CANTER CON to Bring Australia’s Equestrian Coaches Together in 2026

CANTER CON is set to unite Australia’s equestrian coaching community in 2026, with organisers from Equestrian Australia (EA), Pony Club Australia (PCA), and Riding for the Disabled Australia (RDA) joining forces to deliver a national event created specifically for coaches who want to connect, learn, and feel part of a broader equestrian coaching network.

The two‑day conference will take place at Melbourne Showgrounds on 25–26 July 2026, transforming the Victorian Pavilion into a shared learning hub for practical workshops, sector insights, and genuine cross‑discipline collaboration. Organisers say the event was designed with one clear purpose: to bring coaches together.

They emphasise that CANTER is for coaches, with the name itself capturing the spirit of the event.

CANTER stands for:

• Coaching

• Advancement through

• Networking

• Training

• Education and

• Relationships

This reflects the event’s core vision of coaching the future together by collaborating. 

CANTER CON will feature industry leaders, hands‑on demonstrations, and interactive sessions aimed at expanding coaching toolkits and strengthening the sense of connection across EA, PCA, and RDA pathways. Whether coaches work in high‑performance sport, grassroots development, or inclusive equestrian programs, the event offers a rare opportunity to learn alongside peers from across the national coaching landscape.

Organisers say they couldn’t be happier with the response, support, and encouragement they’ve received from their respective teams—and from the Australian Sports Commission. This backing has reinforced the importance of creating a shared space where coaches feel valued, supported, and part of something bigger.

Coaches who register their interest early will receive first access to early‑bird tickets, presenter announcements, behind‑the‑scenes previews, and priority booking for limited‑capacity workshops. Those on the Expression of Interest list will be notified before the event is publicly launched, giving them the best chance to secure a place at what is expected to be a landmark gathering for the sector.

CANTER CON aims to strengthen the coaching community by creating a space where coaches can learn, share, and feel connected to a wider national network—reflecting the shared commitment of EA, PCA, and RDA to elevate coaching across Australia.

Register your interest HERE.