Coaching Update - April 2026

Canter Con Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now

Equestrian Australia, RDAA and Pony Club Australia are pleased to share that Early Bird tickets for CANTER CON 2026 – presented by Gow Gates Insurance Brokers – are now on sale. This new national coaching conference has been created specifically for coaches who want to connect, learn and feel part of a broader equestrian coaching network.

Taking place at Melbourne Showgrounds on 25–26 July 2026, CANTER CON brings together coaches and leaders from EA, Pony Club Australia and Riding for the Disabled Australia. Across two full days, you will have access to a program of expert-led sessions, demonstrations and keynote presentations.

Key benefits include:

• Targeted professional development to support your coaching at all levels, from grassroots to high performance and pathways programs.

• Access to more than 20 presenters and industry specialists, sharing best practice in technique, training planning, athlete welfare and performance environments.

• Arena-based demonstrations and practical workshops designed to expand your coaching toolkit and refresh how you deliver sessions at home.

• Opportunities to connect with  coaches from around the country, as well as peers from many Equestrian organisations, building stronger cross-discipline networks.

• A structured two-day event you can use towards your ongoing coach accreditation and professional development requirements.

Early Bird tickets are available for $295, saving at least $50 off the standard price for a full two-day pass. This includes entry to every session, keynote, demonstration and activity on the CANTER CON program.

Places are limited and demand is expected to be high, so we encourage you to book early to avoid missing out.

Secure your Early Bird ticket now: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1556474
Learn more about CANTER CON: https://www.cantercon.com.au

Australian Sports Commission Coaching Action Plan

If you are an EA Coach and are interested in being involved in the development and research of the ASC Coaching Action Plans led by the recently established Advisory Groups, then the ASC are inviting you to complete a short survey to help shape the Action Plans:

• https://survey.bendelta.com/jfe/form/SV_50Sr9qWQZgIRPH8
• Time: ~15–25 minutes

If you’re interested, there are also still opportunities to contribute through interviews, focus groups and observations. You can register your interest here:

• https://sportaus.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_81Bw2Lhg3XqQCUe

Your input will directly inform the priorities and actions that will guide this work nationally and we look forward to keeping you both updated and engaged as this work evolves.

What’s coming next

Next week, we’ll share how you can support broader input from your networks, along with resources to make this easy.

We’ll also be hosting two optional Q&A sessions if you’d like to learn more or ask questions. 

• Thursday 23 April 3-3.30pm. Link to join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/46829668724185?p=dyaLON2engwuU8ptjN
• Friday 24 April 10-10.30am. Link to join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/49908899354228?p=Wv46OlC6vrmupSS5Ur

We look forward to working with you on this important work, your contribution plays an important role in shaping the future of coaching in Australia.

If you would like to find out more information about this work, please visit our website:

• Coaching: https://www.ausport.gov.au/coaching/community/coaching-action-plan

New and Upgraded Coaches

Congratulations to the following members who achieved qualifications on the Coaching Pathway in April  2026. It’s great to see so many members starting their coaching journey. If you are thinking of starting your coaching journey, please visit https://www.equestrian.org.au/coaching/getting-started for further information or contact Michelle Clough at [email protected]

Tasmania

Silver Ellis – Introductory Riding
Uta Gonsior – Introductory Coach 

Queensland

Amy Ellis – Level 1 Vaulting Lunger
Debbie Burgermeister – Introductory Vaulting Coach
Jemima Southwood – Introductory Horse Management and Riding
Ines Libessart – IGEQ L2
Amanda Neville – Introductory Vaulting Coach
Trinity Drysdale – Introductory Vaulting Coach

NSW

Josephine Haddow – Introductory Vaulting Lunger
Erin Ryan – Level 1 Vaulting Coach

WA

Jennifer Sumich – Introductory Horse Management 

Congratulations also to all the coaches who attended the FEI Level 1 Vaulting Attendance Course held on the 16-19 March in NSW. Congratulations on completing the course and furthering your education and learning. 

Amy Ellis
Josephine Haddow
Debbie Burgermeister
Amanda Neville
Trinity Drysdale
Hope Beeston
Ann Taylor Schofield
Lesley Fitton
Elle Swadling
Ashley Harrison
Rebecca Higgins
Louise Steinman
Nicole Bourne
Nolene Davis