how to work together as a team. We look forward to the return event in NZ, when we hope to retrieve the trophy! Rebecca Radny (Estragon) and Tayla Hadzi (Oso Edith) rode at the FEI World Championships for Young Riders & Juniors, held in Valeggio sul Mincio, Italy in September. Bec and Estragon successfully completed the ride, but unfortunately Oso Edith was eliminated after the first phase. Andrew Kettlewell did an excellent job as Chef d’Equipe, ensuring everyone had a very good experience. Team veterinarian Narelle Cribb continued to look after the horses very well, as she has done in that role for several years. In May, an extremely well attended CEI1* was held at Collie in Western Australia, alongside a CEN. One month later a dual affiliated CEI/CEN event was conducted at The Rock, NSW. A combination of 80km, 120km and 160km rides were held, including the Australian FEI Endurance Championship. This title was won by Tayla Hadzi on her stallion Oso Cap Braveheart. Sadly, that beautiful stallion, with a very brave heart, recently succumbed to a fatal bout of colic; he has been an important part of top Endurance competition and will be missed. The EAEC has had some further changes with Linda Tanian finishing her terms, while Jane Radny and Louise McCormack (rider representative) have joined the committee. Our focus remains on increasing the number of FEI Endurance events and participation by riders. I attended the FEI Endurance Forum in UAE where new rules and approaches were discussed. These are challenging times for Endurance, and together we need to work hard ensuring that horse welfare remains the priority. Linda Tanian Equestrian Australia Endurance Committee Chair Equestrian Australia Endurance Committee Linda Tanian - Chair Anne Barnes Robyn Parnell Matthew Walker Christopher Bailey Leigh Anne Sample – Riders representative ENDURANCE Trans Tasman Endurance