Mike Etherington-Smith to become advisor to Australian Equestrian Team

Acclaimed cross country course designer Mike Etherington-Smith is joining Equestrian Australia’s (EA) Eventing high performance program in an advisory capacity.

Although best known for his course designing, Etherington-Smith’s experience in eventing spans more than 30 years and he is a well-respected figure within the sport, credentialed as a leading official and administrator.

In his role with EA, Etherington-Smith will work closely with existing personnel, lending his knowledge and expertise to Australia’s eventing high performance program as it prepares for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

He will also serve on the eventing High Performance Selection Panel joining Georgia Clifford (Chair), Nigel Thompson and EA’s National Performance Director Prue Barrett on the four member panel.

Etherington-Smith will keep his UK base so that he is able to attend the northern hemisphere selection events leading into Rio. He will also continue with his course designing duties in Australia (at the Sydney International Horse Trials and Australian International Three Day Event) allowing local riders the chance to ride over world class courses.

“We are very pleased to have Mike assisting our eventing program leading into Rio,” said Equestrian Australia High Performance Manager Chris Webb.

 “Mike is no stranger to Australia and he has the respect of our riders having spent many years designing courses here and in the UK. We look forward to working with him on a more regular basis.

“Mike’s knowledge of the sport cannot be understated and his advice will be invaluable to our program as we edge closer to the Olympics in Rio.”

National selection panels for Dressage, Para-Equestrian and Jumping will be announced in the coming weeks, as will the Rio 2016 selection policies for each discipline.

About Mike Etherington-Smith

Mike Etherington-Smith was responsible for the design of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and 2010 Kentucky World Equestrian Games cross country courses. In addition to designing course,s Etherington-Smith has also served as Technical Delegate at major events including the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and he was also Technical Advisor at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen.