Tasmania’s First Stewards Seminar deemed a success

The inaugural Tasmanian Stewards Seminar held at Edinburgh Park, Gravelly Beach, in October, was presented by International Steward Chris Wallis who at the time had recently returned from stewarding at the eventing at the the World Equestrian Games.

Nine participants attended the courses with interests across Dressage, Eventing and Jumping. 

The course began with a discussion of the integral role a steward plays at an event and the importance of a strong relationship between the Event Organising Committee, Officials and Stewards.

Throughout the course Wallis explained and enforced the motto of a Steward which is to 'help, prevent and intervene'.

The seminar attendees were invited to attend a second day to put their newly learnt skills to practice during a local dressage event. 

Wallis said, “At the competition, we did see one or two surprising things and we had to call on an event official. What we saw would have previously gone unnoticed as Tasmania currently doesn’t have Stewards in the practice areas.

"As they haven't held FEI competitions in Tasmania previously there was no need for Stewards training. Now there is a call for Stewards to attend national events, and I think the course attendees really saw the important role Stewards play,” explained Chris.