Looking for a Special Person!

Looking for Someone Special!!!

Dressage Qld is looking for an Event Director for the following events:

2012 Qld State Dressage Championship; and

2013 Brisbane CDI

To find out more information, click on the events above.

AGM Notice and EQ Board and Sport Committee Nominations

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A new Qld State Selector is announced!

Congratulations

DQ is proud to announce the latest member of the Qld State Squad Selection panel - Naomi O'Farrell.

Naomi brings with her, her experience in dressage and the knowledge of what is required for squad selection.

Naomi joins our State selectors Liz Coe and Lesley Sullivan

To find out more information about Naomi, Liz and Lesley, click on their names below.

Liz Coe

Lesley Sullivan

Naomi O'Farrell

We look forward to what each selector brings to the team.

Introducing Valued EQ Awards Partner, The Stuartholme School

From the moment you drive through the entrance to Stuartholme you will appreciate its description

as an ‘educational sanctuary’.

Situated on the escarpment of Mount Coot-tha, beautiful views across Brisbane city form the backdrop for the School and for the Boarders, offer a special night-time treat. Located only six kilometres from the CBD, the unspoilt beauty of the 20 hectares is an oasis for the Stuartholme Family and a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life.   As a School of the Sacred Heart we share with over 140 Sister Schools around the world a vision for education that commits to meet the needs of the individual student. Accordingly, Stuartholme gives authentic expression to St Madeleine Sophie Barat’s philosophy that both promotes and celebrates ‘personal excellence’ in all that we do. Framed within the five Goals of Sacred Heart Education the holistic development of each girl is the focus of our endeavour.   A spirit of joy permeates the life of our School and reflects happy girls, supported by expert, generous and committed Staff. St Madeleine Sophie’s words ‘for the sake of one child, I would have founded the Society’ promotes a culture of excellence. For the Staff, their engagement and work with the girls gives a lived expression to this quote.   Blessed by an active and supportive Parent Community, Stuartholme continues to build on its strong foundation, enriched by greatly loved traditions and stories of great achievement. Alumnae of the School together with Past Parents are enthusiastic ambassadors. Their experiences of Stuartholme provide encouragement to current and future families.        Click Logo to Visit The Stuartholme School Website

 

Hendra virus update - Townsville area (Industry)

EQ Membership-Lapsed Fee Update

Tickets On Sale Now for the Equestrian Queensland Awards Night

Finalists Announced for the 2011 Equestrian Queensland Awards

2011

Award Categories & Finalists .  

 Our Sponsors of this event have made your Awards Night possible.

Please visit each Sponsor - Click Company Logo for link to websites.

Good Luck to all our Award Finalists 

All Winners will be announced during the 2011 Equestrian Queensland Awards Evening.

Saturday 25 February 2012, Park Royal Brisbane

 To attend, download your Ticket Order Form in these links  PDF Version  OR  Word.doc Version

2011 Horse of the Year	This award recognises a horse that has had exceptional performances during the year either on the State, National, or International stage and gains recognition for the sport. The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Successes and achievements the Queensland horse has had in the last 12 months at State, National, or International level.   Horse of the Year Finalists   Cheezy Z owned by Kim Tenkate-Cullen Ferero owned by Chantal Wigan Flavio owned by Linda Spratley and Beau Dowsett Kolbeach Venetian owned by Kirsty Purcell Jaybee Alabaster owned by Bev Edwards Kelecyn Ice Age owned by Kevin McNab Mighty High owned by Eleanor Osbourne Prestige VDL owned by Sheridan Ashwood Stardom owned by Billy Raymont
2011 Owner of the Year	Brought to you by BERWICKS OFFICE TECHNOLOGY, This award recognises the owner/s who has contributed to the success of equestrian sport by providing horses of the highest quality to riders within the various equestrian disciplines. These horses have generally competed to an exceptional level during the year either on the State, National, or International stage. The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Owner to be an Equestrian Queensland member. 2.       Successes and achievements the owner has had in the last 12 months e.g.: training ability through the success of their horses at a State, National or International level; 3.       A positive, encouraging attitude that has inspired, guided and influenced progression of their horses and support of riders; 4.       Promotes and contributes to equestrian sport.   Owner of the Year Finalists   Bev & John Edwards Billy Raymont Cheryl O’Brien Kim Tenkate-Cullen Linda Spratley & Beau Dowsett Pieternella Barnard
2011 Administrator of the Year	Brought to you by THE KINGTRACK GROUP, This award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution during 2011 to the administration of their equestrian sport or club.   The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Successes and achievements the administrator has had during 2011 e.g. impact on the club e.g. membership, financial viability, new program; 2.       Undertakes their own development and shares knowledge and insight through mentoring and educating other administrators; 3.       Works diligently to promote and conduct equestrian events and functions; 4.       Provides creative leadership in inspiring and motivating others to achieve and contribute to the equestrian community; 5.       Evidence that the individual is respected by their colleagues and the community at large; 6.       Demonstrates excellence in their role as an administrator.   Administrator of The Year Finalists   Annie Johnston Sue Austin Leasa Stephen Kristen Heffernan Kay Paulsen Terri Langdon
2011 Officiator of the Year	This award recognises an individual who has attained a level of excellence in the field of officiating (NOAS i.e. Course building, technical delegate and / or judging).  The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Successes and achievements the officiator has had in the last 12 months e.g. Course building, technical delegate and / or judging; 2.       Undertakes their own development and shares knowledge and insight through mentoring and educating other officials; 3.       Works diligently to promote and conduct equestrian events and functions; 4.       Provides creative leadership in inspiring and motivating others to achieve and contribute to the equestrian community; 5.       Evidence that the individual is respected by his/her colleagues and the community at large; 6.       Demonstrates excellence in their role as an official.   Officiator of the Year Finalists   David Duffy Glenis Jones Paul Raymond Trish Sellers Tony Walls
2011 Volunteer Of the Year	This award recognises an individual who contributes to the running of equestrian sport and events in Queensland voluntarily. The recipient of this award may be an administrator, coach, official, etc. as long as they receive no remuneration (apart from reimbursement for expenses incurred) in respect of their volunteer duties.  They foster positive difference in the lives of others through support and encouragement, often with self-sacrifice and without personal gain. The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Demonstrated that the volunteer has a regular commitment to their role; 2.       Undertakes their own development and shares knowledge and insight through mentoring and educating other volunteers; 3.       Demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to their club and community; 4.       Involvement at external events / competitions; 5.       Describe what your nominee does in ‘going the extra mile’ and any additional achievements; 6.       Dedicated to the growth of equestrian sport.   Volunteer of the Year Finalists   Arianne Hall Helen Hall John Tod Melissa Stone Mieke Bigg Patti Thompson Ross McLeary
2011 Coach of the Year	This award recognises a EA NCAS registered coach whose dedication and skill has positively influenced both human and equine athletes during 2011. The coach will have made a significant contribution to the success of individuals or teams to assist them in achieving outstanding results at the highest level of senior or junior competition. The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Successes and achievements the coach has had in the last 12 months e.g.: coaching ability through the success of their juniors or performance students at a State, National or International level; 2.       Undertakes their own development and shares knowledge and insight through mentoring and educating other coaches; 3.       Demonstrates a positive, encouraging attitude that has inspired, guided and influenced progression in their athletes sport; 4.       Works to maximise the social, intellectual and physical wellbeing in their athletes; 5.       Promotes and contributes to equestrian sport, using innovative ideas to promote, develop or enhance their program / delivery; 6.       Evidence of work in a variety of environments e.g. schools community or disability groups.   Coach of the Year Finalists   Darren Fedrick David Finch Guy Creighton Kevin McNab Nicole Tough Rebel Morrow Shane Davidson Tor van den Berge
2011 Club of the Year	This award recognises an EQ affiliated club that during 2011, fostered participation and enjoyment at all levels of the sport, showed innovation in administration, skills development, and personal growth for members and provided opportunities for a diverse range of participants as well as a broad community appeal. The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Standards of excellence through its high standard of organisation, governance, membership benefits, community engagement, or its resounding success; 2.       Enthusiastic about including people of all ages, abilities and cultures; 3.       Demonstrates evidence of good club management that makes them a role model for other clubs (Strategic Plan, policies, etc.); 4.       A commitment to coach development, volunteer recruitment, recognition, and training; 5.       Evidence of successful partnerships within the community e.g. community involvement, school - club links; 6.       Has used innovative ideas to develop and enhance its program and/or facilities.   Club of the Year Finalists   Cedar Grove and District Riding Club Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club Lockyer Equestrian Group Redlands & Southern District Equestrian Group Sunshine Coast Showjumping & Equestrian Club Toowoomba & District Showjumping Club
2011 Event of the Year	Brought to you by FINCH FARM, This award recognises an event conducted in Queensland during 2011 that has provided a significant impact on community values, awareness of the sport and / or significant economic benefits.  The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Degree to which the event achieved its aims (for example fundraising, education, service to members, promoting equestrian sports); 2.       The degree to which the event delivered an outstanding experience for competitors, athletes and officials; 3.       The degree to which the event has utilised "best practice" techniques in all aspects of planning, preparation, delivery and evaluation; 4.       Effective event communication and promotion; 5.       Longer term benefit to equestrian sports or the community in general; 6.       Overall quality of the event delivered.   Event of the Year Finalists   The Power of Pink Dressage:  Tweed Valley Equestrian Group 2011 Nathan Horse Floats Qld International 3 Day Event The Mitavite 2011 Qld Festival of Dressage UQ Business School 2011 Horse of the Year 2011 Toowoomba World Cup The Alreef – RM Williams Endurance Festival 2011 Dressage @ Doomben: Redlands & Southern District Equestrian Group
2011 Para Equestrian of the Year	Brought to you by DIGISCORE, This award recognises an individual who has attained a level of excellence greater than that previously achieved by their peers or other sports people with a disability. The category is open to all athletes with a disability regardless of age, has consistently achieved at a high level either at local, State or National level in the last year, has displayed excellent sportsmanship, as well as putting something back into the sport. The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Represented their sport at Para equestrian State, National or International level; 2.       Demonstrated some/all of the following positive qualities to both practice and competition; -       Leadership; -       Teamwork; -       Communication; -       Respect for coach, teammates, opponents and officials; -       Fair play/honour; -       Sportsmanship. -       Good representative of the sport, encouraging more people to participate in disability sport/activities; 3.       The barriers and/or limitations that have been overcome with the nominee’s disability.   Para Equestrian of the Year Finalists   Chelsea Higgins Ingrid Bailey Nikki Doogue Phoebe Roche
2011 Service to Junior Sport	This award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution and commitment to junior sport through years of service. The recipient may be an employed administrator, a volunteer, a competitor, a coach or anyone, as a result of whose contributions, a standard of excellence was achieved in an area that surpassed any seen before and therefore distinguishes the nominee from their peers. The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Successes and achievements to the development of junior sport over a number of years e.g. encouraging people to participate and improve their skills, impact on the club / organisation e.g. membership, financial viability, new program. 2.       Undertakes their own development and shares knowledge and insight through mentoring and educating other administrators. 3.       Worked diligently to promote and conduct equestrian events and functions. 4.       Provides creative leadership in inspiring and motivating others to achieve and contribute to the equestrian community. 5.       Evidence that the individual is respected by their colleagues and the community at large.    Service to Junior Sport Finalists   Guy Creighton Libby Welch Sue Austin
2011 Service to Equestrian Sport	This award recognises an individual who, over a number of years,  has made an outstanding contribution and commitment to equestrian sport, or the industry as a whole. The recipient may be anyone who has contributed to the development and excellence of equestrian sports such as an administrator, a volunteer, a competitor, or a coach. The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Successes and achievements to the development of equestrian sport over a number of years e.g. encouraging people to participate and improve their skills, impact on the club / organisation e.g. membership, financial viability, new program; 2.       Undertakes their own development and shares knowledge and insight through mentoring and educating other administrators; 3.       Work diligently to promote and conduct equestrian events and functions; 4.       Provides creative leadership in inspiring and motivating others to achieve and contribute to the equestrian community; 5.       Evidence that the individual is respected by their colleagues and the community at large; 6.       Dedicated to making equestrian sport grow.    Service to Sport Finalists   Deb Postle Nicole Tough Graeme Watts
2011 Junior Sport Star Of the Year	Brought to you by STUARTHOLME SCHOOL, This award recognises an athlete less than 18 years of age as at 31 December 2011 who has consistently achieved at a high level either at State, National, or International level in the last year. They will have displayed excellent sportsmanship, as well as putting something back into the sport.   The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Represented their sport at State, National or International level; 2.       Demonstrated some/all of the following positive qualities to both practice and competition; -       Leadership; -       Teamwork; -       Communication; -       Respect for coach, teammates, opponents and officials; -       Fair play/honour; -       Sportsmanship. -       Good representative of the sport, encouraging more people to participate; 3.       The barriers and/or limitations that have been overcome.    Junior Sport Star of the Year Finalists   Anna Betts Anna MacMillan Brianne Heffernan Courtney Barbera Caitlin Cullen Gemma Creighton Kirstie Ansell Kate Hinchen Isabella Cross Winston
2011 Sport Star Of the Year	Brought to you by SADDLERY SALES, This award recognises an athlete, regardless of age, who has consistently achieved at a high level either at State, National, or International level in the last year. They will have displayed excellent sportsmanship, as well as putting something back into the sport. The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Represented their sport at State, National or International level; 2.       Demonstrated some/all of the following positive qualities to both practice and competition; -       Leadership; -       Teamwork; -       Communication; -       Respect for coach, teammates, opponents and officials; -       Fair play/honour; -       Sportsmanship. -       Good representative of the sport, encouraging more people to participate; 3.       The barriers and/or limitations that have been overcome.    Sport Star of the Year Finalists   David Waller Brett Warren Jerri Butts Jayden Brown Nicole Tough Tyrone Latham
2011 School Of the Year	This NEW award recognises an EQ affiliated school that has set itself apart from other schools through its high standard of organisation, governance, community engagement and its resounding success. This school will have provided opportunities for riders, volunteers, administrators, and officials to develop within and outside the school environment. The following criteria will be taken into account for judging: 1.       Successes and achievements the school has had in the last 12 months to increase participation in school and community sport; 2.       Fosters an inclusive team spirit and participation; 3.       Competitions or clinics conducted at a local, regional, State or National events; 4.       Evidence of successful partnerships with local clubs and community organisations e.g. number of school - club links, number of pupils participating in a community club. 5.       Provides opportunities for volunteers, administrators, officials to develop within and outside the school environment e.g. number of young leaders. 6.       Involvement with the Interschool Qld committee and / or subcommittee’s i.e. Darling Downs, SEQ, Central Qld    School of the Year Finalists   Canterbury College Scots PCG College St Aidans Anglican Girls School Stuartholme School The Glennie College

Open Letter to EQ Members. Re: Equnect

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Equestrian Queensland Horse & Rider Journal

 2012 REFILL PACK now Available! Order HERE

Horse & Rider JOURNAL (Binder Folder, Inserts and Calendars) Order HERE

As competitive equestrians, we've thought of everything!

A complete Journal  for  keeping  your equestrian records,  memberships,  results, registrations , planners and calendars – Everything – Together – in ONE hardwearing, beautifully presented Journal. 

Your Horse & Rider Journal includes:

MEMBERSHIP  RECORDS l HORSE REGISTRATION RECORDSl12 MONTH CALENDAR

12 MONTH COMPETITION PLANNER l COMPETITION RESULTS RECORDS lCOACHING & CLINIC NOTES TRAINING GOALS & OUTCOMES l BUSINESS CARD HOLDER

REGISTRATION RECORDS FOR YOUR SADDLERY, FLOAT, CARS , TRUCK

FARRIER CALENDAR l DENTAL AND WORMING CALENDAR l VETERINARY RECORDS

 POCKETS FOR PERFORMANCE CARDS  & HORSE PASSPORTS l CONTACTS PAGES

No more searching multiple places for the information you need.  It’s all in ONE place with the Equestrian Queensland Horse & Rider Journal. The best thing?  Each year, you just order new  refills  for your Journal!

The EQ Photo of the Year Competition

*Photo Above 2010 Photo of The Year 'Snuggle Pot' by Cheryl O'Brien

The aim of the  Photo of the Year Competition is to reveal the most inspirational and innovative equestrian images submitted by our Equestrian Queensland and Equestrian NT members.   The competition is open for entries NOW!     Entries Close 5:00pm, Friday 10 February 2012 To enter simply email your image to efaq@efaq.com.au with ‘EQ Photo Competition’ in the heading before the closing date of Friday 10 February 2012 (5:00pm). The size of the image file should not exceed 1MB.   Images must be saved as .jpg files at the highest possible quality setting (12 or Max in Photoshop).   Enter your full name, Equestrian Qld or Equestrian NT  Membership number and contact phone numbers into the body of the email.   Finalists will be listed on Monday 13 February 2012 on the Equestrian Queensland website, for public vote to determine the winner.   The winner will be announced during the Equestrian Queensland Awards Night on Saturday 25 February 2012.   Please read all conditions below prior to entering.   Good Luck!

• Entries Close 5:00pm, Friday 10 February 2012;
• Entry is open to all Equestrian Queensland and Equestrian NT members;
• On Monday 13  February 2012 a shortlist, as selected by a panel of judges, will be uploaded for voting by the public;
• The winner will be decided by public on-line vote;
• The overall winner will be announced at the 2011 Equestrian Queensland Awards Night;
• In submitting a photo you are allowing Equestrian Queensland the permission to display the images;
• No fee is offered for publication; however a photographer's credit will be published with each winning image;
• Images should be accompanied by the Photographers name, photo title, photo description and camera settings (if available) & photographers contact email;
• Multiple entries are welcome however Equestrian Queensland reserves the right to limit entry numbers at any stage;
• The competition is open to both Professional and Amateur photographers who are Equestrian Queensland AND Equestrian NT members;
• Images should only be treated with basic sharpening, cropping and removal of dust spots.
• Images should contain only the subject matter as originally seen through the viewfinder.
• Each entry should not contain any infringing, threatening, false, misleading, abusive, harassing, libelous, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, scandalous, inflammatory, pornographic, profane or nude content.

• To enter simply email your image to efaq@efaq.com.au with ‘EQ  Photo Competition’ in the heading before the closing date of Friday 10 February 2012 (5:00pm).
• The size of the image file should not exceed 1MB.
• Images must be saved as .jpg files at the highest possible quality setting (12 or Max in Photoshop).
• Enter your full name, Equestrian Qld or Equestrian NT Membership number and contact phone numbers into the body of the email 

• The Photo of the year winner will receive 12 Months Equestrian Queensland Membership or Equestrian NT Membership.
• All shortlisted photos will receive a Certificate of Achievement.

• Copyright and all other rights remain that of the photographer.    
•  Equestrian Queensland reserves the right to unlimited use of the photos for brochures, promotion and advertising. 
• Any photograph used by Equestrian Queensland shall carry the photographer's credit line.

Entries Now Open for 2012 NFW Qld International 3DE

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Entries are now open for the 2012 NFW Qld International 3 Day Event.

CLICK HERE to go directly to the Entries Nomination page.

Entries Close:  25 February 2012, 6:00pm

Photos from the DQ Awards Evening

2011 Dressage Qld Awards Evening Photos

Click here to see pictures of the winners and finalists for each trophy and award category (including Greystone and IC Frith and Associate Qld State Squads and guests of the evening)

Pictures by Matt Stephens

2012 Dressage Rulebook now available online

Dressage Australia Logo blue on white

The National Dressage Rulebook for 2012 is now online, incorporating changes from 2011.

There is also a summary of rule changes from 2011 available.

You can view the Rulebook here, or download below.

Be Part of Dressage Qld and make a difference.

Jenny Willis - Treasurer (right)

Vacant Position Available

Dressage Queensland have a vacant position:

1. DQ Treasurer

If you would like to part of a dynamic and innovative team who is working towards improving dressage in Queensland, click here to find out more.

If you have any questions about this role, please do not hestiate to contact Jenny or any member of the DQ committee.

Please note FEI changes to horse ID requirements at higher levels

We have been advised by the FEI that as from 01 July 2012,  the EA horse ID documents on their own will no longer be valid at higher-level FEI events. EA ID documents will continue to be recognised at lower level FEI competition and all EA competition.

Horses will now be required to have either an FEI passport or an FEI Recognition card (to accompany their EA ID document) for the following levels of competition:

Dressage – 3* and above

Eventing – 3* and above

Jumping – World Cup classes

Endurance – 2* and above

Vaulting – 2* and above

You will need to purchase an FEI recognition card to accompany your ID document to compete at the above levels, or, alternatively apply for an FEI Passport, which will need to be completed and signed by a recoginised vet. Both documents are valid for 4 years from the date of validation. If you purchase a recognition card to accompany your existing ID document, its date will void the current date on the EA ID document.

Equestrian Australia apologises for any inconvenience this may cause, however the FEI will be unwilling to let you compete without the valid documentation. If you have any further questions please contact me at the National office 02 8762 7777 or felicity.dubois@equestrian.org.au
 

Attention ALL FEI Competitiors - New info about National ID Documents

Attention ALL FEI Riders and Competitors

There are some changes to the EA National ID Documents.

Click here to find out more information

Introducing 2 New Squad Sponsors

Introducing the 2012 Qld State Dressage Squad Teams

Dressage Qld is proud to announce 2 new sponsors for their State Dressage Squads.  They are:

Qld FEI and Performance Squad - Greystone Australia

Qld Young Rider Squad - IC Frith & Associate

We like to thank Greystone and IC Frith for supporting our squads and we look forward to working together.

To find out who has been selected onto the teams, click here

Brisbane CDI - Mark this Date!

Mark this Date on your Calendar!

Queensland is hosting a CDI - W, CDI - Y (an International Dressage Event) and Queensland Young Horse of the Year.

It is called "Brisbane CDI"

"Brisbane CDI" is proudly brought to you by Prydes Easi Feed (click here to access their website)

Click here to find out more!

Attention all Young Riders - Here is your Opportunity!

Opportunity of a Lifetime!

During June and July 2012, Australian young riders have  the opportunity to travel to Europe to train with the best, visit famous equestrian barns and see the world's top young riders compete for their countries.

Kerrie O'Dea
Managing Director
Organisation Unlimited
Organisation Unlimited Travel (OUT) Licence No - 32741 IATA No - 0236047
1/186 York St, South Melbourne Vic 3205
Ph: 61 3 9926 3555
Fax: 61 3 9926 3599 

Letter from Equestrian Australia’s Chairman and State Branch Chairs

Dear Member,

We write to update you on Equestrian Australia’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) project that is currently underway, called ‘Equnect’. 

This exciting project is being developed by EA in close consultation and cooperation with the states branches and is designed to meet the needs of the branches and the broader membership.

(i) The current ICT system and the need to replace it

EA's ICT system needs to be the central system for all of our communication and operations between our members and the state branches that administer the sport. It should also be an effective tool for the promotion of the sport and all of the projects that are underway both at a national and state level.

Our members, sport committees and state branches have told us over many years that the current system does not support the sport effectively, it is difficult for the State branches in their day to day operations, inaccurate when members perform online searches for performance results and is built in old, unreliable technology that does not allow the sport to grow for the future.

The state boards have urged the EA Board for a number of years to either fix the present system or replace it.  The two main stipulations have been that the system has to be useful (i.e. it has to be workable without the constant crashing as well as do what is needed to effectively administer the sport in this day and age) and it has to come at minimum cost to the membership.

Although attempts were made at reviving the current system, the constant failings of the systems deemed it beyond repair and as such the EA Board decided in 2010 the system must be replaced. This has become the major priority of the EA Board.

The EA Board sought information for an entirely new ICT system from many leading providers in the marketplace, such as Evolve, DataTorque, IBM and Microsoft via various consultancies.  The results found that EA’s requirements for an ICT platform were unique in terms of both back of office (state branches) and front of office (membership) requirements and those existing service providers didn't offer a fully inclusive system that would adequately meet the majority of our needs. 

After extensive research, quotes were received and options presented back to the EA Board where it was decided that utilising an online platform that could be adapted to meet the specific needs our sport would be the best approach.  The options presented compared the following platforms - Hybrid, IBM, Silverstripe, and SharePoint 2010. Using extensive criteria, along with a detailed financial modelling (both short term and long term), and following a thorough risk assessment, the EA Board (after consultation with the state branches) agreed to the recommended system, SharePoint2010.  SharePoint's platform is well renowned and a system of choice for many leading businesses and sporting organisations globally. Based on the quotes received, SharePoint came out as the most cost-effective option that would best meet the needs of EA and the state branches. 

Cost was and is the biggest issue facing a project of this scale. Funds are limited and the state branches were keen to ensure that the cost of the new system did not fall directly back on to the members.  This placed the EA Board with a significant challenge as it did not want cost to compromise the quality and capability of the new system through cost cutting measures. 

It was clear that commercial support was needed to underwrite the project to ensure EA could get it off the ground in the near future.  As with all EA sponsorships, we needed to find a sponsor who was the right fit with our sport, who shares the same passion and wanted to work with us to achieve our vision and create true partnership. With this sponsorship model in mind, EA approached two prospective sponsors who fitted the criteria - Inglis & Sons Limited (through their online brand Horsezone), as well as an existing partner of EA.  The Inglis proposal impressed the Board and was unable to be matched by an existing EA sponsor andas such Inglis/Horsezone has become the sponsorship partner of Equnect and will fund the majority of the costs needed to develop our ICT project. 

The state branches supported the Inglis arrangement and are happy with the extensive commercial due diligence carried out by EA and take comfort from the risk assessments undertaken and the use of independent IT, legal and accounting professionals.

(ii) What you will see with Equnect

The membership system is the key to the entire Equnect project – it is the heart of the system.  We know the frustrations you have experienced over the years and as such we are pleased with functionality we will have to offer you once the project is launched.  This includes:

• Ability to join and renew your membership online
• Ability to register your horse(s) online – all details can be automatically managed online
• Update and manage your own member profile and your own horse profile pages – similar to a MySpace page
• Ability to integrate you and your horses on your own profile page
• The option to record and display your results
• Enter events that are relevant and available to you – you’ll receive automatic updates for events that you are qualified to compete in
• Receive immediate competitive entry approval
• Also the ability for clubs to promote and grow their membership
• The development of Equnect is an ongoing process and the benefit of using Sharepoint is that it allows flexibility for the future and the ongoing changes within the sport.

(iii) What else Equnect does provide

Event Management

Equnect has the capacity to provide our clubs and event managers with a fully integrated, automated, event management system that links directly into the broader EA membership database. Event organisers will have competitor results and qualifications at their fingertips, so there is no need to come back to you (the competitor) with performance related queries.  Results will automatically be posted on the EA website and event websites in real time, not days or sometimes weeks later when all interest around the event has been lost.

Online Education

Equnect will incorporate online education which will be aimed at improving coaches’ and officials’ resources, developing greater efficiencies with registrations and renewals, as well as creating improved services for our coaches through the ability to promote/better communicate with the equestrian community.

Online television

In time, Equnect will offer online television which will provide opportunity to further promote the sport nationally and internationally.

Social Networking

With a fully automated system that allows for greater communication, display of results and promotion of events, EA and the state branches will be able to better integrate social networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more into our communication with members and potential fans of the sport.

(iv) Obtaining the Facts

Equnect is not simply a project that has been developed to help the sport in the next 12 months to two years – it is about establishing the infrastructure and technology that will help us improve our sport in the long term.  What is important is that Equnect will be built, managed, owned and operated solely by Equestrian Australia and the state branches – it will be for your benefit.  This is a project that all levels of the sport are committed to working towards to help support our members and grow our great sport.

We encourage all our members to read over our ‘Fact Sheet’, ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ and ‘Circular’ which outline all the details of the ICT project, our relationship with Inglis and what this system will mean to you.  You can read all this on the EA website www.equestrian.org.au.  As we approach the launch date of the new ICT project, you will be hearing more about the system, its features and how you can better utilise it.

Members may email any questions to info@equestrian.org.au and we will ensure that a member of our team responds to you as quickly as possible.

Yours Sincerely,

Paul Cargill                  

Chairman

Equestrian Australia

Derek Major, Chair ENSW

Victor Nichols, Chair EQld               

Wendy Hunt, Chair ESA          

Karen Ruzsicska, Chair ENT   

Barry Roycroft, Chair EVic      

Laurie Smith, Chair ETas         

Theresa Marshall, Chair EWA