Coaching Update - May 2026
Canter Con Tickets on Sale Now
Equestrian Australia, RDAA and Pony Club Australia are pleased to share that tickets for CANTER CON 2026 are on sale– presented by Gow Gates Insurance Brokers.
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.
Places are limited and demand is expected to be high, so we encourage you to book early to avoid missing out.
Secure your ticket now: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1556474
Learn more about CANTER CON: https://www.cantercon.com.au
New and Upgraded Coaches
Congratulations to the following members who achieved qualifications on the Coaching Pathway in May 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]
| Fong Hang Alison Kok | Introductory Horse Management | NSW |
| Louise Steinman | Level 1 Horse Management | NSW |
| Christina Guerra | Introductory Horse Management and Riding | QLD |
| Ann Taylor-Schofield | Introductory Vaulting Lunger | QLD |
| Layla Van Weeghel | Introductory Horse Management and Riding | VIC |
| Ella Buttterworth | Introductory Horse Management | WA |
Adelaide Equestrian Hub Round-Up
Modern Equestrian Coaching
Learning Outcomes: Welfare, Partnership and Responsibility
The Education Hub held at Adelaide Equestrian Festival saw 130 participants join Will Enzinger, Gary Lung and Ben Netterfield, Level 3 Coach Educators - In conversation, this session explored the evolving role of the modern equestrian coach, with a strong focus on equine welfare and the long-term sustainability of the sport.
It was designed to appeal to a broad audience, from grassroots participants through to elite and professional riders. The session highlighted how modern coaching approaches are shifting towards stronger partnerships between horse and rider. The panel explored how coaches are adapting their methods to suit different individuals, learning styles, and expectations, while maintaining a clear focus on horse welfare. The session further explored 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 left with practical strategies to support horse welfare, strengthen rider partnerships, and apply effective communication and coaching approaches within their own environments.
Equestrian Australia Coaching Pathway
The Equestrian Australia Coaching Pathway is an approved National Framework and is endorsed by the Australian Sports Commission. You can start your coaching pathway prerequisites at the introductory level from the age of 12 years old. The framework follows a series of levels from grassroots participation through to High Performance and supports horse and athlete wellbeing throughout its entirety from Introductory Coach through to the Level 3 discipline-specific and Coach Educator.
To start your pathway, each level has a prerequisite of Horse Management and Riding Modules that need to be completed before you can take your coaching qualification at that level. These courses increase in depth and knowledge the further along the pathway you progress. All the Equestrian Australia Levels are discipline-specific except the first Introductory Level, which is a generic qualification.
If you are interested in starting or continuing your equestrian coaching journey and have been inspired by today’s session, please reach out to Michelle Clough, Equestrian Australia Sports Development Officer for Coaching, email [email protected] or phone 0287627703 for further information.
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