IMAGE: EQUINE IMAGES VICTORIA

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.

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!

PSI Dressage & Jumping

with the Stars

PSI Dressage & Jumping

with the Stars

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.

• Claim ownership of your thoroughbred
• Access Off The Track Program sponsored events, competitions and clinics
• Access Racing Victoria’s post-racing programs and network of Acknowledged Retainers
• Register as a thoroughbred’s emergency contact as part of the Full Circle Program
• Explore educational hints and tips to best support your Off The Track thoroughbred
• Enjoy the latest Off The Track news and videos

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

Jumping

Eventing

RECENT OTT EVENT RESULTS

Congratulations

victorian dressage club

whittlesea plenty valley dc

wimmera equestrian club country classic

NORTHERN HORSE PARK LAKES AND CRATERS INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS

2023 OTT, OWNER RIDER & HOME PRODUCED DECEMBER SHOW

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

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.

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:

• High Performance Representative
• Riders Representative
• Young Riders Representative
• General Representatives
  

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.

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.

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

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!

UPCOMING MEASURING DAYS

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.

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:

• 2025 Australian Young Horse & Young Pony Championships
• 2025 Australian Youth Dressage Championships
• 2025 Australian Amateur Owner Rider Championships
• 2024/25 Pacific League World Cup Dressage Final

Applications close Friday 2 February 2024

READ MORE ON EA WEBSITE

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.

READ MORE ON EA WEBSITE

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!

READ MORE ON EA WEBSITE

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.

READ MORE HERE

SUMMARY OF DECISIONS

Equestrian Victoria acknowledges the Traditional Owners of all lands on which we do business and we pay out respects to their Elders, past, present and future.

We acknowledge the important contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make in creating a strong and vibrant society.