Isabel English and Feldale Mouse competing in the CCIO4*S Nations Cup event.
© Equestrian High Performance Team
Equestrian High Performance Weekly Update – 17th August, 2020
As we continue to navigate the new normal which has been forced upon us by Covid-19 we are starting to see an increased return to FEI competition in some countries. This past weekend our Australian Eventing Team took part in the very first FEI Eventing Nations Cup held in 2020 at Haras du Pin, France. The first Nations Cup event was originally scheduled to start in April until Covid-19 forced the calendar to be severely altered. The participation in Nations Cup competition is an important part of the High Performance Program and offers our riders the opportunity to experience world-class eventing in a championship format. All of our riders who attend the event took multiple horses and utilised the opportunity to step back onto the international stage and continue with their Tokyo 2020 preparation.
Last week Equestrian High Performance hosted a videoconference for all of our Olympic and Paralympic High Performance riders, across all disciplines, so we could provide them with an update on the Voluntary Administration process and how this affects them and their performance goals. Kate Conneely and Craig Shepard of KordaMentha were present at the meeting and offered our riders a summary and timeline of events to clarify recent developments, and also answered any additional questions our riders had. Alex Newton from Sport Australia was also in attendance and spoke with the riders about the Equestrian High Performance Program assuring them of Sport Australia’s ongoing support and unwavering confidence in the bright future of the Program.
Following that session open discussion continued, driven by the riders, about how our athletes can use their powerful united voice for the betterment of Australian equestrian sport. All riders were encouraged to engage in the conversation and contribute ideas on bringing all high performance riders, regardless of discipline or geographic location, together to become a stronger and more proactive community; one which leads by example and embodies the values of the Australian equestrian. After much discussion the riders jointly made a decision to convene an athletes commission in the form of an ‘Australian Riders Club’. Equestrian High Performance are in the process of assisting the athletes in establishing their new endeavour, which promises to be athlete driven and focused on the future longevity of equestrian sport for all Australians.
It was duly noted and acknowledged by the riders and High Performance that a significant amount of work has been done by a lot of people and many different parties to formulate a new path for equestrian sports in our country. The riders unanimously wish to thank all, including the State Branches, Equestrian Australia, the discipline committees, KordaMentha, Sport Australia, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Paralympics Australia (PA) and most importantly the members and fellow riders for their commitment to seeking a workable long-term solution.
Equestrian High Performance remains dedicated to proactively championing our athletes and their pathway to podium success and continues to engage in regular communication with the FEI, AOC, PA and the AIS. This includes the review of the Selection Policy for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, which is currently still in the revision stage with the AOC and PA, and we hope to have the final policies available shortly.
As always the health and safety of our people and horses remain our highest priority as we work together as a united high performance community to navigate these unprecedented times.
Source: Equestrian High Performance team press release
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