Club Development Grant submissions are now open and clubs are invited to apply for a share of $30,000 worth of funding assistance. Last financial year there were 16 clubs which reaped the benefits of the program which aids in the improvement of facilities and assists in building membership and developing equestrian activities at the community level.

If you are a member of a club I strongly encourage you to consider applying for a Club Developement Grant. You have until 22 March to submit your application using the online form. Click HERE for more information.

Until next month,

Grant Baldock, CEO, Equestrian Australia

EA is pleased to announce the return of the Club Development Grants – offering $30,000 in funding assistance to affiliated clubs to go towards improving facilities, assisting in building membership and developing equestrian activities at the community level. MORE

Title defender Boyd Exell wrote history in the dramatic FEI World Cup™ Driving Final in Bordeaux (FRA). Christoph Sandmann (GER) finished second, ahead of Exell's biggest opponent, IJsbrand Chardon (NED). The Australian won the FEI World Cup™ Driving champion title for the sixth time, once more than the previous record holder Germany's Michael Freund. MORE

Edwina Tops-Alexander has won the lucrative Al Shaqab Grand Prix CSI5* in Doha (Qatar), edging out the world's leading riders to win 165,000 euros in prizemoney. Earlier in the month Tops-Alexander secured a start in the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final after finishing the regular round of the western league in sixth position. MORE

National Eventing Selectors have confirmed the long lists for the Senior and Young Rider Eventing Teams that will contest the Oceania Eventing Championships in Taupo (NZL) from 15-17 May 2015. MORE

The Ariat Rider of the Month is Edwina Tops-Alexander for her win in the Al Shaqab CSI5* Grand Prix and for finishing the regular season of the Western European League of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Series in sixth place, earning her a start in next month's Las Vegas Final.  MORE

As horse lovers we all want our horses looking and feeling their best. In order to achieve this, it is important to meet their nutrient requirements and provide them with balanced nutrition. However, there is a bewildering array of supplements available and it is a somewhat daunting task to determine what your horse needs and how to supply it. MORE

Olympian and World Equestrian Games (WEG) representative Mary Hanna has continued her record breaking form, beating her previous personal best and setting an Australian record in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Birds Equisports Dressage with Altitude Festival. MORE

Equestrian Victoria will be hosting the Australian Young Rider Dressage Championships at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre from 9 – 12 April 2015. MORE

Did you know Gow Gates Insurance Brokers has a dedicated website for Equestrian Australia members? As well as containing policy and claims information, the site offers a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions related to member, coach and club insurance. Visit the website: http://www.gowgatessport.com.au/equestrian/ 

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If you're not following EquestrianAus on Facebook, these are just some of the updates you missed last month...