Equestrian Australia High Performance Weekly Update – 18th January 2021

We would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and we hope you have all had a positive start to 2021.

This year is set to be an exciting one for equestrian sport and there is a lot to look forward to for the EA High Performance Program (HP). Currently our athletes continue to train as they focus on their Tokyo 2020 campaigns and prepare for the upcoming competition season. 

We remain committed to overseeing the progress of all Squad riders and work closely with each athlete to ensure they are best placed ahead of Tokyo team selection later this year. Regardless of the vast geographical spread of our cohort every HP Squad rider’s individual performance plan is routinely analysed to ensure they remain on target to achieve their goals in 2021.

Domestically there are 40 FEI events confirmed for this year, which will offer our athletes significant opportunities to return to the competition arena in the wake of last year’s reduced calendar. Internationally the competition calendar also reflects a healthy lineup, although subject to stringent Covid-19 restrictions. This promising projection of events across the globe will support our athletes as they look ahead to not only Tokyo 2020, but also the upcoming World Equestrian Games in 2022.

Despite the turbulent nature of 2020 the HP Program continues to thrive as we work to overcome the challenges presented by Covid-19 in the pursuit of podium success. We look forward to sharing a number of exciting new initiatives in the coming weeks including the release of the 2020-2024 High Performance Strategic Plan and the launch of the innovative new HP Competitive Edge Program.

With Tokyo 2020 less than 200 days away we are working closely with the FEI, Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia to ensure we remain at the forefront of any developments that may impact our team. We will continue to work alongside all relevant departments in the best interest of our athletes and horses to make sure all those travelling to the Games are provided with a safe environment, both in transit and on the ground. Further details regarding additional safety measures, vaccinations and pre-entry requirements remain under review by the International Olympic Committee and we anticipate these will be made available in the coming months as further progress is made. 

We thank you all for your continued support and look forward to sharing the Australian Equestrian Team’s journey with you in 2021.