Coaching Update February 2026

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.

Coach Resource Discounts for 12-18 Year Olds 

To encourage more young people into the EA Coaching Pathway, Equestrian Australia are now offering $10 discount off the purchase of the Introductory Horse Management and $10 off the Introductory Riding Modules for any member aged between 12-18 years old. The resources will be $55 for Introductory Horse Management and $35 for the Introductory Riding Module. This discount is automatically implemented on purchase and is available across all States. 

We would welcome anyone who is interested or has any questions to contact [email protected] for further details. These courses are available to non-members and to anyone from 12 years old and over and can be purchased HERE.

Coach Qualifications February 2026

Congratulations to the following members who achieved qualifications on the Coaching Pathway in January 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

Queensland

SSTA Dressage – Nicole Tough
SSTA Dressage – Sally Collins 
Level 1 Dressage Coach - Jenna Stephens
Introductory Coach – Lauren Bridgfoot 
Introductory Horse Management & Riding – Tania Englund
Introductory Horse Management & Riding – Lile Girlie
Introductory Horse Management & Riding – Isabel Thorn
Introductory Horse Management & Riding – Rex Chou
Introductory Horse Management &Riding – Sarah Willsford
Introductory Horse Management & Riding – Sarah Gray

NSW

Level 2 General Coach – Kristle Cross
Level 2 Jumping Coach – Belinda Lloyd-Macmahon
Level 1 General Coach – Jacqueline Basquil
Level 1 General Coach – Lucy Mosert
Introductory Coach – Craig Lucas
Introductory Coach – Anna Musgrove
Introductory Coach – Asha Dickson
Introductory Coach – Anne Macduff
Introductory Coach – Shauna Haipola
Introductory Coach – Merren Bracey
Level 1 Horse Management & Level 1 Riding Show Horse – Alarna Vrieling
L1 Horse Management & Riding – Liam Mackenzie-Smith
Introductory Horse Management & Riding – Elizabeth Roden
Introductory Horse Management & Riding – Alicia Dyke 

WA

Introductory Horse Management – Jasmine Marshall
Introductory Horse Management & Riding – Grace Lavington

Victoria

Level 1 Horse Management & Riding – Jessie Downs