Coaching Update - March 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

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. 

Early Bird tickets are now live to purchase your tickets go to the Canter Con website for information on the Presenters and ticketing information HERE.

Adelaide Equestrian Festival 

Equestrian Australia will be hosting a Tradestand at Adelaide Equestrian Festival, so if you are visiting please call in for a chat, we will have a timetable of activities each day with riders and coaches joining us each day. The trade village will be open from Thursday 16th April - Sunday 19th April 9-5pm. 

On Friday 17th April at 3pm in the Education Hub at Adelaide Equestrian Festival Equestrian Australia will be hosting an in conversation with EA Level 3 Coaches, this session will explore the evolving role of the modern equestrian coach, with a strong focus on equine welfare and the long-term sustainability of the sport.

Designed to appeal to a broad audience, from grassroots participants through to elite and professional riders, the session will highlight how modern coaching approaches are shifting towards stronger partnerships between horse and rider. The panel will explore how coaches are adapting their methods to suit different individuals, learning styles, and expectations, while maintaining a clear focus on horse welfare.

Led by Will Enzinger, Amanda Ross, Gary Lung and Ben Netterfield, the discussion will also examine the role of communication in coaching, including how clear language, consistency, and understanding contribute to improved outcomes for both horse and rider.

The session will further explore the responsibility coaches hold within the sport, including their role in shaping culture, promoting best practice, and developing a genuine passion for horse sports at all levels.

Attendees will leave with practical strategies to support horse welfare, strengthen rider partnerships, and apply effective communication and coaching approaches within their own environments. Tickets can be reserved HERE. 

FEI Level 1 Vaulting Course 

Equestrian Australia hosted a four-day FEI Level 1 Vaulting Coach Course from 16–19 March 2026 at Heritage Horse Park, Windsor, NSW. The course was led by internationally respected FEI Course Tutor John Eccles, whose experience and leadership have significantly shaped vaulting both in Britain and worldwide. John whose experience is widely regarded as a foundational figure in modern vaulting, transitioning from an elite performance role to international leadership and education, has helped shape the sport’s global development and foster world-class talent. With 14 candidates taking part in the course and a further 4 observers a total of 18 coaches gained from the experience. Running alongside the FEI Course Sarah Venamore and Lyn Lynch ran EA National training for new Vaulting coaches at Introductory, Level 1 and Level 2, with 3 coaches upgrading and 7 new coaches coming onboard. A fantastic week and a big thankyou to all the coaches who attended and thank you to Sarah Venamore, John Eccles and host of Heritage Horse Park Lyn Lynch. 

Youth Discounts

Any young person between the ages of 12-18 will automatically receive $10 discount on the purchase of the Introductory Horse Management and Introductory Riding resources. The discount will automatically be applied at the checkout and covers all States in Australia. Please Note this replaces the old Equi-Skills programme that ran in NSW and QLD.  

Congratulations to the following members who have achieved their qualifications

Queensland

Introductory Horse Management - Leanne Lbarra 
Introductory Horse Management and Riding – Kate Jackwitz
Introductory Horse Management and Riding – Sarai Cotterell
Introductory Coach – Diana Birnbaum
Introductory Coach – Beth Edwards
Introductory Coach – Lauren Bridgfoot
Introductory Coach – Georgie Coates

Tasmania

Introductory Horse Management – Sienna Cook

NSW

Introductory Coach – Paula Lasersohn
Level 1 General Coach – Matilda Seppelt
Level 1 Horse Management and Level 1 Riding – Sarah Willmott

Victoria

Introductory horse management and Riding – Tracey Anderton