Para Equestrian Dressage Futures Program Launched

Equestrian NSW today launched the NSW Para Equestrian Dressage Futures Program.

The Program, to be funded by Ernst & Young, through the Australian Sports Foundation, for three years, will create a pathway for riders with disabilities to get the training and support to enable them to progress onto Australian squads and ultimately to represent Australia in Para Dressage at international competitions including the Paralympic and World Equestrian Games.

In announcing the new program, Judy Fasher, Chair of Equestrian Australia, said “Australia has a proud history of success in para-equestrian Dressage at Paralympic and World Equestrian Games, having won three gold medals, one silver and seven bronze medals since 1996 and closely missing out at Rio Di Janeiro in 2016. However, this is the first time we’ve been able to implement a program to identify talented riders and give them the support that they need to become internationally competitive. This generous support from Ernst & Young will bring our programs for developing future talent in line with the top countries in our sport.”

Tony Johnson, Managing Partner of EY said “The quest for excellence is central to everything we do at EY, and there’s no higher bar for excellence than representing Australia in international competition.

“This is why EY is incredibly proud to be able to support the NSW Para Equestrian Dressage Futures Program and its goal of enabling riders to represent Australia at the highest levels.

“The level of commitment and dedication required to excel in equestrian events is well known and competing with a disability only adds to this challenge. We’re delighted that Equestrian NSW provided us with the opportunity to partner on this transformational program.”