We all want to get back to normal life as soon as possible. Ensuring our members, their friends and families remain safe and prepared is critical to achieving this.

One of the ways we can all play our part is to get the Australian Government's COVIDSafe app. While downloading the app is entirely voluntary, it has been highly recommended by both the Australian and WA Governments to assist our health professionals and help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Equestrian WA is encouraging all members to consider downloading the app to help keep our community safer.

11/05/2020

WA Premier Mark McGowan announced phase two of the easing of lifestyle restrictions, imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will get underway from Monday, May 18.

It mentions the following in regards to sports,

• Non-contact community sports and training allowed for no more than 20 people.
• Outdoor and indoor fitness classes with minimal shared equipment can take place limited to 20 people.

The easing of these restrictions will enable Equestrian WA to implement the following actions;

• The opening of the EWA office to the Public from Monday 25th May, opening times Monday to Wednesdays 9am/5pm and Thursdays 9am/12pm.
• The opening of the SEC for training purposes from Monday 25th May, seven days a week 9am till 5pm, please see attached protocols and note all riding at the SEC requires an online booking.
• Advice to Clubs and coaches that training is allowed for no more than 20 people and can commence from Monday 18th May as outline by the WA Government.

To support the gradual restart of the equestrian activities EWA has produced the following documents which will be available online tomorrow via the Equestrian WA website and social media pages.

• EWA Covid roadmap
• EWA Covid protocols
• SEC Covid protocols

These documents will also be reviewed as WA Government Covid restrictions are updated.

We look forward to seeing more and more activity in the sport over the coming weeks and thank you for your support.

*NEW CONTENT ADDED*

Visit the EDU-Lounge and join leading equestrian rider and physiotherapist, Emily Gray to complete a short Rider Strength Workout.

No equipment required and suitable for all levels of fitness and all disciplines of riding!

Everyone is welcome to join in, and it’s free to access!

07/05/2020

IMPACT OF COVID-19 & EA OFFICIAL RE-ACCREDITATION

The impact of COVID-19 on EA National Official re-accreditation has recently been reviewed.

EA Officials re-accredit on a 3-year cycle.  In 2021, officials due for re-accreditation are Dressage Judges, Show Horse Judges and Driving Judges, Technical Delegate and Course Designers.

In consultation with the National Discipline Committees of these disciplines, it has been agreed to extend the re-accreditation period until 2022, to allow for those Officials to meet the necessary requirements to re- accredit.

This will now bring all EA National Officials into the same re-accreditation cycle.

EA values the contribution Officials bring to the sport, and during this time of uncertainty, extending reaccreditation obligations will remove further burden on EA Officials.

Please check out the FAQ page on the EA website HERE

07/05/2020

AIS RETURN TO SPORT PRINCIPLES - CATEGORISING OF EQUESTRIAN

EA continues to work with the federal government, Australian Institute of Sport and Sport Australia on a safe and staged return to training and competition.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the endorsement of the National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities by National Cabinet and the Australian Institute of Sport’s detailed strategy on “The Principles and the Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment”, we sought clarification on the categorising of Equestrian requirements in Levels A, B and C.

The specific Equestrian requirements that were proposed to the AIS included Full training only at Level B (NOT competition). We’ve since spoken to the Chief Medical Officer and we have been advised that this will be amended.

Click here to read more

05/05/2020

NT 'TEST CASE' FOR POST COVID-19 RETURN TO SPORT

Sport, in general, is starting to re-open and the Northern Territory is the 'test case', according to Equestrian Northern Territory (ENT) Chair, Anne-Marie Cruickshank.

The Northern Territory Government has revised the initial easing of restrictions and, as a result, from 1 May Equestrian can now commence competition.

The guidelines indicate competition can be undertaken on the premise there are no public spectators present. Grooms, support people and parents are not considered spectators.

For ENT, where affiliate clubs operate out of private facilities which can be closed and access by the general public can be prevented; competitions can be run.

Click here to read full article

13/05/2020

EWA SHOW HORSE UPDATE

At this stage we still cannot confirm a date for the 2020 Horse of the Year.

However, we felt that we should keep you informed about our 2020 and 2021 Newcomers Events.

Even if we were to hold the 2020 Newcomers later in the year, those of you who have eligible horses and ponies, would not have had an opportunity to actually take them out. From the survey that you completed for us, there were a number of suggestions that both Newcomers events could be held in 2021.

Taking this suggestion on board, the committee has decided that the 2020 Newcomers, for horses and ponies holding a 2020 Newcomers Card, (after the close of entries 29 May 2019 to what would have been close of entries for 2020, 26 April 2020) will be held at the EWA Autumn Pageant in May 2021.

The 2021 Newcomers, for horses and ponies holding a 2021 Newcomers Card, will be held at the EWA Winter Gala in June 2021 for licences issued to horses and ponies after what would have been close of entries for 2020 (26 April 2020) to close of entries in 2021. (Date to be confirmed)

This will give all competitors the opportunity to show their horses and ponies before their Newcomer event.

Please Note – THERE WILL BE NO QUALIFICATION FOR THESE NEWCOMER EVENTS

01/05/2020

07/05/2020

EXCITING NEWS FOR WA!

Massive congratulations to senior competitor, Chloe Moon as she and Gesusa Park Furst Light placed 3rd in the Horseland Digital Dressage 2020 Novice 2B. Chloe is pleased with her 75% score from Heath & Rozzie Ryan!

Click here to watch the complete presentation.