IMAGE: EQUINE IMAGES VICTORIA
AR
UND
the stables
Official News from Equestrian Victoria
January 2024
Membership Matters
From the CEO
As we enter a new year, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared as a community. Together, we've celebrated victories, faced challenges head-on, and forged unforgettable memories in the equestrian world. Your passion, dedication, and unwavering support have made Equestrian Victoria a vibrant and thriving community.
Looking back at 2023, we can take pride in our achievements and milestones together. Whether it was conquering new heights in competitions, fostering camaraderie at events, or enhancing our skills and knowledge, each of you has played a vital role in making the past year memorable.
As leave 2023 behind, I'm thrilled to share our anticipation for the upcoming year. 2024 promises to be even more exciting and busy for Equestrian Victoria. We have an array of thrilling events, educational opportunities, and community initiatives lined up that will elevate our equestrian experience.
The competition season is approaching, and we look forward to seeing you at our competitions.
Membership Matters
PRO-RATA MEMBERSHIP
Pro-rata membership will kick in from the 1st of February and is only available for new members. More info soon.
All the Best!
Last month, our much loved and highly valued member of the team, Liza Harvey, left the EV nest to accept an amazing opportunity. Safe to say she will be dearly missed by everyone in the office as well as by many of our members and partners. We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you around at our events!
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Our team is dedicated to providing the best service to our members and fostering a positive environment within our community. Recently, there have been instances of abuse and aggression during calls and member inquiries. Such behaviour not only undermines the collaborative spirit we strive to maintain but also goes against the values that define Equestrian Victoria.
Equestrian Victoria emphasises that abuse and aggression will not be tolerated within our organisation. We are a team of passionate individuals united by our love for equestrian sports and our commitment to serving our members. It is imperative that we treat each other with kindness, patience, and understanding, even in the face of challenging situations. Often times there are challenges with our tools or restrictions in the rules that members do not agree with. Unfortunately, the team can only function within the constructs of these structures.
If you find yourself in a difficult conversation or encounter, please remember that respectful communication is key. We should always strive to address concerns and inquiries in a professional and courteous manner. If you are not satisfied that your concerns are being addressed, please reach out to ceo@equestrianvictoria.com.au for clarification.
DOG
MEET THE EV
TEAM
RUSTY
MATILDA
REX
Corinne
BISCUIT, WOMBAT, PEPPER & DIGBY
Jo P
Adriana
DAISY
Amy
FLYNN
POPPY
RIKU
LOLA
Judith
Georgia
Holly
Jo A
catdog
Applications Closing Soon!
The Young Ambassador Program celebrates more than just victories. It's about sportsmanship, leadership, and making a difference in the equestrian world.
Applicants will have the opportunity to show your passion through volunteering, sportsmanship, communication skills, leadership qualities, knowledge and dedication to the sport.
Applications close 16th January and the program will kick off in February.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!
All enquiries regarding the program may be directed to Adriana.
EQUESTRIAN VICTORIA COACHING COMMITTEE
PROGRESSIVE ASSESSMENT DAY
The Equestrian Victoria Coaching Committee hosted a Progressive Assessment Day for candidates wishing to get signed off for their Riding, Horse Management and Coaching levels.
The purpose of the day was to assist candidates by providing access to multiple Coach Educators, demonstration riders and a chance to watch and learn from their peers.
For some of our demonstration riders, it was the perfect opportunity to bring their greener horses out to spend the day at Werribee Park in a quiet, stress-free environment.
Many of our candidates got signed off and received valuable insight on improving their skills.
We would like to thank our Coach Educators, Catherine Shelley, Debra Court, Virginia Creed and Sue Leslie. And also, a big thank you to our demonstration riders, without whom, the day would not have been possible either.
Event Spotlight
THE STABLE GROUND VICTORIAN DRESSAGE FESTIVAL
The Dressage Festival is one of Victoria’s highlight events on the dressage calendar and the 2023 competition was no exception.
This year, the organising committee was excited to announce that the event would be hosting one of the world’s leading dressage riders, Steffen Peters, to be the guest star in the highly anticipated masterclass and Q&A sessions.
However, the stars did not align, and Steffen Peters was unfortunately unable to attend due to unforeseen medical circumstances that required hospitalisation. We would like to take this time to wish him a speedy recovery.
Thankfully, the Dressage Victoria Committee was able to secure Vanessa Way from New Zealand who stepped in at the very last minute.
To add to the stress, the weather gods were not on our side, with high winds and hot weather on the Friday and a very wet and windy Saturday.
Despite the many challenges faced, everyone pushed through and still made this a memorable event for all.
We are extremely grateful to the organising committee, officials and volunteers for persevering and running a successful competition.
Congratulations to all riders, owners and supporters. We commend you for your hard work and showing incredible sportsmanship. Gratitude also goes out to our many sponsors, without whom, a lot would not be possible.
Much thanks is also due to Vanessa Way, who shared invaluable knowledge and advice through the masterclasses, especially relevant was the topic on test riding. The audience was able to see noticeable improvements in the demonstration rider and horse combinations as the session progressed.
We wish everyone the best for the coming year, and look forward to seeing many more riders in 2024.
Congratulations
TO OUR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS
Preliminary
Pony Preliminary
Novice
Pony Novice
Elementary
Pony Elementary
Medium
Pony Medium
Advanced
Pony Advanced
Small Tour
Pony Small Tour
Medium Tour
Big Tour
Heather Currie & Furst Elegance
Lyla Woolston & Loriot Skyes the Limit
Selina Pickard & Van Eyk Flume
Jayde Whitehead & Stop N Stare
Lindsey Ware & Viconia KR
Jessie Fleming & Pen-nant Fire Cracker
Michelle Baker & Movie Star
Grace Lawes & Carwyn Versace
Justine Greer & Bloomfield Sekuona
Grace Lawes & Carwyn Versace
Karen Blythe & Sonic K
Bella Plumridge & Illawong Harvest Moon
Amy Bachmann & Genuine River
Jessica Dertell & Cennin
FEI U25
FEI Young Riders
FEI Junior
FEI Childrens
Jessica Dertell & Zanzibar
Lucy Cochrane & Keystone Fantasy
Olivia Gillespie & Amsterdam
Aisha Heinrich & Bertone S
Para Grade II
Para Grade III
Para Grade IV
Para Grade V
Maddison Cooke & Byalee Magic II
Emma Booth & Regal Wolks Magic
Kylie Christian & Bellaire Cannavaro
Mietta Innes-Irons & Elfenzauber
Novice Team State Championships
Victorian Dressage Team 1
Advanced Team State Championships
Victorian Dressage Team 1
Gert Donvig Memorial Trophy
Justine Greer
CK Perpetual Trophy
Mary Hanna
Statene Park Trophy
Jessica Dertell
IMAGES: EQUINE IMAGES VICTORIA
PSI Dressage & Jumping
with the Stars
The 2024 PSI DJWTS Championships is a significant pathway event and the National Championship for Young Dressage and Jumping horses across Australia. It gathers some of the country's top equestrian talents for an exhilarating three days of competition.
PSI DJWTS is the only competition in Australia that is genuinely cross-discipline, drawing over 700 horses, 3,000 spectators, and considerable online viewers engaging through various event media channels.
PSI DJWTS has firmly established itself as Australia's largest multidisciplinary event.
SPONSORS
Equestrian Victoria is seeking sponsors for this premier event that will be held from the 21 - 23 of March 2024 at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.
To find out how to support and be part of the action, please click on the link below for details of our sponsorship packages.
TRADE VILLAGE
Don't miss out on the horde of eager equestrian shoppers. Join us at PSI DJWTS, and book your trade stand now!
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
OFF THE TRACK
Join The Off The Track Community and claim your horse to be eligible for Off TheTrack sponsored classes. The OTT Community is your one-stop shop as a retired racehorse owner, someone looking to purchase an off the track thoroughbred, or for fans of Victorian racehorses.
In addition to the benefits of joining the Off The Track Community, you’re also playing your part in enabling Racing Victoria to improve visibility and better understand the movement of retired racehorses.
For any queries email info@ottcommunity.com.au.
UPCOMING OTT EVENTS
Dressage
4 Feb
3 Mar
14 Apr
Berwick & District Dressage Club
Dressage Festival Fundraiser
Macedon Ranges Dressage Club
Jumping
19-21 Jan
3 Feb
15 Feb
1 Mar
6 Apr
YVJC December Show
Port Phillip SJC Summer Show
GDP Showjumping Classic
Port Phillip Show
Border District
Eventing
27 Jan
10 Feb
24 Feb
8 Mar
6 Apr
13 Apr
27 Apr
3 May
27 May
Gisborne HT
Geelong HT
Monington Peninsula HT
Tonimbuk International HT
Heytesbury HT
Hexham HT
Tintern
Marcus Oldham Ballarat HT
Friends of Woady HT
RECENT OTT EVENT RESULTS
Congratulations
victorian dressage club
Preliminary
Novice
Elementary
Chloe Gass & Fallbrook Black Tie
Rohan Luxmoore & Masculino
Tracey Savage & Boots An All
whittlesea plenty valley dc
Preliminary
Novice
Elementary
Regina Knobel & Hillview Park Denman Keikari
Rohan Luxmoore & Masculino
Susanna Magee & Mister Fahrenheit
wimmera equestrian club country classic
Preliminary
Connie Latus & King Chorus
Chloe Gass & Fallbrook Black Tie
photo provided by Victorian Dressage Club
NORTHERN HORSE PARK LAKES AND CRATERS INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS
EvA95
CCN1*L
CCI2*S
CCI2*L
CCI3*S
CCI3*L
Chelsea Whicker & Ocean Drive
Wilhelm Enzinger & Innaminny
Samantha Cesnick & Giovanni Georgio
Asha Warnock & Gold Symphony
Audrey Nicolae & Insidious Ghost
Sophie Warren & Reduction
Samantha Cesnick & Giovanni Georgio
photo provided by Lakes & Craters HT
Sophie Warren & Reduction
photo provided by Lakes & Craters HT
2023 OTT, OWNER RIDER & HOME PRODUCED DECEMBER SHOW
LED OTT SHOW HACK
Champion
Reserve
Hollie Hildebrandt & Davinity
Heidi Pickstock & Wicked Trilogy
LED OTT SHOW HUNTER
Champion
Reserve
Mitchell Fox & TT
Shannon Cantwell & DP Majestic
SUPREME CHAMPION LED OTT
Hollie Hildebrandt & Davinity
OTT RIDDEN PERFORMANCE HORSE
Champion
Reserve
Heidi Pickstock & Wicked Trilogy
Tamara White & Consul Reef
NEWCOMER OTT RIDDEN SHOW HACK
Champion
Reserve
Heidi Pickstock & Wicked Trilogy
Kayla Atkinson & Minstral Park Moon
RIDDEN OTT SHOW HACK
Champion
Reserve
Heidi Pickstock & Wicked Trilogy
Stella Stevenson & Excess Funds
NEWCOMER OTT RIDDEN SHOW HUNTER
Keely Goggin & Mercury Rocks
Hannah Gillard & East Town
Champion
Reserve
RIDDEN OTT SHOW HUNTER
Champion
Reserve
Fiona McIntyre & Westminster II
Shannon Cantwell & DP Majestic
SUPREME CHAMPION RIDDEN OTT
Fiona McIntyre & Westminster II
Hollie Hildebrandt & Davinity
photo provided by Racing Photos
Fiona McIntyre & Westminster II
photo provided by Racing Photos
Discipline News
DRESSAGE
2024 HYGAIN VICTORIAN YOUTH DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
11 - 14 January 2024
Boneo Park Equestrian Centre
Head to the Event website for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
11 - 14 JAN
20 - 21 JAN
30 - 31 JAN
2024 YOUTH DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
BONEO PARK SUMMER DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
VICTORIAN HIGH PERFORMANCE DRESSAGE SQUAD
Discipline News
Eventing
tess goodwin appointed to fei medical committee
SWABBING REMINDER
A reminder from the Eventing Victoria Committee that swabbing will be conducted at 3 random National Events a year as well as random FEI events held in Victoria.
We’re proud to announce that Dr Tess Goodwin, a valued member of the Eventing Victoria community has been recently appointed as a member of the FEI Medical Committee for 2023 - 2027.
Tess became involved in Eventing in 2014 through her daughters and later began advising Eventing Victoria around Medical Requirements as well as officiating our major events in 2016. Tess then accepted the role of Eventing Victoria Chief Medical Officer in 2018.
Congratulations, Tess! We wish you all the best and thank you for keeping our sport safe!
eventing calendar
Keep track of all our upcoming events in your diary! The 2024 Eventing Calendar has been recently updated on our website.
2024 CALENDAR
MESSAGE FROM EVENTING VICTORIA CHAIR
David permezel
G’day Champions!
The last Event for 2023 has been run, arenas packed up, fences put away and lost property listed on eBay.
On behalf of the Victorian Eventing Committee, I would like to sincerely thank all our Organising Committees, Officials, Coaches, Squad Managers and Riders and our amazing Equestrian Victoria staff (who put up with a lot, including me), for your tireless work and support of and for our amazing sport of Eventing throughout 2023.
I am honestly humbled by the volume of people taking on committee roles and willing to plan and stage events each year. When dates clash, access to land is denied or Mother Nature decides to wreak havoc, your Organising Committees don’t throw in the towel and take a weekend off, they work with other event organisers to find alternative dates and ways to host riders and officials. Some would call them crazy, I’m sure it helps, and I love ‘em for it!
It costs an absolute fortune to host an equestrian event so an undertaking to do so is not a decision to be made lightly. To the riders who pay entry fees in the current financial climate, we know and understand they are not getting cheaper, we thank you for making the huge and costly commitment to travel around the state entering as many events as possible making each of them (hopefully) financially viable.
To the officials and volunteers that give up time to attend events, offer professional expertise AND participate in continued training, we would not exist without you. Despite any remuneration (if at all) our clubs can afford, the costs associated with attending events, ongoing training and assisting with the higher level management of the sport are borne by them personally, and for this, your passion and your time, our community is eternally grateful.
To my fellow committee members, thank you for working with each other and putting up with me on the day to day management and the bigger picture of eventing through safety strategy and strategic planning for the future of the sport. I thank you also for being there to support our officials and riders should they require assistance or advice. We are blessed with an amazing bunch of people and I urge any official or rider that has a question or needs help, to reach out to any member of the Victorian Eventing Committee.
Just like my XC briefings I’ve probably rambled on too long and I can visualise Janet Houghton tapping her watch giving me the ‘virtual’ wind-up, so to everyone in equestrian land (including other disciplines), I wish you the happiest and safest of new years.
Get volunteering people and see you in 2024!
David Permezel
(On behalf of your Victorian Eventing Committee)
Discipline News
JUMPING
JUMPING VICTORIA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
23 JANUARY, 7:30PM
The following positions will be up for election:
CODE OF CONDUCT REMINDER
A friendly reminder from Jumping Victoria to uphold the standards of professionalism and sportsmanship outlined in the Equestrian Australia Code of Conduct. As we approach upcoming competitions, let’s ensure a respectful environment for all participants. Treat fellow competitors and surroundings with kindness and consideration, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Let’s make every equestrian event a showcase of skill, respect, and camaraderie.
EA CODE OF CONDUCT
SALE ELMS WORLD CUP SHOW
Part of the Australian World Cup Jumping series, the World Cup qualifier was held on Saturday 25th November at the Elms Showjumping Championships in Sale.
The event saw Sarah-Louise Mcmillan riding Tyrone, clinch first place in the World Cup qualifier, with Robert Palm on Jaybee Vibrant and Tom McDermott on Cooley Gangster hot on their heels in second and third place.
Well done to Sale & District Showjumping Club for organising a fantastic show and Congratulations to all winners.
WORLD CUP QUALIFIER RESULTS HERE
OTHER CLASS RESULTS HERE
TRANS-TASMAN CHALLENGE: VICTORIA VS SOUTH ISLAND
The Trans-Tasman challenge is an event run by the Equestrian Victoria Youth Jumping Squad and is in its 17th year of running. It was held in conjuction with the 2023 December Monthly Jumping and Vic Youth Jumping Squads at Boneo Park on 9th - 10th December.
The challenge is also a pool horse event, where the host state provides 8 horses. Riders then only have 30 minutes on the flat before the competition to get to know their mounts.
At the end of the two rounds, the Victorian team made up of Mikayla Hogg, Lyla Ferrari, Tori Glass and Hayden Parker, emerged victorious for the first time in at least 6 years! Congratulations to riders and coach, Paul Brent.
The 2024 Trans Tasman Challenge will be held in New Zealand.
2023 EQUESTRIAN VICTORIA YOUTH JUMPING SQUAD
Each year, the best young showjumpers in the state aged 21 and under and given the opportunity to train with the best coaches as part of the Youth Jumping Squad.
At the end of the year, these riders are invited to compete at the end of year show, held at Boneo Park this year, where the best performed riders were crowned.
Congratulations to the following riders:
Tulara Warmbloods 120 - 125: Lucy Borrack & Oscar Boscaiola
Annie White 110 - 115: Tanner Robinson & Vidacious
Glenara Park Stud 100 - 104: Harley McNaughton & Viewmont Apricot
Willow Farm Equine 90 - 95: Rhoebe Rathjen & King Jester
Echo Beach Tourist Park 70 - 75: Olivia Brent & Little Duco Pop
UPCOMING EVENTS
19 - 21 JAN
20 - 21 JAN
26 - 28 JAN
YARRA VALLEY JUMP CLUB
CARAMUT RIDING CLUB SHOWJUMPING FESTIVAL
WORLD WETLANDS JUMPING
2024 JUMPING VICTORIA YOUTH SQUADS
Congratulations to the following riders for being selected
for 2024!
HIGH PERFORMANCE - YOUNG RIDER
Molly Lawrence
Tanner Robinson
Mikayla Hogg
Hudson Craig
Hamish Prime
HIGH PERFORMANCE - JUNIOR
Sienna Holdsworth-Rose
Harley Mcnaughton
Joel Lamb
Lucy Borrack
Darcy Prime
Lyla Ferrari
Alice Lawrence
HIGH PERFORMANCE - CHILDREN
Zara Adnams
Sunday Borrack
DEVELOPMENT 1
Ella Scammell
Maddie Mayne
Alyssa Greening
Ruby Bryant
Caitlyn Duncan
Ava McKee
Holly Grant
DEVELOPMENT 2
Ava Harrington
Malikah Rudge
Rosemary Sutherland
Mila Armstrong
Olivia Weatherhead
Ella Santry
Phoebe Rathjen
Clementine Harvey
Marly Wright
Claudia Grant
Kasey Caldow
Esther Foley
Lachlan Harvey
Sarah Stone
Nakita Willis
Lily Hustwaite
Zoe Cooper
DEVELOPMENT 3
Nellie Tuddenham
Maddison Shippen
Xanthe Wade
Charlie Ross
Olivia Brent
Grace Liepa
Alice Berry
Gracie Gartung
Eliza Baird
Charles Hiscock
Zarah Mealmaker
Scarlett Ramsay
Clementine Thomson
Camille Mason
Chloe Bell
Matilda Mason
Ella Parker
Charlotte Dyson
DEVELOPMENT 4
Beau Cottrell
Mia Rose
Harry Borrack
Matilda March
Ruby Walles
Anna Eastley
Bethany Dyson
Sienna Pullar
Tilly Gapes
Milla Musker
Zara Tiepermann
Rose Coleman
Olivia Sleep
Liam Bothmann
Hudson Parker
Katelyn Puls
River Rothery
Tessa Leen
Ashie Grant
SQUADETTES
Skyla Cox
Skye Starritt
Molly Caldow
Caroline Batters
Elissa Ward
Scarlett Cloke
Mia Bardis
Harrison Bell
Porscha Polkinghorne
Amelia Terrill
Charli Leach
Laeticia Bourke
Pippa Routley
Harriet Thomson
Alice Hogan
Josh Harvey
Isla Mealmaker
Emily Stone
Summer Camilleri
Summer Hustwaite
Charlotte Marden
Alexis Jacques
Abbey Brinkhuis
Mitch Black
Lachy Black
Ollie Bardis
Lotus Rothery
Ava Hammond-Smith
Jack Hustwaite
JANUARY SQUAD TRAINING DAY
15 - 16 JAN
WERRIBEE PARK NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Squad Coaches: Paul Brent, Jamie Murray, Jervaise Prime, Emily Hill and Adam Prime
Link to register for the January squad and uniform orders will be sent to you via email.
Discipline News
SHOW HORSE
OTT, OWNER RIDER AND HOME PRODUCED DECEMBER SHOW
Thank you to all riders, officials, volunteers and supporters for coming to the event despite the inclement weather! Thank you for supporting our final show of the year and look forward to seeing many more of you in 2024.
UPCOMING EVENTS
EV SUMMER SHOW
13 January (Saturday) - Breed rings
14 January (Sunday) - Breed rings and EV rings
Entries now open!
BARASTOC HORSE OF THE YEAR
February 9 - 11, 2024 @ Werribee Park
Late entries will open soon. Please keep an eye on the event’s Facebook page for updates.
UPCOMING MEASURING DAYS
11 JAN
13 - 14 JAN
8 - 10 FEB
Youth Dressage Championships, Boneo (open to all)
EV Summer Show, WPNEC
Barastoc HOTY, WPNEC
Discipline News
INTERSCHOOL
2024 EQUESTRIAN VICTORIA STATE INTERSCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
6th - 10th April 2024
Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre
Save the date! The Provisional Schedule is now available to view on our EV Interschools web page with the full schedule due to be released in January. Entries will open on 1st February through Event Secretary. Keep your eyes peeled on our social media pages for updates and more information.
TRADE VILLAGE
Bookings for the event Trade Village are now open!
After the success and great reception of the Scavenger Hunt at the 2023 Australian Interschool Nationals, the activity will return at our 2024 State Championships. Traders have to option to opt-in on the booking form.
Sponsorship
Your opportunity to be part of Victoria’s leading grassroots event!
The 2024 Victorian Interschool State Championships serves as one of the most significant pathway events for grassroots riders Australia wide, and offers the unique opportunity for riders to compete at a State level event. Fostering camaraderie and collaboration, the event brings equestrian communities from four disciplines together for four fantastic days of competition. The impact of the event spreads wide, with rider's each spending months training and competing to qualify as the best in their State. With spectators, family members and competitors expected to grace Werribee over the four days, it will be a competition not to miss!
By joining as a sponsor, the 2024 Victorian Interschool State Championship competition offers you a unique opportunity to showcase your brand to over 1,500 riders and spectators across the weekend. The competition provides the unique opportunity to target an engaged age bracket of 8-18 years old, with strong consumer spending drive.
This competition relies heavily on our sponsors to ensure that we are delivering the best possible experience for our young riders and spectators. In addition to the sponsorship packages below, we are happy to discuss other opportunities as to how Interschools Nationals can increase your Brand’s reach. If you would like to receive the sponsorship package, please reach out to Judith Li.
James Abernathy
National News
EA SNIPPETS
HOST EOI FOR AUSTRALIA’S MAJOR DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Equestrian Australia is seeking Expressions of Interest to host one or more of the following events:
Applications close Friday 2 February 2024
VALE ELIZABETH BOYLE
We are saddened by the news of the passing of Liz Boyle who will be dearly missed by many in the equestrian community.
We offer our sincere condolences to her family; David, Sally, Michael and Rohan.
Liz played an instrumental role in Australia’s equine industry and we thank her for all her contributions to the sport.
TOM MCDERMOTT WINS 2023 AUSTRALIAN LEAGUE FEI JUMPING WORLD CUP QUALIFYING SERIES
Tom McDermott reigned victorious at the eighth and final leg of the 2023 Australian World Cup Qualifying Series, held at the Sydney Summer Classic Show at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
Tom will now go on to represent Australia at the World Cup Finals in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in April 2024.
Well done Tom and Cooley Gangster!
International News
FEI SNIPPETS
FEI GENERAL ASSEMBLY
FEI delegates gathered in Mexico City in November to discuss proposed modifications to FEI Rules, ideas for optimising the rules revision process, education, sustainability, accessibility and the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.