Nine Equestrian Australia Para Equestrian athletes will share in funding through the expanded Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Para Athlete Barrier Fund in 2026, helping them overcome barriers and continue pursuing their sporting ambitions.

The funding forms part of a broader Federal Government investment of $427,000 supporting 144 Paralympians and Para athlete hopefuls across 22 sports, announced by Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells in Brisbane on Thursday.

The nine EA athletes receiving support are:

• Kirsty Van Loon (SA)

• Ella Newbery (Vic)

• Rebecca Webber (Vic)

• Kate Nipperess (NSW)

• Maddison Cooke (Vic)

• Mietta Innes-Irons (Vic)

• Bridget Murphy (Vic)

• Claire Graham (Vic/Tas)

• Helen Batson (NSW)

The funding builds on the six Equestrian Australia athletes who received support through the Para Athlete Barrier Fund in 2025, demonstrating the continued impact of the initiative in supporting Para Equestrian athletes across the country.

The fund provides grants of up to $4,000 to help athletes cover costs including competition travel, carer support, childcare while training or competing, technology, equipment and other essential expenses.

Minister Wells announced the expanded funding as part of her speech, From Playground to Podium – Maximising Success for the Green and Gold, highlighting the additional financial and practical challenges faced by athletes with disability.

“No matter who you are, it takes hard work, dedication and determination to wear the green and gold,” Minister Wells said.

“But that is not always enough. Grit and guts don't pay the bills.”

The latest funding round represents an increase on the $361,000 awarded to 122 athletes from 18 sports in 2025.

“These investments aren't simply removing financial barriers, they are unlocking potential and helping more Australians achieve extraordinary things,” Minister Wells said.

The Para Athlete Barrier Fund is an initiative of the Australian Government-funded Para Uplift, which aims to address barriers to participation and performance and support Australia’s Para athletes in their pursuit of success at future Paralympic Games.

For Equestrian Australia’s nine recipients, the funding provides valuable support to continue developing their performance and pursuing their goals in Para Equestrian.