AERA.asn.au5 November 2013
EA and AERA forge relationship ahead of the 2014 World Equestrian Games
Equestrian Australia (EA) and the Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA) have reached an agreement which will see EA assume responsibility for the administration of FEI endurance riders and officials.
A key feature of the agreement will see EA appoint a National Performance Director for endurance as well as develop a national High Performance program for the discipline which is intended to assist those riders vying for team selection to next year’s World Equestrian Games.
In a bid to align international endurance competition in Australia with the international standards implemented by the FEI, Australian endurance riders participating in FEI events will now also need to become members of EA which extends their benefits through insurance as well as high performance opportunities.
FEI endurance officials are also set to benefit with the agreement to allow international officials an opportunity to participate in the full range of relevant EA courses across the Oceania region. Equestrian Australia CEO Mr Grant Baldock is pleased an agreement between the two organisations could be forged in the lead-up to the 2014 World Equestrian Games (WEG).
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with AERA that will make it easier for riders competing at FEI level. As EA is Australia’s direct link to the FEI, this move will make it easier for riders and officials who wish to compete and officiate at FEI events”.
“Equestrian Australia looks forward to working collaboratively with AERA to field a strong team at next year’s World Equestrian Games and the formation of a high performance program for endurance will give Australian riders the best possible chance for success at Normandy.”
Australia has won more World Equestrian Games medals in Endurance than in any other discipline including one silver and two bronze medals.
The agreement also allows clubs affiliated with AERA state branches to conduct FEI endurance events. Further, endurance riders wishing to compete at an FEI event will need to hold applicable EA membership with their respective state and their horse will also require appropriate FEI documentation.
For more details on the exact requirements for Australian endurance riders, events, officials and clubs – click here.
President of AERA Mr Tom McCormack said, “The AERA is pleased to have concluded the Agreement with EA. The agreement provides a clear and direct pathway for those AERA members pursuing International representation, whilst still providing access for those members simply wishing to compete within the FEI framework. The appointment of a National Performance Director and a High performance program is a major initiative which will directly benefit all members of the Australian Endurance community over time”.
The first matter of business will be for the organisations to elect a National Endurance Committee which will be charged with the task of developing a framework for the discipline moving forward. Individuals wishing to nominate for this committee can do so by completing the nomination form available HERE
