Equestrian Queensland

23/10/2026

🐴📢 EQUESTRIAN QUEENSLAND STRATEGIC PLAN 2026-2030 🌟

Equestrian Queensland is pleased to share its updated Strategic Plan, our five-year roadmap to grow equestrian sport across Queensland. The plan has been developed in alignment with the three pillars of Equestrian Australia's Nationally Aligned Strategy, so our state and national priorities reinforce one another. At its heart is a simple vision: that Queensland is a place where horses and people thrive together, from local club competitions to the world stage. 🐎💫

🎯 OUR THREE PILLARS

1️⃣ 🛡️ Strong Foundations: putting the welfare and wellbeing of our horses, people and clubs first through strong governance, safe sport and integrity frameworks, biosecurity and emergency preparedness, financial sustainability and a better member experience.

2️⃣ 🌱 Sustainable Growth: growing participation across regional and metropolitan Queensland, supporting our clubs and volunteers, modernising our digital systems with EA, expanding partnerships, and planning the facilities and Brisbane 2032 legacy that will serve our sport for a generation.

3️⃣ 🏆 Excellence in Performance: strengthening pathways for athletes, coaches, officials and horses, growing our accredited workforce (including a technical official pathway for Brisbane 2032), and attracting national and international events to Queensland.

🎯 WHAT WE'RE AIMING FOR BY 2030

☑️ More trained volunteers, accredited coaches and officials
☑️ Continued membership growth and increased non-membership income
☑️ Improved support for, and satisfaction among, members across Queensland
☑️ A Brisbane 2032 Legacy Plan in place, with EQ-led facility projects delivered
☑️ A fully integrated digital member experience

📖 You can view and download the full plan here:
https://www.qld.equestrian.org.au/news/equestrian-queensland-strategic-plan-2026-2030

💬 We'd also welcome your feedback on the plan here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EQStrategicPlanFeedback

🤝 This plan belongs to all our members, clubs, volunteers, coaches, officials, athletes and partners. Its success will depend on the passion and commitment you already bring to our sport every weekend across the state.

📩 If you have any questions or would like to get involved in bringing the plan to life, please contact us at [email protected] or phone 07 3891 6611.

23/10/2026

🐴 In conjunction with Caboolture Dressage Group
✅ Nominations NOW OPEN
👉 When: 1st November | QSEC (Queensland State Equestrian Centre)
✅ Are you Para and/or Virtus rider, or interested in becoming one? Thinking of giving competition a go but not sure where to start? Want to give Interschool All Abilities a go in 2027?

🐴 Never done dressage? No problem!
🐴 If you are not already an EQ or CDG member, become a CDG member for $10 to be able to ride at this event.

There is no requirement to be classified, whether you are completely new to dressage or already riding and want to improve, come along for a fun, welcoming morning designed to build your confidence and knowledge.

👉 Supported by an EA Coach on the day
👉 4 classes on offer - walk only test (lead) / walk only test (can be assisted) / Walk & Trot test (can be assisted) / Walk, Trot & Canter test.
👉 Scores, placings and rosettes!
👉 Off-Horse and On-Horse sessions
👉 Fence sitters (observers) welcome (FREE)

📍⏰Nominations close on 25 October via Nominate!

22/10/2026

🌟 NOMINATIONS OPEN | RED SHED BUSINESS ADVISORS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR 🌟

Behind every successful club, event and discipline are the administrators working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep equestrian sport moving forward. 🐴💜

The 2026 Equestrian Queensland Annual Awards Administrator of the Year, proudly sponsored by Red Shed Business Advisors, recognises a Queensland member who has made a significant contribution to the administration of their equestrian sport or club during the past 12 months.

From coordinating programs and events to supporting members, improving processes and taking on the countless tasks that happen behind the scenes, this award celebrates the administrators whose dedication makes a genuine difference to our sport and its community.

🏆 ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Proudly sponsored by Red Shed Business Advisors

📅 Award Criteria Period: November 2025 – October 2026

The following criteria will be considered for judging:
⭐ The level of contribution to equestrian sport as an administrator, including roles performed, time devoted and dedication to their role, club or discipline.
⭐ Special achievements during the year and the significance of those achievements.
⭐ Contribution to areas such as program development, club or discipline administration, events, new initiatives and professional development.
⭐ The positive impact their administration has had on their club, discipline, event or the broader equestrian community.
⭐ Demonstration of the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

Do you know an administrator who is always working behind the scenes, making things happen and helping their club or discipline thrive?

Now is the time to recognise the work that often happens out of the spotlight and nominate them for the 2026 Red Shed Business Advisors Administrator of the Year! 🏆

📅 NOMINATIONS CLOSE WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2026

👇 VIEW THE AWARD CRITERIA & NOMINATE HERE
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026EQAwardsNominations

✨ 2026 EQUESTRIAN QUEENSLAND ANNUAL AWARDS
🗓️ Saturday 21 November 2026
📍 Rydges South Bank, Brisbane

22/10/2026

🌟 NOMINATIONS OPEN | STUARTHOLME SCHOOL JUNIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 🌟

Queensland’s young equestrian athletes continue to inspire through their dedication, determination and achievements in competition. 🐴💜

The 2026 Equestrian Queensland Annual Awards Junior Athlete of the Year, proudly sponsored by Stuartholme School, recognises an athlete aged 18 years or younger who has consistently achieved at a high level at State, National or International competition during the past 12 months.

This award celebrates not only outstanding competitive achievements, but also the qualities demonstrated by our young athletes both in and out of the competition arena.

🏆 JUNIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Proudly sponsored by Stuartholme School

📅 Award Criteria Period: November 2025 – October 2026

👤 Eligibility:
Athletes must be 18 years of age or younger as at 31 December 2026.

The following criteria will be considered for judging:
⭐ Significant achievements at State, National or International level during the Award Criteria Period.
⭐ Demonstration of positive qualities in both practice and competition.
⭐ Qualities and achievements that distinguish the rider among Queensland’s junior equestrian athletes.
⭐ Demonstration of the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

Do you know a young Queensland equestrian athlete who has achieved outstanding results while demonstrating the qualities and values that represent our sport?

Recognise their achievements and nominate them for the 2026 Stuartholme School Junior Athlete of the Year! 🌟

📅 NOMINATIONS CLOSE WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2026

👇 VIEW THE AWARD CRITERIA & NOMINATE HERE
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026EQAwardsNominations

✨ 2026 EQUESTRIAN QUEENSLAND ANNUAL AWARDS
🗓️ Saturday 21 November 2026
📍 Rydges South Bank, Brisbane

21/10/2026

20/10/2026

⏰🏆 NOMINATIONS CLOSE IN 1 WEEK! 🏆⏰

✨ 2026 EQUESTRIAN QUEENSLAND ANNUAL AWARDS ✨

Time is running out to recognise the incredible people, horses, clubs, schools and events that make Queensland's equestrian community so special! 🖤💛

Whether it's an outstanding athlete, dedicated volunteer, exceptional coach or official, or a club, school or event that deserves recognition – NOW is the time to nominate!

📅 NOMINATIONS CLOSE WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2026!

🏆 2026 AWARD CATEGORIES

🏆 – Administrator of the Year
🏆 Australia – Club of the Year *
🏆 Field Art – Owner of the Year
🏆 – Coach of the Year
🏆 Queensland – School of the Year *
🏆 – Best Groom
🏆 -Gates Insurance Brokers – Official of the Year
🏆 Animal Hospitals – Against All Odds
🏆 Endurance – Volunteer of the Year
🏆 Queensland – Service to Sport
🏆 Saddleworld – Event of the Year *
🏆 's EasiFeed – Horse of the Year
🏆 Skills – Rising Stars
🏆 School – Junior Athlete of the Year
🏆 Farm – Athlete of the Year

✨🗳️ NEW IN 2026 – PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS!

For the first time, our equestrian community will have the opportunity to vote for their favourites in three special categories, marked with an * above!

In addition to the official Award Winners, the finalists in these three categories will go into the running for the 2026 EQ People's Choice Awards!

This is your opportunity to help recognise the schools, clubs and events that go above and beyond for our equestrian community!

👇 VIEW THE AWARD CRITERIA & NOMINATE NOW!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026EQAwardsNominations

🥂 2026 EQUESTRIAN QUEENSLAND ANNUAL AWARDS
📅 Saturday 21 November 2026
📍 Rydges South Bank, Brisbane

Don't leave it until the last minute! Help us celebrate the achievements, dedication and contributions that make equestrian sport in Queensland so special. 🖤💛

20/10/2026

Attendance is free for all Equestrian Australia members.

Two Athletes. One Future.
Equine Wellbeing • Performance • Longevity

Registration: https://www.trybooking.com/DPRFS

You released the pressure. But did your horse feel relief?

It sounds like the same thing. Dr Stephen Peters suggests it isn’t.

In training, we often think in terms of pressure and release. The horse responds. The aid stops. Release. But Peters asks us to look a little further.

Did the nervous system actually come back down? Did the horse soften? Breathe? Return toward their natural balance? Or did we simply stop applying the aid while the horse remained braced, anticipating what might happen next?

And that return matters neurologically too. Peters describes the coming back down toward homeostasis as part of how learning is consolidated, with neurotransmitters such as dopamine helping reinforce what has just happened.

His distinction is beautifully simple: “Release isn’t always relief.”

And it raises a question that reaches into almost every form of horse training: Is my release actually creating relief for my horse?

We’ll be exploring ideas like this with Dr Peters live during Horse Brain Science on 29 October.

Attendance is free for all Equestrian Australia members.

Two Athletes. One Future.
Equine Wellbeing • Performance • Longevity

Registration: https://www.trybooking.com/DPRFS

20/10/2026

🌟 RISING STARS | 2026 EQUESTRIAN QUEENSLAND ANNUAL AWARDS 🌟

The future of Queensland equestrian sport is bright! 🐴💜

The 2026 Equestrian Queensland Annual Awards Rising Stars, proudly sponsored by The University of Queensland – UQ Skills, recognises emerging young athletes who are taking the next step in their equestrian careers and achieving significant performance milestones within their discipline.

🏆 RISING STARS
Proudly sponsored by The University of Queensland – UQ Skills

📅 Award Criteria Period: November 2025 – October 2026

👤 Eligibility:
Athletes must be 21 years of age or younger as at 31 December 2025.

⚠️ THIS AWARD IS NOT SELF-NOMINATING.

Athletes are nominated by the relevant Equestrian Queensland Sport Committee.

In addition to demonstrating positive qualities and the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect in both practice and competition, athletes must have achieved the relevant performance milestone during the Award Criteria Period:
⭐ Driving – First year competing at FEI level.
⭐ Dressage – First year competing at FEI level.
⭐ Eventing – First year competing at 2*.
⭐ Jumping – First year competing at 1.30m or above.
⭐ Interschool – First year competing at Medium Dressage, 1.10m Jumping, 1* Eventing, 1* or 2* Combined Training; or, for Show Horse, finishing in the Top 5 at the Interschool Queensland State Championships.
⭐ Show Horse – Finished in the Top 5 in height or rider classes at Show Horse Queensland events, including Horse of the Year (HOTY) and Childs HOTY.
⭐ Vaulting – Competing at Intermediate level at State/National competition and/or CVI.

The UQ Skills Rising Stars celebrate the next generation of Queensland equestrian athletes as they progress through the levels, achieve new milestones and demonstrate the values that underpin our sport. 🌟

We look forward to celebrating the young athletes nominated by our Sport Committees and recognising their achievements at the 2026 Equestrian Queensland Annual Awards!

✨ 2026 EQUESTRIAN QUEENSLAND ANNUAL AWARDS
🗓️ Saturday 21 November 2026
📍 Rydges South Bank, Brisbane

20/10/2026

🌟 NOMINATIONS OPEN | FINCH FARM ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 🌟

Celebrating Queensland equestrian athletes who achieve at the highest levels while demonstrating the sportsmanship, dedication and values that represent our sport. 🐴💜

The 2026 Equestrian Queensland Annual Awards Athlete of the Year, proudly sponsored by Finch Farm, recognises a Queensland athlete who has consistently achieved at a high level at State, National or International competition during the past 12 months.

More than results alone, this award recognises an athlete who demonstrates excellent sportsmanship, positive qualities in both training and competition, and a commitment to giving back to equestrian sport.

🏆 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Proudly sponsored by Finch Farm

📅 Award Criteria Period: November 2025 – October 2026

The following criteria will be considered for judging:
⭐ Significant achievements at State, National or International level during the Award Criteria Period.
⭐ Demonstration of positive qualities in both practice and competition.
⭐ Demonstration of excellent sportsmanship and a commitment to giving back to equestrian sport.
⭐ Qualities and achievements that distinguish the athlete across Queensland’s equestrian disciplines.
⭐ Demonstration of the EQ Values of Teamwork, Integrity, Inclusion and Excellence.

Do you know a Queensland equestrian athlete who has achieved outstanding results while demonstrating great sportsmanship and making a positive contribution to our sport?

Recognise their achievements and nominate them for the 2026 Finch Farm Athlete of the Year! 🏆

📅 NOMINATIONS CLOSE WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2026

👇 VIEW THE AWARD CRITERIA & NOMINATE HERE
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026EQAwardsNominations

✨ 2026 EQUESTRIAN QUEENSLAND ANNUAL AWARDS
🗓️ Saturday 21 November 2026
📍 Rydges South Bank, Brisbane