Expressions of Interest Opened for Oceania Championships 2019, Taupo, New Zealand
Equestrian Australia’s High Performance Program (EA HP) would like to invite all eligible athletes to submit an expression of interest to be considered for the Oceania Championships, to be held in Taupo, New Zealand 10th – 12th May 2019.
Equestrian Australia have committed to sending three teams across the Tasman Sea - two Senior teams and one Young Rider team - with a total of 12 Australian combinations to compete at Taupo in 2019. This will be the largest contingent of Australian athletes to attend the highly anticipated biennial Oceania Championships (previously the Trans-Tasman) to date. The two Senior teams will compete in the CCI4*-L (previously CCI3*) and the Young Rider team will compete in the CCI3*-L (previously CCI2*).
This will be the first time that three Australian and three New Zealand teams will be partaking in the challenge, which is a credit to the hard work and commitment of both nations’ High Performance programmes. This unique opportunity will ensure that all athletes are given the best possible chance to experience the new Olympic format ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
There are a number of key changes that have been implemented for the Olympic format including teams consisting of only three members with no drop score, and the ability to substitute reserve combinations, if required, during competition.
All Australian athletes selected for the teams will make the journey to New Zealand with their own horses following a staging camp, which will take place in NSW in early May.
Joining the selected combinations in camp and at the competition in Taupo will be High Performance team members Nelson Pessoa, Stuart Tinney, Will Enzinger and Sam Lyle. This team of experienced trainers will act as Chef d’Equipes, plus provide the athletes with guidance and coaching support throughout the staging camp, and the event. Exposure to such distinguished coaches offers an exciting opportunity for all selected combinations to further develop their abilities and competition proficiency.
The National Eventing Selectors, Georgia Widdup and Nigel Thompson, with additional support from the Oceania Coaching team, will lead the selection process for the Oceania Championships 2019.
EA’s High Performance Development Director Gina Haddad said; “The Oceania Championships represent a significant component in our preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. This will give our Australian based athletes the rare opportunity to experience the new format under team competition conditions, which will be crucial in our planning ahead of team selection for the Games.
“With the opportunity for two senior teams to participate in the event, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the largest number of Australian based riders are offered the ability to place themselves in the best possible position for potential Olympic selection.”
Riders wishing to submit their expression of interest for the Oceania Championships 2019 can view the selection policy and download the EOI form below. Applications are to be submitted to Michelle Graham [email protected] in writing by 5pm Thursday 7th February 2019.
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