Para-Dressage Judge Granted Age Extension by FEI

Sue Cunningham has just been granted an age extension from the FEI for her Para Dressage 5* status.

At 70 years young, Sue is a Judge Educator for judges for Para, Young Horse and able body dressage.  She is also a national A level judge and a Level 2 Coach and a 5* FEI PE judge.  Sue currently runs the education program for NSW and has been a Director of Education for Malaysia for the last 15 years. 

“I find myself simply growing more into the sport as time goes on,” says Sue.

Sue has been involved with Para-Dressage for more than 12 years – “encouraged” to join by both Carolyn Lieutenant and the late Judy Cubitt. 

“Judy, in particular, made my participation in the sport her mission," shares Sue, "It worked, I love it and it’s been quite a journey that continues, thanks to the extension that’s been granted by the FEI PE Technical Committee.”

For Sue, Para judging has introduced her to a group of people for whom the word “can’t” doesn’t exist.

“I feel buoyed up by their zest for life and their total commitment to their horses and their country,” she explains.

“The highlight of my career has to be last year’s judging at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon.  I was chosen to be the travelling reserve judge and felt very smug about this as it meant all the perks and none of the responsibility,” recalls Sue.

Then, ten weeks out from the start of WEG, the FEI informed Sue that she actually was going to be judging, and the roller coaster ride began. Uniforms, security, travel arrangements, meet and greet the other ground jury members and then on to do battle with the hurricane that was still in full swing when they tried to land in Charlotte. 

“[It was] so exciting to be in that big arena with the fanfare, the riders, the flags and high pressure.  A wonderful experience, exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time,” says Sue, reflecting on her time at Tryon.

Sue at WEG, Tryon 2018

The turning point towards dressage in Sue’s riding career, from previously hacking and hunting, came when she was watching Reiner Klimke and Anna Greta Jensen at the 1984 LA Games.

She came home saying, "That’s for me, I want that wonderful communication with my horse.”

Making it right up to Prix St Georges, Sue’s thoroughly enjoyed her riding. Sue's passion for the horse is apparent, “Like everyone, I’m sure, involved with dressage, the love of our horses binds us all.” 

Now, although she no longer owns a horse or rides very much, judging has taken over.

Sue has been invited to international competitions in Italy, UK, Japan, Doha, NZ, USA, Germany (and even Tasmania). She has enjoyed the hospitality offered by each and been made to feel incredibly welcome while judging riders around the world.

On the news of her recent extension, “I think my husband would have preferred the FEI to say that I had to retire,” shares Sue.

“He is totally supportive and very long-suffering when it comes to horses and judging.  So, on we go for another year and then the FEI will introduce some competency testing for those of us with too much grey hair.  I feel like I have more to give but the FEI will decide.”