Coaching Update January 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.
QLD
Introductory Riding
Jodi-Reese Henderson
Natasha Stephenson
Brooklyn Bonney
Kayla Moore
Introductory Horse Management
Mary Hobbs
L1 General Coach
Amelia Fitzgerald
L1 Dressage Coach
Jamie Colson
Introductory Horse Management & Introductory Riding
Innes Libessart
NSW
Introductory Coach
Maria Carlisle
Introductory Horse Management & Introductory Riding
Emma Farrelly
Ashton Williams
Hailey Driver
Introductory Riding
Anne Macduff
Brianna Harris
Introductory Horse Management & Introductory Riding
Lucy Dawson
Anne Macduff
L1 Horse Management
Maree Van Doorn
VICTORIA
Introductory Riding
Darcy Macauly
Introductory Horse Management & Introductory Riding
Louise Van Gaal
Introductory Horse Management
Maria Ah Yu
WA
Introductory Horse Management
Helena Wills
Lauren Singemore
Introductory Riding
Jennifer Sumich
FRANGIBLE FENCE WORKSHOP
On the 14th January we held a fabulous online and in-person session on the development and build of Frangible Fences. The session was hosted by Stuart Buntine FEI Course Designer and TD, Event Organiser, Chair FEI Global Risk Management Group AND Ewan Kellett FEI Level 4 Course Designer and Co-Ordinator of Australia FEI CD Group. We had over 70 Coaches, Officials and Riders attend, with some fantastic discussion on the future of Safety and Frangible Fences.
Discussion covered new fences and designs of frangible fences, XC Design directions and what riders can expect to see in Europe and Australia, Coaching for Success including key points for coaches and riders re success and safety in the XC phase
Those coaches who attended in person had the opportunity to see newly constructed fences first-hand and some fences in part construction, we also had discussions with European Course Designers and Matt Bornum from MIMS Technology.
We believe that Coaches, Riders and Officials working together is key to making our sport safety.
BOYD EXCELL
On 11th January we had the opportunity to discuss all things driving with Boyd Excell, 7 times World Champion and 11 times FEI World Cup Driving Champion whilst he was back in Australia. Boyd was introduced to Carriage driving at an early age in Australia and now has a string of accolades including being honored with the Order of Australia medal in recognition of his services to equestrian sport.
Thank you to the Lawrence Family for hosting the Coaching Clinic at their family property and to Peter Lee from the Australian Carriage Driving Society (ACDS) for all of his organisation and coordination. It was such an amazing opportunity to spend time observing lessons and learning the sport of Driving from Dressage, Cones, Obstacles and Show Driving. A big thank you to The Australian Carriage Driving Society (ACDS) for the invitation to join them to discuss opportunities for collaboration in High Performance, Coaching Pathway, Officials pathway. Di Saunders from EA High Performance, Wendy Bruszewski Chair of the EA Driving National Discipline Committee, Janet Houghton EA Eventing NDC Chair and Michelle Clough from EA Coaching attended the day sharing ideas with Boyd for the future of Driving in Australia.
Behind Boyd’s success lies his genuine love of horses and a deep sense of connection with his animals.
NICOLA WILSON – COACH OBSERVATION
Be inspired by Nicola Wilson International Event Rider, London 2012 Olympic Silver medallist, European Individual Champion 2021 and now British Eventing Accredited Coach, BHSI, UKCC Level 3 Coach and National Youth Coach, who will be visiting Australia in January and early February 2026. As an EA Accredited coach, we would like to invite you to come and observe Nicola Coach and work with riders to help them achieve their goals and dreams. We have a number of sessions open to EA Accredited coaches and there will be an opportunity to chat to Nicola in between lessons about coaching and learning at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre in Victoria.
Please be self-sufficient and bring your own chair, refreshments and lunch if you are staying all day, you are welcome to attend as many days as you would like. The list of sessions is below:
Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre
Jumping/XC 5 x groups beginning at 8.30am concluding around 4.45pm
Mixed level groups 95cm upwards
Friday Jan 30th - Jumping on the arena
Saturday Jan 31st – Cross country
Next 3 days 3*/4* riders
Sunday Feb 1st – Dressage individual lessons
Jumping/XC 4 x groups beginning at 10am and concluding at 4.45pmam
Monday Feb 2nd – Jumping on the arena
Tuesday Feb 3rd – Cross country
To book your place HERE
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