Para-Equestrian Pathways Panel

In an effort to keep Australia at the forefront of Para-Equestrian sport, the Equestrian Australia (EA) board has initiated the formation of a Para-Equestrian Pathways Panel.

Consisting of key stakeholders and some of the leading contributors to the sport in Australia, the Para-Equestrian Pathways Panel will draw upon the expertise of panel members to develop a long-term strategy that can offer Australia the best chance of ongoing success internationally.

“Australia enjoys a rich Para-Equestrian history and continued success at the highest level requires a clear plan and long term vision for the sport,” said Equestrian Australia, Chair Judy Fasher.   

“We are lucky to have a number of the world’s leading contributors to Para-Equestrian right here in Australia and we are privileged to have their support through this Pathways Panel. It is through their guidance that Equestrian Australia High Performance can take Para-Equestrian to the next level.”

Chair of the Advisory Panel, Sue Cunningham is an FEI4* Para-Equestrian Judge and FEI Technical Delegate as well as a member of the FEI’s Para-Equestrian Technical Committee. She said the panel would be taking a holistic approach. 

“As well as identifying strategies for the future development of our athletes, we need to support succession planning of our Judges, Technical Delegates and Stewards. The future success of the sport in Australia hinges on providing more competition opportunities and in order for this to be achieved we need to have the support of officials,” said Mrs Cunningham. 

“The purpose of this panel is to look at the sport at all levels and how we can increase the number of participants. We need to look at where the participants eventuate and build a pathway so that we don’t lose them.

“We also want to open up communication. Para-Equestrian is a bit of a mystery to some people, so we want to engage with all participating stakeholders – they need to know that opportunities exists for people who currently haven’t been identified as potential Para-Equestrian riders.

“The panel will focus on the pathways for future Para-Equestrian athletes. We need to keep identifying talented athletes and training them but we have a responsibility to keep the riders who may not make it to a squad proud of what they are doing as a participant.

“At a national level we want to create more exposure and more interest. Make it something that riders can aspire to,” she said.