Proudly sponsored by Red Shed Business Advisors, this award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution during 2017 to the administration of their equestrian sport or club.  

Finalists: Carola Price, Karyn Dillmann, Leesa Murray, Kara Thomas, Nick Ballard and Nikki Breeze

 Club of the Year

This award recognises an EQ affiliated club that during 2017 fostered participation and engagement at all levels of the sport, showed innovation in administration, skills development, and personal growth for members and provided opportunities for a diverse range of participants as well as a broad community appeal.

Finalists: Caboolture Dressage Group, Caloundra Equestrian Association, Lockyer Equestrian Group, Park Ridge Active Riders Group, Redlands and Southern Districts Equestrian Group and Tamborine Equestrian Group

Owner of the Year

Proudly sponsored by Mullins Lawyers, this award recognises the owner/s (must be an EQ member) who has contributed to the success of equestrian sport by providing horses of the highest quality to riders within the various equestrian disciplines.  These horses have generally competed to an exceptional level during the year either on the State, National, or International stage.  

Finalists: Graham & Linda Huddy, Madonna Hedberg and Sarah Corr

 Coach of the Year 

This award recognises an EA registered coach whose dedication and skill has positively influenced both human and equine athletes during 2017.  The EA registered coach will have made a significant contribution to the success of individuals or teams to assist them in achieving outstanding results at the highest level of senior or junior competition.

Finalists: Charlotte Price, Danielle Shearer, Diane Mackie, Emma Flavelle-Watts, Guy Creighton, Kim Durante, Leah McCarron, Lesley Brodbeck, Mattea Davidson and Nicole Tough

School of the Year

Proudly sponsored by Interschool Queensland, this award recognises an EQ affiliated school that has set itself apart from other schools through its high standard of organisation, governance, community engagement and its resounding success.  This school will have provided opportunities for riders, volunteers, administrators, and officials to develop within and outside the school environment.

Finalists: Somerville House, St John's Catholic School, Stuartholme School, The Glennie School and The Kooralbyn International School

Best Groom Award

Proudly sponsored by Caboolture Dressage Group, this award recognised those all-important, behind-the-scenes team members who work around the clock to ensure that our equine athletes get the best possible care and attention.

Finalists: Gregory Brown and Catharina Matschurat, Kaitlin Dooney, Jamie Rodda & Allara Paxton

Official of the Year

This award recognises an individual who has attained a level of excellence in the field of officiating (ie Course building, technical delegate and/or judging).  

Finalists: Christine Bradfield, Darryn Fedrick, Des Hughes, Kay Paulsen and Maria Schwennesen

Proudly sponsored by B&D CONSULTANTS, this award replaces the Para Equestrian of the Year Award.  This award recognises an individual who has pursued their equestrian ambitions despite a disability or extremely difficult personal circumstance.  The category is open to all athletes, regardless of age, who have overcome significant adversity through courage, human spirit, perseverance and resilience to consistently achieve at a high level either at local, State or National level in the past year. 

Finalists: Chelsea Gatti, Mackenzie Boundy, Margie Elliott and Susan Cox

Volunteer of the Year 

This award recognises an individual who contributes to the running of equestrian sport and events in Queensland voluntarily.  Administrators, coaches, and officials are not eligible to enter this category. Volunteers foster positive difference in the lives of others through support and encouragement, often with self-sacrifice and without personal gain.

Finalists: Adele Godsall, Alison Ford, Dale McNab, David Berman, John Tod, Karen Herald, Kim Tenkate, Lisbeth Betts, Merle Speakman, Paul Reedy, Sue Koning and Susie Mason

Service to Sport

This award recognises an individual who, over a number of years, has made an outstanding contribution and commitment to equestrian sport, or the industry as a whole.  The recipient may be anyone who has contributed to the development and excellence of equestrian sports such as an administrator, a volunteer, a competitor, or a coach.

Finalists: Alan Garfield, Judy Jackson, Karen Herald, Karen Morris, Leesa Murray and Wendy Tidbold