New Para-Equestrian High Performance Manager Appointed

Equestrian Australia (EA) High Performance has appointed the highly credentialed Erik MacKechnie to the position of Para-Equestrian High Performance Manager.

Erik boasts significant experience in the technical leadership of High Performance Para-Equestrian at the highest level including preparation of athletes for championships and the Paralympic Games. 

The Scotsman is based in the UK and will travel regularly to Australia to lead the High Performance program and its athletes on the quest towards winning medals at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Erik will work closely with riders, coaches, horses and relevant support networks in preparation for their journey to Tokyo 2020.

“After a global search we are very excited to welcome the calibre of Erik to Equestrian High Performance in Australia,” said EA High Performance Sports Director Chris Webb.

Erik will commence the role this month and will visit Australia during the coming weeks. 

"It is a great privilege and honour to be working with Equestrian Australia in leading its High Performance Para-Equestrian team,” said Erik.

“Having worked with British Para athletes for nearly twenty years it is going to be an exciting time ahead and I look forward to bringing my experience to create a winning environment for Australian athletes.”

“Australia has some very talented combinations and my immediate plan is to create an environment in which they can excel and optimise their chances of podium success at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020.”

“Owners, specialist practitioners, grooms and home teams are crucial in a creating a winning team and I look forward developing ways in which we can work together to optimise our medal success. Looking beyond, we will be aiming to develop talent and training pathways for both horse and rider ensuring we can compete on the world stage at Tokyo and then beyond," he said.