CEO Update - May 2024

I hope this report finds you well. As we approach the exciting milestones of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, I want to take a moment to update you on recent successes of our athletes competing at home and overseas on the path to Paris. 

May has been an exciting month for our competitors, with notable events both nationally and internationally across all disciplines.

National highlights include the Sydney CDI which brought together some of the finest Dressage riders from around the country as well as from New Zealand. The event was a resounding success, with congratulations going to New Zealander Wendi Williamson with Don Vito MH who took the win in the all-important Grand Prix to finish just ahead of Aussie David McKinnon and Forlan.

Last week, the Inaugural Australasian Regional Endurance Championships took place in country Queensland, and kicked off with four teams - New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan and Australia, as well as individuals from Singapore, taking to the stunning countryside around Inglewood for the 100km ride. Congratulations to Team Australia, Catherine Bailey and Bullio Charlotte, Eadie McWilliam and Harry Who te, Sarah Parker and Cooroora Allyjahand Emma Ireland and Kurrajong Aces who successfully completed the ride in the shortest combined time.

Coming up nationally we have the Melbourne 3DE which will be the final opportunity for Australian based Eventing combinations to impress selectors, with the event hosting a special CCN4*S class for combinations who are long listed for the Paris Games. This annual event is also a great opportunity for up and coming combinations to continue to hone their skills.

Overseas, our showjumpers have competed in Nations Cup events in Kronenberg (NED) and Rome (ITA) putting in very solid performances at these very closely fought competitions, finishing in 9^th place in both. 

Congratulations also to Boyd Exell who took out the win at Royal Windsor Horse Show at the beginning of May. The CAIO4* World Cup Qualifier saw Boyd’s four-in-hand team deliver a thrilling performance to secure our Aussie champion his thirteenth win at this event.

A couple of our young athletes have been invited by the FEI to compete at CHIO Aachen in July. In Vaulting, Ginger Kennett will compete in the CVI Individual Females. Ginger is currently ranked 10^th in the FEI Vaulting World Cup Standings and will be heading to Europe in the next few weeks. In Dressage, Kate Kyros, has been invited to compete in the CDIY with and Intro K as one of 12 invited athletes. Kate and Intro K are currently ranked 8th in the FEI Dressage World Youth Ranking, whilst on her other horse Chemistry, Kate is ranked 7th. 

With less than 8 weeks remaining until the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and 3 months until the Paralympic Games, our athletes are in the final stages of their preparation and have been working tirelessly to secure a spot in the national team. The selection process is rigorous, and I am confident that we will be well-represented. 

As we eagerly await the announcement of our teams for the Paris Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, let us continue to support and encourage our athletes in their final stages of preparation. Together, we can continue to create a legacy of excellence for Australian equestrian sport.

We also celebrated National Volunteer Week in May to recognise the time, passion, commitment and expertise that volunteers give to equestrian sport right around Australia and I want to extend my personal thanks to all our volunteers for their unwavering support.

I wish you all a great month ahead, spending time with your horses and having fun doing the things you love in the sport. Enjoy!