7 #LoveOfTheHorse AnnuAl RePORT 2017 – 2018 The Future Cycle Program This consists of three key pillars: • Generation Next Athlete program • Generation Next Coach program • State HP Program investment and support Generation Next Eventing Athlete Program This aims to optimise our emerging talent through integration and collaboration with our state Sporting Organisations and the National Institute Network to ensure Australian equestrian athletes continue to enjoy podium success into the future. The program identifies and supports those individuals most likely to meet AIS targets in future Olympic Cycles. The Generation Next Athlete Program drives athlete progression via access to quality coaching, advice and education and where appropriate, direct service provision, in the areas of SSSM, Personal Excellence and veterinary management informed by detailed individual Performance Plans (IPP’s). These IPP’s incorporate development goals across all domains (E.g. technical, tactical, psychological, personal excellence, SSSM and equine management), reflecting our aim of holistic development to ensure emerging riders have the requisite skills and knowledge, both on and off the horse, to realise their full potential. Generation Next Eventing Coach Program EAHP recognises that a critical component in our game plan for moving from world class to world’s best is our High Performance coaching workforce; the Generation Next Eventing Coach Program provides vital professional development for nationally identified coaches in our eventing program. Our Generation Next Coach Program is informed and shaped by world-leading research and a robust evidence base. The program is modelled on experiential learning principles and includes modules on Leading for High Performance delivered by the Melbourne Business School in conjunction with the AIS Performance Coaching and Leadership team. Six coaches are currently engaged in the program and recently undertook a Study Tour to the UK and Europe where they were exposed to the training and competition environments associated with an international campaign. Support of the identified coaches is ongoing, with individualised professional development based on a detailed professional development plan. Moving forward, the integration of this coaching network with identified emerging riders will provide critical mentorship and advice at key transition stages of the talent pipeline. State HP Program Investment and Support EAHP has made a significant investment to support State HP programs this year, injecting $200K in direct funding for on and off-horse development across all disciplines and supporting state squad programs, with the provision of HP coaches for training clinics, expert presenters at off-horse workshops and templates for athlete performance planning. A priority of the program has been to improve the coordination and support for identified athletes through collaboration and integration of HP coaching, as has been supporting staff with state squad coaching and support staff via state visits, shared resources and integrated IPP’s. A key strategy moving forward to Tokyo 2020 will be enhancing these partnerships and supporting states in delivering world class, integrated training environments. Para Equestrian In late 2017 Equestrian Australia (EA) High Performance appointed the highly credentialed Erik MacKechnie to the position of Para-Equestrian High Performance Manager. Erik has significant experience in the technical leadership of High Performance Para-Equestrian at the highest level including preparation of athletes for championships and the Paralympic Games and his impact is already being felt in our program. In April EAHP hosted the inaugural EA Para-Equestrian High Performance Training Camp over four days at Wallaby Hill farm in Robertson, NSW. This initiative exposed Para- equestrian athletes to world class Para-specific coaching and highly experienced physiotherapy, biomechanics and sports psychology practitioners who worked collaboratively to maximise performance improvements for each athlete. Moving Forward A detailed review will be undertaken post WEG, with a view to refining our systems and programs to focus on medal delivery at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. EAHP has been proactive in responding to recent FEI changes to the Olympic format. Plans are well-established to expose our HP teams and support staff to this new format in international competitions in early 2019 to ensure we are ready for the challenge. Chris Webb High Performance Director