Dear Members, as we celebrate another exciting month in the EA community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Boyd Exell on his remarkable achievement securing his 11th FEI Driving World Cup title. This not only highlights his exceptional talent and dedication but also serves as an inspiration to all of us. I would also like to commend Dressage athlete Kate Kyros who is sitting on the top of the FEI Dressage Junior Rankings as of the end of January.
I urge all members to take note of the updated Sensory and Protective Hairs FEI rules, which are essential for the welfare of our equine partners.
I hope you enjoy the content in this newsletter. Let’s continue to support each other and continue to enjoy our horses and our sport.
Sam Jones – CEO
Sensory and Protective Hairs
Since July 2022 the clipping/shaving or otherwise modifying sensory hairs (whiskers) has been prohibited unless for veterinary reasons. From January 2025 a similar prohibition applies to removing or shortening the hair within the rims of the auricle.
Coach of the Month
Karen Spice
Equestrian Australia is delighted to announce Western Australian coach Karen Spice as our Coach of the Month for January 2025.
FEI Registrations: Reminder
As we are well underway with the new year of competition, please ensure that your FEI registrations have been renewed and that all your horse documents are up to date.
DRESSAGE
Dressage Championships 2026 EOI
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are invited from Dressage event organisers to apply to host one or more Australia’s Major Dressage Championship Events in 2026
DRIVING
Boyd Exell wins 11th World Cup!
History was made last week when Australia’s Boyd Exell won a record-breaking 11th Four-in-Hand FEI Driving World Cup™ in Bordeaux (FRA).
Spotlight on Multi-Discipline Clubs
South Burnett Equestrian Group (SBEG) is an example of a small group of regional horsey people who value horse welfare, safety and skills development over everything else. As a non-discipline specific group, SBEG offers a variety of horse activities.
EVENTING
National Eventing Squads Announced
Equestrian Australia are delighted to announce their 2025 National High Performance Eventing Squads.
JUMPING
Billy Raymont takes out 2024/25 Australian World Cup League
The 2024/25 FEI Jumping World Cup Australian League is now complete and we congratulate Billy Raymont on taking out the series and with his primary World Cup horse, Caprino, taking out the Golden Grand.
PARA DRESSAGE
Para Dressage National Championships 2025 to be held at Boneo Park
The EA Para Dressage Committee can now confirm that the Para Dressage National Championships for 2025 will be held in conjunction with the Boneo Park CPEDI in November.
COACHING
Celebrating WA Coach Anne Battley
Equestrian WA recently advised Equestrian Australia that a much loved and respected member of the state equestrian community was taking a step back from her coaching role.
OFFICIALS
Steward Generals Appointed
EA has finalised the appointments of the Steward Generals for the next term. All appointments will see them in the position until after the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
CES Assessment Reminder
A reminder to all FEI Officials that to officiate at events taking place after 31 March 2025, Officials must have passed the CES Assessment.
Congratulations to the following members on their Official Appointments in January:
Brodie Harrison (VIC) – FEI Eventing Technical Delegate – Level 1
Brodie Harrison (VIC) – FEI Eventing Steward – Level 1
Bruce McVey (NSW) – EA Para Dressage Steward – Level 2
Tracy Barnard (QLD) – EA Dressage Steward – Level 1
Brooke Wilson (NSW) – EA Para Dressage Steward – Level 2
Clinton Rich (VIC) – EA Dressage Judge – D Level
Bayley Thomas (WA) – EA Show Horse Judge – State
Rachel Hirs (VIC) – EA Show Horse Judge – State
Charles Kiehne (NSW) – EA Jumping Course Designer – Preliminary
Bianca Joyce (VIC) – EA Dressage Judge – D Level
William Madigan (WA) – EA Dressage Steward – Level 1
Susan Creedy (VIC) – EA Jumping Judge – Level 1
