September 2026 Newsletter
Historic Eighth World Title for Boyd Exell and Team Silver for Australia at Aachen
Australian Driving has delivered another historic result on the international stage.
Boyd Exell claimed an unprecedented eighth consecutive individual World Championship title at the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026. He also joined fellow Australian Tor van den Berge to secure team silver, finishing just 2.12 penalties behind the Netherlands.
The achievement continues an extraordinary period for Australian Driving and recognises the skill, consistency and partnership behind success at the highest level of the sport.
BEYOND THE RACETRACK
Racing NSW and Equestrian Australia Partner to Support Thoroughbreds Beyond Racing
Thoroughbreds have long made a significant contribution to Australian equestrian sport, successfully transitioning from the racetrack into disciplines including Eventing, Jumping, Dressage and Show Horse.
Equestrian Australia and Racing NSW have announced a new partnership designed to support thoroughbreds as they move into second careers beyond racing. The initiative aims to strengthen pathways for retired racehorses while promoting positive welfare outcomes and expanding opportunities for riders to connect with these versatile and athletic horses.
The partnership highlights the important role off-the-track thoroughbreds continue to play across our sport and reinforces a shared commitment to supporting horses throughout their lifetime.
Read more about the partnership →
IN THE ARENA
Expressions of Interest Open to Host a CPEDI Event in Victoria
EA is seeking Expressions of Interest from committees or individuals interested in hosting a CPEDI, an FEI-sanctioned international Para Dressage competition, in Victoria during the first half of 2027.
The preferred timing is between April and May. Interested Victorian clubs and organisers can outline proposed dates, venues, competition formats and accessibility arrangements through the submission form.
Expressions of Interest close at 11.59 pm AEDT on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
OUR COMMUNITY
Our officials
Australian Officials Appointed to Officiate at the 2026 Asian Games
Three Australian officials have been selected to officiate at the 20th Asian Games in Japan.
John Vallance has been appointed Technical Delegate for Jumping, Ricky MacMillan will serve as a member of the Dressage Ground Jury, and Dr Kirsten Neil has been appointed as a Veterinary Official.
These appointments recognise their experience, knowledge and commitment, while highlighting the important contribution Australian officials continue to make on the international stage.
We also extend our congratulations to the many other Australians attending the Games in official and support roles. Together, they showcase the depth of expertise, professionalism and leadership that Australia continues to contribute to international equestrian sport.
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.
Congratulations to our August officials appointments
6 new appointments across two disciplines and three states — our sport doesn't run without you. Congratulations to all!
Our coaches
Celebrating Our New and Upgraded Coaches - September 2026
Congratulations to the coaches who achieved new qualifications and accreditation upgrades during September.
These milestones represent a significant investment in professional development and help strengthen coaching capability across the country. From grassroots participation through to high-performance pathways, accredited coaches play a critical role in supporting both horse and rider development.
We thank all coaches for their commitment to learning and congratulate those who have recently progressed through the EA coaching pathway.
View the full list of coaches →
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.
INTEGRITY & WELLBEING
Integrity & Wellbeing Bulletin: Edition 1
Throughout September, EA has been recognising Integrity and Wellbeing Month by highlighting the shared role we all play in creating safe, fair, respectful and inclusive equestrian environments.
The first edition of EA’s quarterly Integrity and Wellbeing Bulletin brings together practical information about raising concerns, integrity education, conflict resolution learning for officials, wellbeing support and respectful online behaviour.
The bulletin includes resources for riders, officials, coaches, volunteers, parents, supporters and club administrators, along with an opportunity to help shape EA’s future integrity and wellbeing education.
Explore the bulletin and resources →
Have Your Say: Integrity & Wellbeing Survey
There is still time to share your feedback, but not much. The EA Integrity & Wellbeing Survey closes this week.
We are seeking feedback from members, officials, coaches, volunteers, parents and club administrators to help shape future education, resources and support services. Your feedback will help us better understand:
- The integrity and wellbeing topics that matter most to our community
- Areas where additional education or resources may be helpful
- Preferred ways to access learning and information
- Emerging issues and opportunities across the sport
All responses are anonymous and will help inform Equestrian Australia's future Integrity and Wellbeing Education Plan. The survey takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete, and we encourage all members of the equestrian community to participate.
HORSE & RIDER WELFARE
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
Governance Workplan 2026–2028: Half-Year Update
EA continues to make progress on its Governance Workplan, with 41 per cent of the 82-action workplan completed, up from 23 per cent in the previous quarter. Fifty-five actions are now either complete or on track.
Work during the quarter included strengthening Board processes, appointing independent committee chairs, developing a comprehensive Conflicts of Interest Register, improving integrity and complaints systems, and expanding member and stakeholder engagement.
The workplan responds to the independent governance review commissioned by the Australian Sports Commission. This work supports clearer accountability, stronger decision-making and more consistent processes across the sport.
Call for Nominations: Elected Director
Equestrian Australia is inviting nominations from Voting Members for one Elected Director position.
The successful candidate will serve a three-year term concluding at the 2029 Annual General Meeting and will contribute to EA’s strategic leadership, financial oversight, policy development, governance and member representation.
Nominations must be received by the EA Company Secretary by 5.00 pm AEDT on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Applicants should use the updated nomination form confirming that one position is available.
View the nomination requirements →
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Seven Athletes Join Para Equestrian Talent ID Squad
Seven new athletes have joined Equestrian Australia’s Para Equestrian Talent Identification Squad, including four Virtus-classified riders.
Over the 12-month program, the athletes will be introduced to concepts, techniques, tools and resources designed to support their development. Activities will include online resources, webinars, workshops and support at major events.
The athletes will learn about the key foundations of successful performance, including:
- Goal setting
- Planning and strategy
- Psychological flexibility and resilience
- Looking after themselves on and off the horse
- Getting the basics right
- Professionalism
EA’s High Performance Talent ID Squads identify athletes who show the potential to progress their performances to an international level over the medium to long term.
We look forward to following the athletes throughout the program and watching them develop.
Applications for the Para Equestrian Talent ID Squad are open throughout the year, with the next program commencing in July 2027.
NEED TO KNOW
Officials top-up insurance for 2026/27 is available to all accredited officials. Details →
Competition licences can be purchased for your horse via Horse Hub on the EA Platform. How-to guide →
Officials Finder is live — log in and check your credentials are listed. Guides →
Officials merchandise — the accredited-official clothing range is available now. Shop the range →
Upcoming Events & Key Dates
Date |
Event |
| 27 September - 1 October | 2026 Horseland Australian Interschool Championships |
| 7 October | Elected Director Nominations Close |
| 15 – 18 October | Australian Dressage, Para Dressage & Pony Championships, Boneo VIC |
| 18 October | EOIs Close for CPEDI Host Venue Applications |
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