Maddy Peters Photography

DISCIPLINE CHAIRS

RIDERS REPRESENTATIVE

Our Mission

To recognise that each of the sports are conducted by separate entities which comprise the local clubs, which in turn are governed by separate State bodies.

To recognise that each of those entities is best placed to make decisions for the management and direction of each sport and the role of Equestrian Tasmania is to be the vehicle which represents the sports’ common interests, provides common services, provides one voice and the connections to the FEI via Equestrian Australia.

To recognise that each of the sports will have its own strategic plan to advance the interest of each sport, enabling it to determine the best strategy to attain the objective of advancing its sport including providing the pathways in each sport, promoting, financing and increasing participation in that sport as well as achieving the common values.

That in undertaking the role of providing support common services, one voice and high-level governance, Equestrian Tasmania will demonstrate leadership, a high level of competence as well as achieving the values itself and ensure that they are achieved by all sports

Our Values

Education - Transparency - Excellence - Inclusiveness - Membership Support

STRATEGIC PILLARS

OBJECTIVESS

Development of the Sport

Jemima Baghurst

2021 - 2022 Members Snapshot

90

New Horse Registrations

Chairmans Report

I have now held the position of Chair for the maximum term allowed by the constitution so this will be my last report.

It has given me a unique perspective to appreciate the huge amount of volunteer work on which our sport relies.

This year we finalised the strategic plan for ETAS. It recognises that ETAS exists to benefit each of the sports not the other way around. It recognises that the success of ETAS depends on the success of each of the sports. Accordingly, each of the sports developed its own strategic plan and the aim of ETAS is to facilitate each of the sports carrying out their plans.

Whether the rest of the States and EA recognise and adopt that approach will be critical to the success of equestrian sport.

What is also critical is whether there is sufficient appreciation of the breaking point of volunteers. When the running of the sports we love becomes too difficult or stressful we will be left without viable sport.

We are waiting for Equestrian Australia to provide its next version of the safety matrix that is to apply to the running of various types of events. If it does not arrive at a reasonable balance between achieving the necessary safety requirements and the cost and burden on volunteers, will leave us with expensive and elitist sports. It is far from an easy task.

I have been extremely fortunate to have had the support and understanding of the Board in working to protect the interests of Tasmania.

Working with Andrea, and now Kylie and Lynsey, has been a delight that will be a lasting memory of my time as chair.

The growth of the Tasmanian Equestrian Centre has been one of the best things for equestrian in Tasmania. We need to appreciate what we have. A moment to contemplate replacement cost makes me appreciate what we have. The current chair Kate, who puts her heart and soul into the Centre and all those currently and previously involved, deserve huge appreciation.

It has been a privilege to be Chair and I look forward to the continued growth of the equestrian sports.

Timothy Williams - Chair

Discipline & Committee Reports

DRESSAGE

EVENTING

JUMPING

SHOW HORSE

COACHING

TEC

Dressage Tasmania Facebook

Dressage Tasmania

The 2022 Hygain Dressage Championships conducted at the Thirlstane ground by the Northern Zone were a huge success despite some atrocious weather conditions with the wind causing a few issues on the second day. We’re delighted NW Zone have taken on the 2023 Championships and planning is well underway. Thanks to Hygain for coming on board as naming rights sponsor again.

Post COVID we’ve faced some issues with re accreditation of our judges and in response have run numerous workshops and several seminars to give everyone up to Level C a chance to bring themselves up to date with Dressage Tasmania covering costs. The issue for A and B level judges has been a little complicated as extremely low numbers of FEI horses in the state currently mean we can’t host a seminar at that level. These officials have been given some financial assistance to join seminars in SA and NSW, we are indebted to these organisers for allowing our judges access.

Southern Zone has, unfortunately, had numerous cancellations of events due to wet ground conditions. They recently hosted a come and try dressage day which was a great concept to introduce people to the sport. The Associate Squad has also been another well received concept.

All the zones have been running training and protocol days and they have been well attended. We hope to build on this to increase numbers at official competitions.

The NW / North ground development collaboration continues and the addition of another sand arena, judges’ boxes and a round yard look great.

After feedback from our members, Dressage Tasmania is working to improve communication between SDA and the 3 Zones, as well as the riders.

With support from Etas, we hope to promote Interschools Dressage, and are about to commence an overhaul of the Dressage Tas Operational Plan.

We’re pleased to see an up turn in our membership numbers, hopefully this will lead to more horses out competing.

Judy Atkinson - Dressage Tasmania Chair

Dressage Tasmania Facebook

Compliments of Caitlin How

Eventing Tasmania

March and April this year saw the running of the Southern Eventing Championships and Tasmanian Eventing Championships at Quercus Park. Due to significant interest from some riders needing qualifications to enter Melbourne 2* Eventing Championships, NTEC decided to run a 1* Long format. This meant having additional requirements including each phase to being run over separate days, trot up Vet/Ground Jury inspections and a longer cross country course with more jumps. Many thanks to NTEC who facilitated this class for those riders. Additionally, we were able to get Hunter Doherty from Wagga in NSW as the TD for this event, his knowledge of running 1* Long Classes was most valuable.

A big thanks to Jess Cowan and other HP riders for gaining sponsorship and other fundraising activities to allow this class to go ahead.

Maddy Peters Photography

We were able to reinstate our High Performance/Development Squad again this year with the assistance of Will Enzinger (EA High Performance Deputy Director) and Fiona Hughes from NSW. Our many thanks go to Sue Goldfinch for her tireless organisational skills to organise the various clinics including online information sessions for the riders.

We even made the papers!

It was also pleasing to see a squad of HP riders, including Jess Cowan, Harry Furzer, Kenny Walch, Petra Schuecker, Chloe Daun and Georgia van der Drift crossing the strait in May/June to compete at several ODEs before taking on the prestigious Melbourne 3DE at Werribee. I attended the Werribee event and all riders performed brilliantly against the best in Australia, with only a few minor mishaps for a couple of riders.

I would like to also thank our TEA committee for 2021/22:

• Sandra Deegan - Vice President
• Lee-Anne Brennan - secretary
• Karen Pearce - Treasurer
• NWEC reps – Sandra Deegan and Carol Coates
• NTEC reps – Sue Walton and Phyliss Pyke
• STEA reps – Narelle Rowlandson and Deb Allanby along with Kathy Youl
• Squad co-ordinator – Sue Goldfinch

I see the path forward for Eventing in Tasmania becoming even more challenging with future EA safety procedures calling for increased official accreditations and the required training for TD’s and CD’s. This puts ever increasing strain on our volunteer official’s time. We also face increasing costs for jump construction to comply with the latest worldwide safety standards. The lack of volunteers always has and, no doubt, will continue in future, however, my thanks must go to those who go over and above the majority in running our events. In saying this we continue to find ways to overcome these problems and move forward.

Happy eventing for the remainder of 2022 and into 2023.

Jamie Buckby - President

Tasmanian Eventing Association

Jumping Tasmania Facebook

Jumping Tasmania

2022 has seen a year of trying to catch up with running of events after restrictions of COVID. A few agricultural shows were able to succeed and get back on track, we take this opportunity to thank them for continuing to run jumping.

Our ever reliable jumping branches hosted the bulk of jumping events for all to enjoy. Weather did impact some events due to the grounds being too wet.

A number of Tasmania riders headed to the 2021 Australian Jumping Championship in Feb 2022; Laura Edwards, Jessica Groves, Chloe McFarlane, Bethany Hirst, and Ava Walker.

We were proud to be able to field a team in the Australian Junior Championship, the members were; Jessica Grove, Chloe McFarlane, Laura Edwards. Our team of 3 were able to finish in 3rd place. Well done!

During 2022 we have had a number of rule changes introduced. Helmet Tagging, Dress Article 256, EA Coach Article 140 and Time Article 236. Time article caused a few problems when first introduce, but believe competitors are getting used to this change.

March 2022 a well attended Judges clinic was held with Course Presenter Lisa Readett. This was a great opportunity to meet and discuss the above rule changes and update judging officials.

2021 State Titles was hosted again by North West Branch at Burnie and saw a good numbers of competitors. We thank North West and congratulate winners of State Championships classes. Thanks to Tasmanian CD’s for officiating at these championships, Julie Targett in Ring 1 and Ian Jago in Ring 2.

Jemima Baghurst

Finally, we were able to present these awards and we take the opportunity to congratulate the recipients. The presentations took place at the South Series final and we thank Claire for organizing an enjoyable get- together with help from southern.

Show Horse Tasmania

The 2021/2022 season for Show Horse Tasmania has seen a lot of challenges.

The Etas Horse of the Year event scheduled for January 2022 had to be postponed to February due to all four mainland judges having to decline at short notice due to covid. Unfortunately, the run of problems did not stop there. National office were unable to provide 4 new judges for the re-scheduled event in February and the event was again postponed to October.

Once again bad luck was on our side and due to a large amount of rainfall experienced at TEC since April 2022, the event has been rescheduled for the fourth time and will now run at CVEC on the 12th and 13th November 2022. Fourth time lucky but I always thought it was third time lucky. The event will run in November and the safeguard of running at CVEC is to ensure we are able to give Tasmanian riders their qualifier for the National Show Horse Championships to be conducted at SIEC in December 2022.

It hasn’t all been doom and gloom and rainfall however. We conducted some smaller shows at the end of 2021 and they were well supported. We tried a few new classes and awards and members seemed to enjoy the low-key friendly atmosphere. We also ran a show up the Northern end of the state but this was not supported as much as we would have liked. The weather played a huge part as it bucketed with rain and conditions were not conducive to showing horses!

We ran a very successful show in early January at TEC using a mainland import in Wendy Hunt. Dressage and Show Horse combined to bring Wendy in and dressage utilised her for a training day before the show. Although entries were small the standard was very high and Wendy commented our top horses would certainly mix it up with the mainland counterparts.

We then ran a show in February to get over the loss of Horse of The Year. This show was a qualifier for the Southern Cross Championships held in NSW in March 2022. Our numbers were down but we had members travel from the NW coast to gain qualifiers.

Show Horse Training Days have been a big success story for the sport. Conducted once a month at TEC they are very well supported, by not only show horse members but dressage riders also. They encompass a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, and the classes offered give a variety of activities to all types of riders and horse levels.

We introduced the ‘Mock Show Workouts’ class where participants are coached through workouts and then awarded ribbons. Trying to emulate the show ring atmosphere, these classes are proving to be successful and very much enjoyed by participants. Even Kate, my counterpart, has attended these days with her gigantic soon-to-be show-jumping baby horse!

Tania Hay

Our National Team at Werribee in March 2022 was smaller than usual but once again COVID had played a part in rescheduling the Nationals also. Tasmanian horses performed well and the event was very well run by the Victorian Organising Committee. For the first time in many years it was conducted outside on grass and it was well received by all states.

Etas Show Horse intend to conduct a judge's seminar before the end of the year. We only have limited judges in Tasmania and need to encourage members to start the pathway! Please consider putting back to your sport and becoming involved.

Measuring has been conducted throughout the year at Westbury and TEC and these have been joint Etas/SHC measuring days, this works very well for the membership base.

National Show Horse rules changed in July 2022 and we encourage all members to check the updates especially the ‘whisker’ rule.

We look forward to seeing members at Horse of the Year 2022 and thank everyone for their support of the sport this season, albeit a very interrupted season! We then back it up on January 28th and 29th for the 2023 Etas Horse of the Year! It’s a quick turnaround!

Tania Hay - ETas Show Horse Coordinator.

Judy Peel

ETAS Coaching Committee

It gives me pleasure to present the report for 2021/2022 coaching.

Our Focus

Our focus has been:

• To increase the number of accredited coaches in Tasmania
• To raise awareness for the importance of using qualified coaches
• Upgrading existing coaches
• With funding provided by Sport and Recreation the TCC has been able to provide:
• Professional development days free of charge to accredited coaches
• Provide resources to state squad members, of all disciplines, who are interested in commencing their coach training.

Professional Development

The PD days, of which there were two were in the north of the state. The first was a tour of Armidale Stud and a very informative presentation by David Wishaw. Lunch was provided at JJs Bakery, Longford, followed by a presentation by Judy Atkinson, a successful performance horse breeder, on AI and all that goes with it. This was attended by 15 coaches.

The second was held at Judy Peel’s indoor and coaches of all levels plus perspective coaches attended. Two groups, depending on their level were formed and discussion and questions were taken by Coach Educators. Lessons were presented at various levels by Lara Baker and Jo McFarlane. Will Flynn, a level 2 candidate presented lunging demonstrations required for assessment and was found to be competent. Judy Peel gave a demonstration on the fit and correct use of the double bridle. This was attended by 22 coaches.

Our future

• Coaching demonstrations at Agfest
• “Lesson Plan” zoom for all coaches, both accredited and prospective. The initial presentation will be followed with a lesson plan for each discipline.
• Continued support for the 4 L2 coaches…to date they have commenced their riding and horse management modules. 2 are training for dressage and two for general coaches.
• Further PD days
• Assistance, finance permitting, for accredited coaches to attend “ expert” coaching clinics (state, national and international)

Coach of the Year was Pip Godfrey, a well-deserved award.

As Chair of the Tasmanian Coaching Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow committee members for being such a proactive and cohesive group.

Judy Peel - Chair

Tasmanian Coaching Committee

Coaches at a Professional Development Day

TEC Users Facebook

Tasmanian Equestrian Centre

The beginning of the year started off at a fast pace. TEC were lucky enough to be successful with two grant applications applied for, which has meant after many years of discussion TEC was finally able to start building an arena of its own. We were also successful in an equipment & development grant which will contribute to an irrigation watering system, a storage unit/container and some TEC jump poles & wings for use on the new arena.

Unfortunately, not long after the arena works were started we did hit some COVID hiccups & that set the work back somewhat… then “THE RAINS CAME” putting a halt to our works for quite some time. Prior to this, we had successfully managed to get the base of the arena down and the halt in works will give the base plenty of time to crust up.

Once the weather decides to play nicely, we will be able to continue with the drainage & irrigation works around the arena and look to get the sand in place, with a few good working bees & some handy helpers we will also see the fibre being mixed into the sand and the arena ready for use. This will provide the state with a large fibre surface to compete on across all disciplines.

In other news the postponed ETAS HOTY from January that TEC run will run in November 2022 & the usual event being run again in January 2023. These events and the show horse competitions run by TEC (more so Tania Hay) on behalf of ETAS have helped provide us with some good income over the winter months while not much else has been happening. The support of these events has been a good addition to the TEC structure.

Later in the year, we see the state show jumping championships being held on the grounds. March 2023 will see Pony Club Trials and April will see the State Eventing Championships being held. In essence, the grounds will be host to over 500 riders in championships events alone.

There is plenty to do at the park and if we can ever get out of our wetsuits and flippers it will be nice to see the park come together for these events going into summer.

Kate Cawthorn

TEC Committee

Financial Reports

Equestrian Tasmania

2021 - 2022

Download a copy of the financials in PDF format here