Equestrian Australia High Performance Weekly Update – 12th October, 2020

With the world still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen little change regarding the lifting of travel restrictions both in Australia and across the globe. However, FEI competition continues to take place overseas whilst adhering to strict social distancing protocols and procedures. National level competition has gained significant momentum in Australia with some States able to stage competitions in line with their relevant government guidelines. Optimistically, we look ahead with great anticipation to the recommencement of FEI competition in Australia this coming weekend with Equestriad at Camden, NSW who will be running CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S classes, the first FEI event to take place domestically since lockdown.

October is ‘Mental Health Month’ and we will be joining the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in promoting good mental health and wellbeing. To celebrate Mental Health Month the AIS will be hosting a range of online sessions focussing on dealing with adversity and practical strategies to enhance self-care. The AIS welcomes everyone to attend these sessions with some of our High Performance Squad Riders already taking part in the first session, which was hosted last week. If you are interested in attending one of the online sessions you can register your interest by clicking here.

Our High Performance Para-Equestrian Program continues to develop and support our current cycle athletes as well as our upcoming riders. The program has been utilising various digital resources in order to remain connected and engaged with our High Performance Squad riders during this time of social distancing, and despite the uncertainty of the current circumstances our riders have met each development with determination and resilience, remaining firmly focussed on their Tokyo 2020 goals. Due to the current climate and the need to strictly adhere to social distancing this year’s National High Performance Para-Equestrian Camp will take place virtually rather than in person, and will be conducted on the 14^th and 15^th of November. 

For the first time ever the National High Performance Para-Equestrian Camp will be open to all those athletes wishing to attend, not just High Performance Squad athletes. This includes both classified and non-classified riders. The new initiative has been adopted in an effort to offer potential high performance athletes exposure to the EA High Performance Program environment, and to afford them an opportunity to understand and experience the careful strategy and planning that surrounds our performance outcomes. The Camp will offer a range of presentations hosted by industry leaders including sessions focusing on competing internationally, FEI rules, the fundamentals of a Gold Medal Test and veterinary requirements. Further details and a link to register for the Camp will be made available shortly for those interested in participating. 

In addition the National Para-Equestrian Riders Meeting will also take place virtually this year due to complications created by Covid-19 and will be held on 20^th of November, hosted by the current Riders’ Representative, Paralympian Sharon Jarvis. This is an opportunity for all Australian Para-equestrian athletes across the globe to come together to discuss important issues facing the sport and the direction and growth of Para-equestrian within Australia. Again, all athletes both classified and non-classified are invited to attend although voting will be limited to classified athletes only. Should you wish to sign up for the National Para-Equestrian Riders Meeting you can do so by clicking here. 

Throughout these uncertain times we have maintained open and ongoing communication with the FEI, Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Paralympics Australia (PA) and the AIS to ensure we remain informed and in a position to update our athletes and stakeholders of any new developments as they occur. In addition our High Performance staff continue to work closely with the AOC and PA within their relevant departments as part of our Tokyo 2020 preparations. We also continue to evolve our strategic and operational plans for the postponed Games ensuring the health and safety of our athletes, horses and support staff is not compromised in the pursuit of podium performance.

As always the health and safety of our people and horses remain our highest priority as we work together as a united high-performance community to navigate these unprecedented times.  

We thank you all for your understanding and continued support and please feel free to contact the High Performance team directly if you have any questions or queries.