International Women's Day 2023 - Embrace Equity

Equestrian Australia is proud to celebrate International Women's Day at the #EmbraceEquity message.

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.

Today we celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.

#IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity

Here are some of the amazing Women working in Equestrian

Vireena Peacock

Acting CEO Equestrian NSW

Like most people in the Equestrian Vireena has had an inexplicable love of horses for as long as she remember and she also has a passion for helping and developing people.

Vireena joined Equestrian NSW last year as the Education Manager after almost 30 years in Supply Chain Management Roles for companies such as Coca-Cola and Arnott’s and In December, commenced as Interim CEO. These roles have given her a once in a lifetime opportunity to help and support people in the sport that she loves.

"My new role is never the same two days running! I support members, clubs and disciplines and I also work with the NSW Office of Sport, Equestrian Australia and collaborate with my peers in the other states. I love that as part of Equestrian NSW I work with people from all levels and ages as Equestrian is one of the only sports where age and gender do not determine ability."

Meredith Chapman

EA National Health & Safety Manager

Meredith's philosophy is about 'making a difference, one-day-at-time'.

She has worked for over 20 years in Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness. She has exceptional skills in the areas of health monitoring, safety-industry legislative compliance, training, rehabilitation, auditing, business management and equestrian safety. Meredith is also an accomplished horse breeder and competitive equestrian.

Meredith is completing a PhD in Human Health and Social Science ‘Investigating how WHS as a framework can reduce horse-related human injuries and fatalities in a work and non-work environment’.

Rachel Ratani

EA General Manager Sport Operations

Rachel has  large role as the General Manager Sport Operations and sits on the EA Senior Learership Team.

She was fortunate to be funded by the FEI to attend a 5-day intensive course on all aspects of equestrian sport administration, management, and development.

"Equestrian sport is complex. Even with a lifetime in the sport and industry there is always something new to learn! Horse welfare must remain our number one priority as they are our most important partner in the sport. Equestrian is a unique sport in the Olympic movement and we must work together to continue to make and keep the sport safe, clean, fair and inclusive. I am looking forward to contributing to the growth and development of equestrian sport as we enter the Green and Gold decade approaching Brisbane 2032." 

Brooke Irvine

EA Integrity Manager

Brooke has worked in sport for over 10 years and the past 18 months with Equestrian Australia.

She has been implementing improved systems and processes to better support members across all areas of integrity and in particular Child Safety that has been a large part of her career. One of the recent improvements, the mandatory Working with Children Checks for Officials, helps ensure our sport is a safe environment for young people.

"It's a challenging role, but one that I am passionate about making a difference."