27 #LoveOfTheHorse AnnuAl RePORT 2017 – 2018 NEW SOUTH WALES did the CCI3* course design and the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) team did an extraordinary job to deliver excellent footing. The Sydney CDI Dressage and Summer Classic Showjumping were personal bests for their Organising Committees. The NSW Vaulting Championships and FEI Driving competition at Tamworth continue to improve every year. In response to a detailed submission from Equestrian NSW, the NSW Government’s Office of Sport invested more than a million dollars to upgrade the Indoor and Warmup at SIEC. The new ebb and flow watering, cushion mats, super fine sand with geofabric and fibre have elevated the SIEC Indoor surface up to international standard, enabling our elite athletes to perform at their very best. Following the tragic deaths of Olivia Inglis and Caitlyn Fisher in 2016, the initiatives implemented by Equestrian Australia and Eventing NSW started to gain momentum. The installation of more than 120 MIM oxer sets on cross country fences, funded by Terry Snow and the Olivia Inglis Foundation, to help reduce the incidence of rotational falls, release of a cross country first responder video, introduction of a concussion protocol and improved paramedic coverage will all contribute to improving Eventing safety. The significant work being done to introduce Equiratings, which uses historical performance data to identify high risk horse and rider combinations, has the potential to be a game changer, based on overseas experience. Even though Eventing is our highest risk discipline, many of these initiatives can and will be applied to our other equestrian competitions. In a significant development, Equestrian Australia allocated $200,000 to support the State Branch High Performance programs, of which Equestrian NSW received $56,000. This meant that we were able to run more squad school days and develop Individual Performance Plans for our riders. Ultimately, our aim is to have more NSW based riders on the Australian WEG and Olympic teams Challenges for Year Ahead Providing better service, value and experiences for our Members will always be our highest priority. In FY2018, Equestrian NSW worked hard with Equestrian Australia and the other State Branches to develop a better service delivery model, albeit with very little progress. With the recent commitment and demonstration from Equestrian Australia towards transparency and collaboration, along with the appointment of Lucy Warhurst as the new CEO, Equestrian NSW is confident that historical problems will be repaired. Gaining an understanding of what’s needed, having practical plans and holding each other to account will be a challenge that we all need to embrace. The Equestrian NSW Board and team want to be part of the solution, for the immediate and long-term benefit of our Members. Bruce Farrar CEO, Equestrian NSW