Equestrian Australia announces Chefs d’Equipe appointments across disciplines

Equestrian Australia has announced a series of Chef d’Equipe appointments across Dressage, Jumping and Vaulting, confirming key leadership roles that will guide Australian teams through upcoming world championships and the current Olympic cycle toward LA28. The appointments reflect a combination of international experience, technical expertise and long standing service to the sport, providing continuity and support for athletes and combinations competing at the highest level.

Dressage

Chef d’Equipe and Technical Lead: Dane Rawlins (UK)
Role term: through to LA28

Dane Rawlins brings extensive international experience to the Australian Dressage program. He is well known in the role, having served as Chef d’Equipe on numerous occasions for English teams.

Dane competed at elite level for Ireland and is also a judge and coach across both Dressage and Jumping. His background in event organisation includes involvement with major international events, including Hickstead. This experience positions him well to support Australian combinations both in Australia and internationally as preparations continue toward LA28.

Jumping

Chef d’Equipe and Technical Lead: Gavin Chester (AUS)
Role term: through to LA28

Gavin Chester has been appointed as Chef d’Equipe and Technical Lead for Jumping through to LA28, stepping into a role that will guide Australian Jumping teams through the coming world championship and Olympic campaigns.

Speaking about the appointment, Gavin said, “I’m excited, if not daunted by the appointment, as Gavin’s promotion to Chef and Technical Lead has left very big shoes to fill. I’m looking forward to an exciting time ahead, with the Aachen World Championships and LA into the future. Thanks to EA High Performance for trusting me, I hope I can do a very responsible job justice.”

Gavin’s appointment reflects his extensive involvement in Australian jumping and his experience working with athletes at the elite end of the sport. In this role, he will provide leadership and technical direction as teams prepare for major international competition.

Vaulting

Chef d’Equipe: Tristyn Lowe (AUS)
Role term: through to Senior World Championships 2026

Tristyn Lowe will serve as Vaulting Chef d’Equipe through to the Senior World Championships in 2026.

Tristyn brings long term dedication to international competition and deep knowledge of all aspects of the vaulting discipline. She has served on various Equestrian Australia committees and boards and is currently the Technical Lead on the EAVC Working Sub Committee for High Performance Vaulting Pathways.

Her experience as Chef d’Equipe includes multiple championship appointments, most recently at the World Championships in Herning in 2022. In her professional career, Tristyn is a medical doctor, qualified as a Sports Doctor through the IOC Diploma in Sports Medicine. Alongside this, she continues to contribute to the sport as an FEI Judge and Coach.

These appointments reinforce Equestrian Australia’s commitment to strong leadership and athlete support across disciplines. With experienced Chefs d’Equipe in place, Australian teams are well positioned as they look ahead to upcoming world championships and the road toward LA28.