Board Update - March 2026

March has been a month of strong engagement, both across our membership and throughout the wider equestrian community, as we continue to focus on connection, sustainability, and excellence in our sport.

Engagement with members remains a priority for the Board. During the month, Chair Nicholas Ballard and Director Brett Cantle attended the Equestrian Queensland AGM to present and connect directly with members. Nicholas also spent time on the ground volunteering at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre as a Technical Delegate for the 65cm and 80cm classes, reinforcing the importance of staying closely connected to the sport at all levels. Athlete Director Jade Findlay attended the New South Wales Forum, providing members with an update on Equestrian Australia and listening to feedback from the community.

We continue to work closely with our State Branches, with ongoing conversations focused on the future funding model of the sport. These discussions are centred on ensuring both Equestrian Australia and the States are financially sustainable into the future, while keeping members at the heart of all decisions. It is important that we build a structure that supports the long-term strength of the sport across the country.

It has also been an encouraging start to the year in terms of performances. Jayden Brown and Quincy B, owned by Terry and Ginette Snow of Willinga Park, delivered an outstanding performance at Dressage by the Sea at Bawley Point. Together they claimed victory in all three CDI3 classes, including the Grand Prix with a score of 72.044 percent. Their freestyle, set to a soundtrack of Australian classics, produced a personal best of 78.5 percent and was a highlight of the event, before they completed the clean sweep with the Grand Prix Special on 74.447 percent.

Boyd Exell has once again demonstrated his consistency at the highest level, securing bronze in the FEI Driving World Cup 2025 to 2026 season. Reflecting on his performance in Bordeaux, Boyd described indoor driving as “full speed, full risk and nothing between you and the clock.” Just days prior, he had been in Melbourne sharing his experience with members of the Australian driving community, a reminder of his ongoing commitment to supporting and mentoring others in the sport.

Looking ahead, we will see Serena Ireland and Royalty R represent Australia in the FEI Dressage World Cup Final and Jamie Winning-Kermond and Tulara Wat Colblenky take on the FEI Jumping World Cup Final, both to be  held in Fort Worth, Texas. We wish both combinations the very best as they represent Australia on the world stage.

Within our Para Dressage program, there has been significant progress in athlete classification. Classification is a vital entry point into para sport, and ensuring it is accessible is key to growing participation. Over the past four years, Equestrian Australia has trained fifteen new national classifiers and one new international classifier, allowing for coverage across every state. Classification opportunities are now offered nationwide, making it easier for new athletes to access the sport.

With the support of Paralympics Australia, international classifiers are also brought to Australia each year, further strengthening the system. As a result, Equestrian Australia has seen substantial growth in classification numbers, including a 260 percent increase in new national classifications in a single year. This is a significant achievement and reflects the strength of the program and the opportunities it is creating.

Ours is a truly unique sport. It brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, united by a shared passion for the horse. The welfare of our horses remains at the centre of everything we do, often placed ahead of ourselves. That is something we can all be proud of and continue to promote.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our sport.

Nicholas Ballard  
Chair  
Equestrian Australia