Veronica and Greg Steward - Para Dressage Stewards

Equestrian Australia caught up with Veronica and Greg Steward who have arrived in Paris this week, ready and eager for their roles as technical officials (stewards). 

When asked about how the opportunity arose to officiate at the upcoming Paralympics, Veronica says, “we were invited to steward at Paris by Juliet Whately the Para-Dressage Chief Steward General for the FEI. We have worked with her previously and regularly at Hartpury UK, where she is the Chief Steward. It is very much a privilege to be invited and a wonderful opportunity to work with the most experienced officials in the world. It is a great team that we are working with. It is also a great opportunity to assist the best riders and teams in the world perform at their best.”

Veronica and Greg will both be Para Dressage Stewards for the event and this primarily involves ensuring that priority is given to horse welfare, including stabling, exercising, and tack checking and also involves helping in general and answering questions as required. Veronica added that they will “also be ensuring that everyone is treated equally and that they compete on a level playing field”.

Veronica and Greg are “looking forward to working as a team and helping the athletes and horses perform to their best.”

When not officiating overseas, Veronica and Greg have roles as FEI Stewards in multiple disciplines. Veronica is also an A Level Judge, Para-Dressage Judge and FEI Eventing judge. Veronica says, “we are lucky to be invited to lots of major events in various states, so we get to work with a variety of great people and athletes. Everyone works together as a team for the good of the sport. No matter what discipline, the common objective is to provide the best experience possible for athletes, horses and their team.”

We thank Veronica and Greg for their service to our sport and wish them both the very best for their time in Paris - we are sure it will be an experience to treasure for many years to come.