AR
UND
the stables
Official News from Equestrian Victoria
November 2023
Membership Matters
From the CEO
As we unveil the November edition of "Around The Stables", we celebrate the successful completion of the 2023 Marcos Oldham Australian Interschool Championships. This spectacular event left everyone in the most 'up' of vibes at the experiences, friends and memories made.
Thanks to the unwavering support of our wonderful sponsors and the tireless efforts of a dedicated, hard-working committee and team, this event stood out in one vital aspect - SMILES. From volunteers, riders, team managers, committees, staff, sponsors, and even the incredible pole-picker-upperers, everyone worked their butts off to ensure the event's resounding success, all while having a fantastic time doing so.
As you glanced around the event, smiles were everywhere, reflecting the happiness - whether it was the intense competition in the arena, the creative performances, or the shared laughter at the dog jump, the atmosphere was just infectious.
Of course, as usual in our world, there's even more to come:
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is on the horizon, Wednesday, 15 November, where we come together to reflect on the past Financial year and look to the future. Make sure you register to attend online.
The Annual Report has been completed and published, offering valuable insights into our achievements and aspirations.
READ FINANCIAL REPORT
Get ready to mark your calendars for the Dressage Festival in December, our next major event that promises to dazzle and captivate. In the meantime, make sure you get entries in for the OTT (Off-the-Track) Owner Rider December Show on 2 December at Werribee Park, a delightful lead into a Spring/Summer of some of our most popular events.
Until next issue, safe riding ...
Membership Matters
ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
Please mark your calendars and save the date for our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM)!
📢 Date: Wednesday, 15 November
🕒 Time: 7:30 pm
📍 Location: Online via Teams
Whether you're a long-standing member or a new addition to our community, your input matters, and the AGM is a fantastic chance to be involved in shaping our future. We'll discuss key achievements and plans, plus elect new members to the Board.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEET THE NOMINEES
STUART ARCHIBALD
Stuart is a 31 year old Dressage rider from Pearcedale. He has been active in all disciplines in Victoria’s Equestrian scene from a young age.
On top of his commitments at ACE Equine stables, Stuart works full-time at the Commonwealth Bank in Commercial Banking as a Relationship Executive. His job involves looking after a spectrum of business groups with up to a $30mil net turnover or $10mil in commercial leading exposure in two areas: Extensive Financial Review and Direct Customer Liaison.
Stuart believes his dual involvement with both Commercial Banking and Equestrian places him in an ideal position to continue his current role on the board of Equestrian Victoria. Being young and an active competitor, he has the capability of being a great role model for younger riders whilst ensuring at the top level that governance and strategic planning are kept current and relevant.
TIMOTHY CLARKE
Timothy is Equestrian Victoria’s current chair and has previously been on the board for 3 years.
He has been a member of Equestrian Victoria and Equestrian Australia for 30 years and always been heavily involved in the Show Jumping discipline.
Outside of horses, Timothy is an experienced chartered accountant and is the Principal at Sinclair Wilson Accountants.
CHRISTOPHER MANN
Christopher Mann is a current member of the Equestrian Victoria Coaching Committee and has been a Level 2 General Coach for many years. He has previously sat on the Equestrian Australia National Coaching Committee and held positions of vice-president and treasurer in other equestrian groups.
Chris runs his own business and has recently completed ‘the Starter Sport Governance Foundations’ course, which makes him a well rounded candidate.
Chris has a passionate attitude and aims to promote improvements through positive change and good processes to ensure the development and sustainability of the sport.
Presenting our Annual Report
At the heart of everything we do lies our shared love for the horse. Whether it's the thrill of competition, the art of breeding, the sheer joy of riding for pleasure, or simply the bond we share with these magnificent creatures, our equine companions unite us all. For us, the horse is not just an interest but a passion that ignites our spirits and binds us as a community.
We firmly believe that every stride towards improving our sport is a stride in the right direction for the welfare of our beloved horses. We invite you to delve into our report and witness the achievements, and dedication that define our collective pursuit.
Together, we continue to make strides in the name of our equine companions and their well-being.
READ ONLINE
GET ACTIVE KIDS
The Get Active Kids Voucher Program is open! Get in quick as applications for a voucher will close when the allocation has been exhausted. Victorian families with a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card can apply for up to $200 to support their child’s sport and active recreation activities, with Equestrian Victoria registered as an eligible provider.
Apply now at www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers to have your voucher emailed to you. Then, email us your voucher when you are joining EV and we will take up to $200 off the registration and membership fee.
Tip: Be sure to select us as your Activity Provider. We are listed as Equestrian Victoria and our Get Active Kids Voucher Program number is 3328809
If you have already paid for your child’s activity, you can apply for a reimbursement. You can only apply for either one voucher or a reimbursement for each child in Round 7.
Special consideration applies for children residing in care services as well as temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants or international students.
To find out if you are eligible, how to apply, what costs are covered and more, visit the GET ACTIVE website.
Coaching
PROGRESSIVE ASSESSMENT DAY
22 November @ WPNEC
This event is for members/coaches who are ready and would like to have their assessment slips signed off.
Available for Introductory, Level 1 and Level 2 Riding, Horse Management and Coaching.
Bookings will close on the 13th of November
Contact Judith Li for more information.
New look
launching soon!
Applications Opening Soon!
The EV Young Ambassador Program has gone through some major changes to better support our finalists and future ambassadors.
In addition to mentorship opportunities, the program aims to facilitate the development of emerging leaders in our sport by providing access to opportunities designed to foster the growth of leadership and collaborative capabilities.
Stay tuned for more information!
Event Spotlight
2023 Marcus Oldham
Australian Interschool
Championships
This year, we played host to the Australian Interschool Championships at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre. This premier event, proudly supported by naming rights sponsor, Marcus Oldham College, saw close to 2000 people made up of nearly 500 competitors, their family, friends and spectators. Not to mention, the 600 horses who also arrived on site.
But it wasn’t all just head-to-head combat between the states in the rings. The team at EV made sure riders were well looked after and had respite from the pressures of competition in our Riders Retreat. Encouraging riders to foster new connections and friendships was also key to the organisers, which was where activities such as the Welcome BBQ, scavenger hunt and karaoke night came into play.
It was a busy five days of competition (29 Sept to 3 Oct) with classes running at every corner you turned. The grounds were bustling with excitement and a good showcase of talent, sportsmanship and camaraderie. It is safe to say that the event achieved its goal of bringing driven young riders in the equestrian sport together from all over the country, whilst providing a good launching platform for those wanting to take their passion to the next level.
The event was a great success and will be one to remember for many and ultimately inspire the next generation of riders. Thank you to the amazing Organising Committee and our army of volunteers. We look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces at the ISV State Championships this coming April!
James Abernathy
CONGRATULATIONS
Harry Le Bherz Perpetual Trophy:
VICTORIA
Teamwork Trophy Champions:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Tammy Rhodes Dressage Trophy:
FELICITY SUTHERLAND & ESTEE (VIC)
Closest to Ideal Time Eventing Trophy:
KENNY WALCH & ELIVA CORDUROY (TAS)
Combined Training Trophy:
TAHLIA PURSELL & GRETEL ELMARE (VIC)
Finch Farms Show Jumping Trophy:
ZARA ADNAMS & DINGMAC DISCO KING (VIC)
Show Rider Trophy:
IMOGEN FREEMAN & MT FLIRT (WA)
Sportsmanship Prize:
NORTHERN TERRTORY
Scavenger Hunt Winners:
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Pas De Deux:
ALICIA DYKE & MORGAN LYALL (QLD)
OUR SPONSORS
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
OFF THE TRACK
Equestrian Victorian is proud to announce the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Racing Victoria’s Off The Track program for the 2023-24 season.
Read more about the awards and prize money on offer for OTTs in all disciplines including new awards for Elementary and Novice dressage, a new showjumping height class, subsidised entries for the upcoming Owner Rider Show and an OTT exclusive 1* class at MI3DE!
READ MORE
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.
RECENT OTT EVENT RESULTS
Congratulations
Equissage Victorian AOR Championships
Preliminary Champion
Reserve Champion
Novice Champion
\Reserve Champion
Rosalie Evans & HRH Harry
David Abela & Clinton
Jessica Morrison & Afterlife
Amber Pope & Cool as Hel
Friends of Werribee
EvA95
CCN1*S
CCN2*S
CCN3*S
Kylah Brewer & Princess Keikilani
Alana Park & Bundylicious
Audrey Nicolai & Spook Attack
Molly Lines & Liquid Courage
Westernport DC
Preliminary
Novice
Elementary
Amy Day & Northwest Passage
Linda Gray & Dashing Harmony
Mariah Kaminski & Linton Street
EV Spring International Horse Trials
Ev65
Ev80
Ev80
Ev95
CCN1*S
CCI2*S
CCI3*S
Noah Goodwin & Good Deed
Courtney Thompson & River Tavi
Maddi Kitto & Mula
Julie Baramucci & Epic Deal
Will Enzinger & Inaminny
Audrey Nicolai & Spook Attack
Luke Jones & Spirit
Shirley Heights National Horse Trials
EvA65
EvA80
EvA95
CCN1*S
CCI2.5*S
Keyarra-Lee Smith & Lady Eleanor
Ellie Amis & Loves Me Not
Jess Hazelwood & Militarist
Lilah Potter & Rawnaq
Teegan Ashby & Dragon Flame
Maddi Kitto & Mula
photo supplied by Spring Horse Trials
Molly Lines & Liquid Courage
Photo supplied by Friends of Werribee
Amy Day & Northwest Passage
photo supplied by Westernport DC
Jessica Morrison & Amber Pope
photo supplied by Vic AOR Group
Audrey Nicolai & Spook Attack
photo supplied by Spring Horse Trials
UPCOMING OTT EVENTS
Dressage
18 Nov
18-19 Nov
25 Nov
26 Nov
Carlton Performance Horses
Wimmera Equestrian Club
Whittlesea Plenty Valley DC
Victorian Dressage Club
Show Jumping
18 Nov
1 Dec
NVSJC Spring Championship Show
Yarra Valley Jump Club December Show
Eventing
4 Nov
18 Nov
26 Nov
2 Dec
Avenal HT
Candlebark HT
Mansfield HT
Tooradin HT
Show Horse
2 Dec
Equestrian Victoria Owner Rider Show
Discipline News
DRESSAGE
EQUISSAGE VICTORIAN AOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
A successful event was held at Boneo Park on the 9th and 10th of September. Despite the sudden cold snap resulting in a very wet and windy Saturday morning, we were thrilled to still see so many riders and horses brave the inclement weather and put on some amazing performances.
Showcasing only adult riders who do not work professionally in the equestrian sport industry, this event captures a wonderful niche, where a collective group of owners gather together to showcase how far they have come with their horses in their training. A grand effort to those who have successfully trained their horses up to FEI level.
Furthermore, the organising committee would like to thank the following companies and individuals for their generous sponsorship of the various classes, championships and prizes.
The AOR Awards Night was also held on the weekend where the winners of the 2022-2023 Leaderboard were celebrated. The overall AOR Leaderboard winner was Cassandra Fasan Jones riding Kyandra Undercover.
The weekend would not have been possible without the contributions of the event’s amazing sponsors. This year, we were delighted to have Equissage as our naming rights sponsor and Lauren Wilson on the ground promoting the importance of keeping our horses comfortable and happy through the use of their products.
Thank you
Thanks is also due to the amazing volunteers. Without you, our events would not be able to run. And to all riders, we applaud you for your dedication. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year and hopefully more new faces!
Full results can be found on Event Secretary as well as on our Facebook page.
Equisoul Photography
2023 Dressage Victoria Performance Medals
For details and the full list of conditions, please head to the Dressage Performance Medals page on the Equestrian Victoria website.
Dressage Victoria awards Performance Medals for any athletes who obtain the following performances in the current year. The period is from 1st December 2022 to 30th November 2023, with presentations to be made at the 2023 Victorian Dressage Festival.
In order to be eligible for an award, a combination must have achieved a minimum of three percentages in one level in Official Competitive tests between the 1st December 2022 and the 30th November 2023, and must meet or exceed the criteria laid out in the table below.
SAVE
2024 DRESSAGE VICTORIA YOUNG RIDER SQUAD
2 & 3 MARCH 2024
25 & 26 MAY 2024
13 & 14 JULY 2024
Discipline News
Eventing
EVENTING VICTORIA
SPRING INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS
by Janet Houghton
Spring Horse Trials took place on Sept 8th-10th with the Friday throwing up some very challenging weather by way of 90km winds which made anchoring the show jumps down very tricky and had the dressage horses on their toes. Thankfully Saturday and Sunday provided clear and calmer conditions.
With 500 entries ranging from Ev65 to CCI4* the Eventing Committee and a great group of Officials and Volunteers were kept busy. Werribee Park looked a treat with 4mls of rain on the Wednesday evening and some aggravating from the cross country team, conditions were great for the first FEI competition of the Spring season.
Winner of the BetaVet CCI4*-S, David Middleton on WEC in the Breeze.
Congratulations to all our winners and well done to everyone who braved the tumultuous weather on the first day! A massive thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors for your contributions to this event.
Natalie Davies riding Camilla Elmare took home the win in the Wyndham Accident Repair Centre CCI2*-S
Andrea Dunn
Luke Jones and Spirit (OTT) jumped to victory in the Pryde’s EasiFeed CCI3*-S
Our Sponsors
Tribe Equestrian
Horseland
OTT
South Gippsland Conveyancing
Schroeder Consulting
Stonesthrow Equestrian Centre
Castlefin Equestrian
Flyveils by Design
Tusk Group
Southern Stars Saddlery
Hayfields Racing
Kelato
Duncan Equine
BetaVet
Pryde’s EasiFeed
Wyndham Accident Repair Centre
an evening with CHRIStopher BARTLE
Eventing Victoria in conjunction with Pryde’s EasiFeed are excited to be bringing Christopher Bartle to Victoria. The current coach of very successful British Eventing Team began his riding career in Dressage. Among his many achievements in that Discipline, he placed 6th at the Los Angeles Olympics and 2nd in the Nashua Dressage World Cup. After taking up an Eventing his wins include team gold at the 1997 European Championships and winning Badminton Horse Trials in 1998.
As a modern day coach, he has taken firstly German Eventing Team and now Team Britain to the top of the World podium.
Enquiries contact Janet Houghton 0419 003 068
CLINIC SPECTATOR
On Sunday (Dressage), Monday (Jumping) and Tuesday (cross country) Christopher will be working with the Victorian Eventing Squad National and State listed riders.
SPECTATOR TICKETS
MASTERCLASS
On November 18th we will host an Evening with Christopher at Werribee Park.
6pm-7pm:
Christopher will work with three dressage combinations covering the young horse through to Grand Prix.
7.30pm-8.30pm:
Jumping training from 80cm - 4*
Discipline News
JUMPING
2023 Arilla Cup winner, Tori Stuckey riding Jaybee Ballon D’or.
Stable Ground Mini Prix winner, Robert Palm riding Halcyons Dark Knight.
ARILLA CUP 2023
Junior Championship winner, Sienna Holdsworth-Rose riding Coolart Farm Short torque
Fleming’s Nurseries Young Rider Championship winner, Jack Barker riding Tulara Colchic
Equisoul Photography
UPCOMING EVENTS
Save the Date
4 Nov
11 Nov
18 Nov
18 Nov
24 - 26 Nov
Boneo Monthly Jumping
Dandenong Show
NVSJC Jumping State Titles
Wimmera Equestrian Club Country Classic
Sale Elms World Cup
Jumping Victoria would like to invite you to join the celebrations at the Showjumpers Ball on 25th May 2024!
Mark your calendars and keep your eyes peeled on our social
platforms for more details to come.
Discipline News
SHOW HORSE
EVENTS
SHOW HORSE NATIONALS
Our Victorian team are finalising preparations for the upcoming Show Horse Nationals, hosted in NSW at the end of the month. All the best to riders!
OTT, OWNER RIDER AND HOME PRODUCED
DECEMBER SHOW
December 2, 2023 @ Werribee Park
EV SUMMER SHOW
January 13 - 14 ,2024 @ Werribee Park
The schedule is set to be released soon. Keep an eye out on the Event Website for further updates.
BARASTOC HORSE OF THE YEAR
February 9 - 11, 2024 @ Werribee Park
Entries opening soon!
Keep an eye on the Event Website and Facbook page. Schedule is now available.
Rider Forum
There will be a Rider Forum held on the 9th of December (location TBC) where riders will be able to discuss potential clinic dates for 2024 and provide feedback on events.
MEASURING DATES
December 1-2, 2023
Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre
Bookings open: 5th November
Closing date: 24th November
BOOK NOW
December 8, 2023 (Dressage Festival)
Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre
Bookings open: 10th November
Closing date: 23rd November
BOOK NOW
SHOW HORSE VICTORIA
SHOW HORSE JUDGE SEMINAR
Presented by Kerry Patchett, Greg Gerry & others
Wednesday, 6 December
Show Horse Victoria will be running an online Show Horse Judge Seminar that will be open to financial members of EA who are interested in becoming an EA Show Horse Judge, upgrading, or maintaining your current accreditation.
BOOK NOW
Discipline News
INTERSCHOOL
CELEBRATING OUR VICTORIAN AUSTRALIAN INTERSCHOOL CHAMPIONS
Dressage
Small Tour: Felicity Sutherland & Estee
Advanced: Rosemary Heagney & Redgum James 007
Elementary: Jazi French & Urodel Du Texier
Novice (Senior): Pip Crawford & Spyderman SW
Novice (Intermediate): Rosemary Heagney & Sancho RW
Show Jumping
90cm (Senior): Chloe A’Herne & Jardine Countdown
100cm (Intermediate): Zara Adnams & Dingmac Disco King
Eventing
EvA80: Tayla Anderson & Le Vale East Wind
Combined Training
CT EvA60: Georgie Constable & Highland Dancer
CT EvA95: Tahlia Pursell & Gretel Elmare
CT EvA105: Jazi French & Urodel Du Texier
Show Horse
Show Horse (Intermediate): Amelia Petrie & Pemberley Whisper
Show Horse (Primary): Eliza Abrahams & Davron Park Armani Code
Year 12 Riders
We would like to recognise and extend our congratulations to our Year 12 riders and thank you all for being part of the Victorian Interschools team for many years. We wish you all the best and hope to see you around!
Darcy Macaulay
Tahlia Pursell
Keeley Sutton
Jazi French
Kiera McNally
Alice Davies
Pip Crawford
Kylah Brewer
Bella Plumridge
Caitlin Griffiths
Nic Grant
Sophie Hoskins
Zoe Warner
Elizabeth Justin
Olivia Pihan
National News
EA SNIPPETS
NEW EA NATIONAL PASSPORTS WITH LIFETIME VALIDITY
EA National Passports issued from the 2nd of October will now have lifetime validity. Owners who currently have passports with an expiry date may opt to wait until the date of expiration to renew or upgrade for a fee.
2023 AUSTRALIAN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
This year, Boneo Park played host to the Stable Ground Australian Dressage Championships, showcasing some of Australia’s finest dressage and para dressage talent under the watchful eye of top local and international judges. The event saw many riders acquiring Personal Best scores and those with their sights set on Paris 2024 earning qualifying scores.
EA 2023 PERFORMANCE GOLD MEDAL AWARDS
The Equestrian Australia Dressage Committee (EADC) announced and awarded the recipients of the Performance Gold Medals. These are given to rider and horse/pony combinations who have achieved outstanding results over the qualifying 12 month period. We are proud to see a number of Victorian riders on the list! Congratulations to all riders!
ANDREW BARNETT APPOINTED AS NEW PERFORMANCE PATHWAYS COORDINATOR
Equestrian Australia welcomes Andrew Barnett to the EA High Performance Pathway program. Andrew is a Level 2 Eventing and Jumping Coach, Coach Educator and HP Competitive Edge Coach. He also managed an Eventing stable with his partner. Andrew will be tasked with implementing the Eventing Pathways Program.
National News
EA SNIPPETS
EQUESTRIAN AUSTRALIA BOARD ELECTIONS
Equestrian Australia would like to extend their thanks to Mark Bradley, Stephanie Lyons and Elizabeth Owens, who ended their term at the Annual General Meeting held on 9th October.
EA would now like to welcome Christie Freeman as the new Chair and Rhett Oliver as an elected Director.
AUSSIES IN TOP 10 AT EVENTING YOUNG HORSE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
One of the biggest championships for young Eventing horses, the 2023 FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championship for Young Horses saw two Australians finishing in the top 10 in the 6yo division.
In a field of 46, Isabel English and Cil Dara Bombay S (Australian Warmblood by Balou du Rouet x Cil Dara Duchess by Diarado) finished 5th while compatriot, Kevin McNab and Wilfred Lancer (Anglo European by Tangelo Van De Zuut (Otangelo) x Evian De Hus by Conrad) finished 7th.
Congratulations to riders, owners and breeders on their achievements.
International News
FEI SNIPPETS
AUSSIES TAKE SECOND IN FIERCE BATTLE IN BARCELONA
It was down to the wire for Australian riders, Chris Burton, Hilary Scott and Jamie Kermond in the race for the Challenge Cup at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.
Given there were only three to the team with little experience in the recent lead up to the competition, they certainly gave the Dutch riders a run for their money.
Congratulations to all involved!