Coaches Unite for Inaugural CANTER Con 2026

Australia's equestrian coaching community came together in Melbourne over the weekend for the inaugural CANTER Con 2026, marking the first time Equestrian Australia (EA), Pony Club Australia and Riding for the Disabled Australia have joined forces to deliver a national coaching conference.

The landmark event brought coaches from across the country together for two days of learning, collaboration and professional development, creating a unique opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen connections and explore the future of equestrian coaching in Australia.

Delivered through the partnership of the three organisations, CANTER Con featured an outstanding program of presenters covering high performance, coaching philosophy, equitation science, horse and rider welfare, sports science, athlete development and best practice coaching.

A consistent message resonated throughout the weekend; great coaching is built on collaboration, lifelong learning and a shared commitment to putting both horse and rider at the centre of everything we do.

Australian equestrian representatives featured prominently throughout the program. EA High-Performance Director Will Enzinger shared insights into Australia's high-performance pathway, while Sarah Venamore and Darani Cumming showcased coaching approaches across dressage and vaulting.

Australian equestrian legend and triple Olympian Vicki Roycroft captivated the audience with stories from an extraordinary career, while Level 3 EA Coach and FEI dressage rider Gary Lung shared his expertise on developing riders and horses.

Delegates also heard from internationally respected equitation scientist Dr Andrew McLean, whose keynote explored the principles of equitation science and their role in improving horse welfare and training outcomes. Additional presentations were delivered by Olympic and Paralympic experts, the Australian Sports Commission, Gow-Gates Insurance, international coaching specialist Simon Kale (IGEQ), physiotherapist Zoe Farrant, carriage driving World Championship athlete Jessica Meredith, and internationally renowned coach Sam York.

One of the standout sessions came from The Better Rider Project, with founder and director Sam Robertson delivering the closing keynote from the saddle. Demonstrating the SeatIQ rider assessment system in real time, the session focused on helping coaches better understand rider movement and learning, and how removing physical restrictions can unlock performance and confidence in the saddle.

Reflecting on the weekend, Sam praised the enthusiasm and commitment shown by coaches from across Australia.

"The brief I got was to be inspirational, but I didn't need to be because the coaches who were there all weekend were the inspirational ones," he said.

"I heard so many great stories from all walks of equestrian life. I talked about rider skills in action, especially the importance of unblocking rider movement and learning so riders continue to progress towards their goals in the saddle."

"Huge thanks to Michelle and the team at EA for organising this event and who listened to my wild ideas for including SeatIQ."

The international perspective brought by British Horse Society Fellow and UKCC Level 4 Coach Sam York also resonated strongly with delegates.

"The atmosphere is amazing. It's so fantastic to have so many coaches, and it's been so engaging. Everyone has been really kind," she said.

"We all sit there and think, 'I might do it like this or do it like that,' but we've just been sharing fantastic ideas between us. What's lovely is I've come halfway around the world and we're all on the same page. It's all about horse wellbeing, but also about trying to get people onto the podium. It's a fabulous combination. What an amazing two days with like-minded people. I've loved it."

Beyond the presentations, workshops and demonstrations, the inaugural CANTER Con demonstrated the value of bringing Australia's coaching community together. Conversations continued long after sessions finished, with coaches exchanging ideas, discussing challenges and building relationships that will strengthen coaching across the country for years to come.

Equestrian Australia, Pony Club Australia and Riding for the Disabled Australia extend their sincere thanks to the organising committee, presenters, volunteers and every coach who attended and contributed to the success of this inaugural event.

As the first conference of its kind, CANTER Con has established a strong foundation for future collaboration between the three organisations. By investing in coach education and creating opportunities to share knowledge across the wider equestrian community, the conference is helping shape the future of coaching in Australia—ensuring coaches at every level are equipped to support riders, develop horses and promote the highest standards of horse welfare and horsemanship.

To view and download images from event, click here.