The beginning of the 2016 eventing year in Australia was marred by the tragic deaths of Olivia Inglis at the Scone Horse Trials and Caitlyn Fischer at the Sydney International Horse Trials, two losses that were felt by the eventing community around the world
The reports relating to these deaths have now been completed and Equestrian Australia (EA) has received a number of recommendations.
EA has advised that the reports from two Review Panels have been submitted to EA and reviewed by the EA Board this week. The reports will now be provided to the National Eventing Committee (NEC) for their consideration early in the New Year.
“We will be doing all we can to put relevant processes in place as we work through the recommendations to ensure we do as much as possible to prevent any further tragedies occurring” says Paula Ward, CEO of EA
Earlier this month EA announced a significant $250,000 donation from Terry Snow, the owner of the Willinga Park Equestrian Centre and a Stock and Performance Horse Stud on the NSW South Coast with the funds going towards ensuring Australian safety initiatives in equestrian sport, particularly in the discipline of Eventing
The funding will initially allow EA to employ a part-time safety officer over the next three years, a role that is currently being advertised and will enable the organisation to build on previous FEI initiatives.
“Mitigating risk within the competition arena is a core responsibility for the organisation, and the donation will have a significant, positive and lasting impact on the sport, allowing us to work towards a true systemic change” says Paula Ward
“For the safety of our riders and for the welfare of our horses, risk management is paramount and this is particularly important within the competition environment.”
