National Eventing Forum Brings Stakeholders Together to Shape the Future of the Sport

On Tuesday 15 July, the Equestrian Australia Eventing Committee (EAEC) hosted a face-to-face National Forum, bringing together athletes, officials, and key stakeholders from across the country. The forum, held as part of the EAEC’s ongoing commitment to transparency, collaboration and progress, was an opportunity to discuss the future direction of the sport and share updates on critical areas of development.

Attendees and Representation

The forum brought together a broad cross-section of the eventing community, including EAEC committee members, State Delegates, rider representatives, and invited guests. The EAEC members in attendance were Chair Janet Houghton, and committee members Heather Ford, Diana Massey, Jade Findlay, Jamie Buckby, and Nina Clarke. They were joined by Stuart Tinney as Athlete Representative and Denise Rutzou as State Development Officer.

State Delegates included:

• Jacinta Withoud (WA)
• Tracey Leigh (SA)
• Donna Griffiths (TAS)
• Richard Mitton (QLD)
• Sheridan Meyles (VIC)

Rider Delegates were:

• Yona Lloyd (VIC)
• Kate Ingham (WA)
• Rachelle Verma (SA)
• Jessica Cowan (TAS)
• Katelyn Simpson (QLD)
• Gordon Bishop (NSW)

Additional guests who brought specialist insight to the forum included:

• Sam Jones(CEO)
• Will Enzinger (High Performance Director)
• Roger Kane (Health & Safety)
• Jo Crosby (Steward General)
• Amy McGregor (Pathways Manager - Officials)
• Michelle James (General Manager - Sport Operations)
• Laura Wallace (FEI Liaison)

Key Topics of Discussion

The forum agenda was broad and focused on both immediate and long-term issues in the sport. Topics included:

• A National Safety Update
• High Performance Program developments
• Planning of the National Calendar
• Review of recent and upcoming changes to FEI rules
• Updates from the FEI National Federation Advisory Panel on safety equipment, including body protectors, air vests and back protectors
• Safeguarding practices and support for officials and riders
• Sport development and athlete pathways

A Collaborative Step Forward

Bringing together such a diverse and experienced group of individuals created an opportunity for meaningful dialogue. It was a rewarding day marked by constructive conversation and shared purpose. The insights and feedback gathered during the forum are invaluable in shaping the decisions made by the EAEC, which continued their work with their scheduled quarterly committee meeting the following day.

Equestrian Australia thanks all attendees for their time, dedication, and contributions to the ongoing development of eventing in Australia.