October 2026 Newsletter
IN THE ARENA
New Athletes Join Para Equestrian Talent ID Squad
Equestrian Australia’s current Para Equestrian Talent Identification (Talent ID) Squad program is underway, with seven new athletes joining the squad, including four Virtus-classified riders.
Over the 12-month program, athletes will be introduced to concepts, techniques, tools and resources designed to support their development and help them become better athletes.
EA’s High Performance Talent ID Squads aim to identify athletes who are demonstrating the potential to progress their performances to an international level over the medium to long term.
Throughout the program, athletes will have access to online resources, webinars, workshops and support at major events, with a focus on the key pillars that contribute to being a successful athlete, including:
- goal setting
- planning and strategy
- psychological flexibility and resilience
- looking after yourself on and off the horse
- getting the basics right; and
- professionalism.
We look forward to following the progress of our newest squad members and seeing their development throughout the program.
Interested in joining the next Para Equestrian Talent ID Squad?
Applications are open year-round, with the next program commencing in July 2027.
Congratulations to Our Endurance Elite Status Achievers
Congratulations to the Australian Endurance riders who have achieved FEI Elite Status across CEI1*, CEI2* and CEI3* competition levels.
Elite Status recognises successful completions at each level, with Bronze awarded at 10 completions, Silver at 20 and Gold at 30.
CEI1 Bronze:* Ben Hudson, James Sheahan, Tahlia Franke, Kaylea Maher and Sam Long
CEI1 Silver:* Alexandra Toft
CEI2 Bronze:* Ben Hudson, James Sheahan, Tahlia Franke, Jodie Salinas, Nikki Sample, Eadie McWilliam, Sarah Parker, Charlotte Williamson and Allix Jones
CEI2 Gold:* Alexandra Toft
CEI3 Silver:* Alexandra Toft and Jodie Salinas
Equestrian Australia congratulates all riders on reaching these significant milestones.
Australian Champions Crowned at Boneo
The best of Australian dressage came together at Boneo Park for the 2026 4CYTE™ Australian Dressage Championships, with competition across open, pony and para dressage.
David McKinnon and Lea Rian were among the standout performers, claiming the Australian Grand Prix Championship following victories in the Intermediate II, CDI-W Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle.
The Championships also showcased established and emerging combinations across Para Dressage, Small and Medium Tour, Junior, Young Rider, Under 25, Pony and Children’s competition.
Read the Championships wrap-up →
OUR COMMUNITY
Our Members
Behind the Bridle: Kylie Schooley
Veterinarian, cattle producer, horsewoman, Eventing mum and committed volunteer, Kylie Schooley has played a major role in the growth of the Toowoomba Jump Club over the past five years. From developing its cross-country course to creating opportunities for riders from regional communities, Kylie’s story is a wonderful example of the people who make equestrian sport happen.
Tell Us Your Story
Every club and centre has someone who goes above and beyond.
It might be the coach who always has time for a nervous first-time rider, the volunteer who arrives at the grounds before sunrise or the committee member who quietly keeps everything running.
If someone in your club or centre deserves recognition, we would love to hear about them and help share their story. Whether they have been involved for six months or sixteen years, every contribution matters.
Our officials
Officials: Check Your Details in the New Platform
Officials are reminded to log in to the new platform and check that their official credentials are listed correctly.
While you’re there, please also make sure your information is up to date so your details can be populated in the Official Finder.
Keeping your information current will help ensure the Official Finder contains accurate details for those looking for officials.
What you need to do:
- Log in to the new platform
- Check that your official credentials are listed correctly
- Review and update the information required for the Official Finder
- Refer to the How To Guides below if you need assistance
We encourage all officials to check their details and make any necessary updates.
Congratulations to our October officials appointments
Congratulations to Australian officials who received new appointments during October.
These appointments recognise the continued development and contribution of officials across equestrian sport, and we congratulate everyone who has achieved a new appointment or progression.
Our coaches
Congratulations to our new and upgraded coaches
Congratulations to the coaches who achieved a new accreditation or upgraded their coaching qualifications during October. Their commitment to ongoing learning and development helps strengthen coaching across the equestrian community.
Thinking About Becoming a Coach?
It's encouraging to see so many members beginning their coaching journey and others continuing to progress through the pathway. The EA Coaching Framework provides a structured pathway from grassroots participation through to high-performance coaching and Coach Educator accreditation, ensuring coaches have the knowledge and skills to support both horse and athlete welfare at every stage.
EA MEMBER PORTAL
Competition results are coming to the EA Member Portal
From Wednesday, 4 November, members will be able to access the first stage of competition results through the EA Member Portal.
This is an important milestone in EA’s work to create a simpler and more connected online experience for members. The initial release will include available historical results and selected Eventing, Dressage and Jumping results, with more results, improved search options and new features to be added progressively.
Find out what will be available at launch, what’s coming next and what you should check when you log in.
INTEGRITY & WELLBEING
Integrity Survey: Thank You for Having Your Say
Thank you to the 605 people who participated in Equestrian Australia’s recent Integrity Awareness and Education Survey.
The results highlighted a clear appetite for integrity education that is practical, accessible and relevant to the different roles people hold across equestrian sport. Short online modules were the most commonly selected learning format, while the feedback also highlighted opportunities to make integrity information and reporting pathways easier to find and understand.
The findings will help inform the next stage of EA’s integrity education and resources.
Update to Equine Prohibited Substances List from 1 January 2027
Updates to the FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List (EPSL) will take effect from 1 January 2027. The changes have been approved by the FEI Board following recommendations from the FEI List Group.
Under the EA Medication Control Policy, EA adopts the substances contained in the FEI EPSL in full. This means the updated substances will apply to all events conducted under EA and FEI rules in Australia from 1 January 2027.
Athletes, owners, trainers, veterinarians and other support personnel are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated list and consider any medications, treatments or supplements being used for competition horses ahead of the changes taking effect.
Free eSafety webinars for the sporting community
Staying safe and respectful online is an important part of creating a positive sporting environment.
The eSafety Commissioner is offering two free sport-focused webinars in November, providing practical information and resources for sporting organisations, clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers and participants.
Online safety 101 for community sport clubs
12 November 2026 | 12:30pm AEDT
This free 45-minute webinar will cover online harm in sport, responding to online issues, creating safer online environments and resources available to support clubs.
Social media self-defence in sport
18 November 2026 | 12:30pm AEDT
This free 45-minute session looks at online abuse, setting up social media accounts with safety in mind, practical ways to reduce online harm, de-escalation strategies, reporting abuse and available support.
We encourage members, clubs and others across the equestrian community to take advantage of these free sessions and share them with anyone who may benefit.
View webinar information and register →
HORSE & RIDER WELFARE
Reminder: Veterinary Regulations at EA Events
EA is reminding members, clubs and Organising Committees that the FEI Veterinary Regulations and FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules apply at all EA events through the EA General Regulations.
Members and Organising Committees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the requirements, including the rules relating to veterinary treatments and practices at events.
Christmas is Coming-Time to buy a New Helmet?
Christmas is just around the corner—are you considering a new helmet?
As the holiday season quickly approaches, it’s important to be aware of the upcoming changes in accepted helmet standards for FEI and EA competitions. Whether you’re purchasing a new helmet for yourself or as a gift for someone special, we highly recommend reviewing the EA’s Helmet Standards and Tagging page before making your purchase.
As stated on the page, athletes are encouraged to upgrade to helmets that meet the EA standards effective January 1, 2029 (and FEI standards effective January 1, 2028) as soon as possible.
GOVERNANCE UPDATE
Have Your Say in the Future of Your Discipline
Expressions of Interest are open for vacancies on Equestrian Australia’s National Discipline Committees for 2027–2029.
National Discipline Committees play an important role in supporting the governance and development of each discipline, and members interested in contributing their experience, knowledge and perspective are encouraged to apply.
Applications close 6 November 2026 at 5:00pm AEDT.
View the vacancies and apply →
2026 Annual General Meeting Update
Important information regarding Equestrian Australia’s 2026 Annual General Meeting and the cancellation of the proposed Special General Meeting is now available.
Members are encouraged to review the latest information ahead of the AGM.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Trans-Tasman Opportunity for Australian Jumping
Plans are underway for Australian Young Rider and Senior Jumping teams to compete in the 2027 Kiwi Super Classic Series in New Zealand, with proposed Trans-Tasman Tests in April.
Further information on team selection, eligibility and expressions of interest will be provided once formal details are confirmed.
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