2021 EQ ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS & FINALISTS

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

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

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• The level of contribution to the sport as an administrator (ie roles performed, time devoted, dedication to the role etc).

• Special achievements over the year and significance of these achievements (program development, impact on club, sport discipline, event or professional development).

• Demonstrates the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect. 

FINALISTS 

⭐️ Rebecca Henry ⭐️ Sharon Goss ⭐️ Michael Dalmau ⭐️ Kay Paulsen ⭐️ Kerri-Lee Ryder ⭐️ Anita Barton ⭐️ Lisa Tanner ⭐️ Lisbeth Bett

WINNER

⭐️ Anita Barton

CLUB OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by CPR Group. This award recognises an EQ affiliated club who has 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.

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Contribution to increased/sustained participation in the sport (including program development, coaching development, grass roots programs, community engagement).

• Level of service to members (including communication, member benefits etc)

• Number, size and success of equestrian events conducted.

• Quality of governance, planning and management (policies implemented, strategic plan etc).

• Demonstrates the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

FINALISTS

⭐️ Lockyer Equestrian Group Inc ⭐️ Warwick Horse Trials Club Inc ⭐️ Park Ridge Active Riding Group Inc ⭐️ Scenic Rim Equestrian Club Inc ⭐️ Caboolture Dressage Group Inc ⭐️ Tropical North Showjumping Club ⭐️ North Queensland Showjumping Club Inc ⭐️ Toowoomba Jump Club ⭐️ Fassifern Vaulting Inc ⭐️ Toowoomba Dressage Inc

WINNER

⭐️ Warwick Horse Trials Club Inc

OWNER OF THE YEAR

Proudly Sponsored by Julie Field Art. This award recognises the owner/s (must be an EQ member) This award recognises an 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.  

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Successes and achievements the owner’s horses have had in the past 12 months.

• Contribution to the development of the sport.

• A positive, encouraging attitude that has inspired, guided and influenced progression of their horses and support of riders.

• Demonstrates the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

FINALISTS

⭐️  Beverly Chugg ⭐️ Shanna Antrim ⭐️ Emma Weel ⭐️ Jason Johnstone ⭐️ Donnella Merrett ⭐️ Jennifer Murphy ⭐️ Peter Carcary ⭐️ Samantha Watt

WINNER

⭐️ Donnella Merrett

COACH OF THE YEAR

This award recognises an EA registered coach whose dedication and skill has positively influenced both human and equine athletes during Award criteria period.  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.

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Outstanding performances by coached athletes or teams during the year where the contribution of the coach is thought to be significant.

• Contribution to the development of equestrian athletes within and outside the sporting environment (eg professional development, mentoring, program development, community involvement).

• Contribution to the sport including safety of riders and welfare of the horse.

• Demonstration of a positive image of coaching and the role of the coach and aligns to the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

FINALISTS

⭐️ Trudy Dougall ⭐️ Anna & Lucy Betts ⭐️ Chloe Hughes ⭐️ Evan Parker ⭐️ Gary Lung ⭐️ Nicole Magoffin ⭐️ Rebecca Henry ⭐️ Sharyn Ross ⭐️ Nicole Tough ⭐️ Tarni Woodhead ⭐️ Emma Flegman

WINNER

⭐️ Gary Lung

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.

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Successes and achievements the school has had in the past 12 months to increase participation in school and community sport.

• Evidence of successes and achievements the school has had in the past 12 months at regional, State, National, or International level, proportionate to the size of the school and its equestrian team.

• Demonstrates to the team through good leadership the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

FINALISTS

⭐️ Victory College ⭐️ Stuartholme School ⭐️ Tamborine Mountain College ⭐️ Emmaus College (Jimboomba) ⭐️ Fairholme College ⭐️ Somerville House

WINNER

⭐️ Emmaus College (Jimboomba)

BEST GROOM AWARD

Proudly sponsored by Equinesque, this award recognises 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.

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Special achievements over the year and significance of these achievements.

• Qualities that set this groom apart from his/her peers.

• Evidence of how this groom goes above and beyond for their rider and horses

• Demonstrates the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

FINALISTS

⭐️ Brooke Dougall ⭐️ Denise Cobbin ⭐️ Greg Laing ⭐️ Melissa Van Den Berge ⭐️ Saskia Hind

WINNER

⭐️ Brooke Dougall

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Proudly sponsored by Buckham & Duffy. This award recognises an individual who has pursued their equestrian ambitions despite extremely difficult personal circumstances.   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, National or International level in the past year.

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Significant achievements at local, State, National or International level.

• Demonstrated excellence in sportsmanship.

• Evidence of the barriers and/or limitations that have been overcome

• Demonstrates the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

FINALISTS

⭐️ Nathan Harvey ⭐️ Pip Pope ⭐️ Eliza Tenkate-Cullen

WINNER

⭐️ Pip Pope

OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Marsh Insurance Brokers.  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). 

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Significant achievements for the year.

• Demonstrated commitment to equestrian sport (ie roles held, level of officiating)

• Other contributions to officiating (rule review, professional development, program development, mentoring etc)

• Demonstrates the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

FINALISTS

⭐️ Gail Iskra ⭐️ Terri Langdon ⭐️ Lisa Gall ⭐️ Bronwyn Hew ⭐️ Mary Seefried

WINNER

⭐️ Mary Seefried

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Toft Endurance.  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.

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Level of contribution to the sport as a volunteer (eg roles held, regular commitments, time devoted etc).

• Special achievements over the year and significance of these achievements.

• Evidence of dedication to the growth of equestrian sport (professional development, program development etc).

• Demonstrates the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

FINALISTS

⭐️ Trish Maginnis ⭐️ Lisa Holland ⭐️ Sara-Jane Seery ⭐️ Adam McKinnon ⭐️ Ashley Pryde ⭐️ Mary Bates

WINNER

⭐️ Sara-Jane Seery

SERVICE TO SPORT

Proudly sponsored by the Equestrian Queensland Next Gen Advisory Group. Award Criteria Period:  Multiple Years of Service/Not restricted to the Award Criteria Period

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.

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Successes and achievements to the development of equestrian sport over a number of years (eg encouraging people to participate and improve their skills, impact on the club/organisation eg membership, financial viability, new program).

• Demonstrates the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

FINALISTS

⭐️ Beverly Chugg ⭐️ Brett Cantle ⭐️ Anita Barton ⭐️ Irene Bakels-Noreen ⭐️ Bronwyn Hew ⭐️ Kay Paulsen ⭐️ Karen Morris ⭐️ Erica Buchanan ⭐️ Brian Munn ⭐️ David Finch

WINNERS

⭐️ Beverly Chugg ⭐️ Irene Bakels-Noreen

EVENT OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Aitken's Saddlery, this award recognises an event conducted in Queensland during the Award criteria period that has provided a significant impact on community values, awareness of the sport and/or significant economic benefits.  

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Conduct of a significant and successful event (including how the success of the event was measured).

• Significance of the event as a showcase of the sport to the public (eg promotion, communication, media exposure).

• The type of event including state/national, number of competitors, officials and spectators.

• How the event organiser upholds the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

 FINALISTS

⭐️ 2021 Pryde’s EasiFeed Gatton World Cup ⭐️ 2021 Larapinta Showjumping ⭐️ 2021 Festival of Showjumping & Caboolture World Cup ⭐️ 2020 Elysian Fields Winter Classic ⭐️ 2021 Horseland Ipswich Brenda Wittmann Classic 2* Dressage ⭐️ 2021 Hygain Interschool Virtual Dressage Competition ⭐️ 2021 Gala Equine Summer Series ⭐️ 2021 Hygain Interschool Qld State Championships ⭐️ 2021 The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDN 

WINNER

⭐️ 2021 The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDN

HORSE OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Pryde's EasiFeed, this award recognises a horse owned by a Queensland member, who in the time period, has had exceptional performances either on the State, National, or International stage and gains recognition for the sport.

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Successes and achievements the Queensland horse has had in the past 12 months at State, National, or International level.

FINALISTS

⭐️ Jane Fonda DVD ⭐️ Extatic GHP ⭐️ Rolex II ⭐️ Affinity Park Scandal ⭐️ Romanos ⭐️ Fidibus ⭐️ My Locky ⭐️ Oaks Cassanova ⭐️ Battlestar Galactica

WINNER

⭐️ Romanos

RISING STARS

Proudly sponsored by Sagacity Consulting, this award recognises an athlete up to the age of 21 years of age as at 31 December 2021. Each of the Equestrian Queensland Sport Committees will nominate athletes that have met the criteria. 

This award is NOT self-nominating.  

In addition to the athlete demonstrating the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect in both practice and competition, the following performance criteria must be met:-

• Driving – first year competing at FEI

• Dressage – first year competing at FEI

• Eventing – first year competing at 3* or above

• Jumping – first year competing at 1.30m or above

• Interschool – first year competing at Medium dressage, 1.10m jumping, 1* eventing, Show Horse must have finished in the top 5 placings at the Interschool Queensland State Championships

• Show Horse – must have finished in the top 5 placings in height or rider classes at Show Horse Queensland Horse of the Year (HOTY) and Childs HOTY

• Vaulting – competing at Intermediate at State/National and/or CVI

FINALISTS

JUMPING ⭐️ Tayla Parlevliet ⭐️ Cody Tincknell ⭐️ Brooke Dougall

EVENTING ⭐️ Georgia Rohde

DRESSAGE ⭐️ Danielle McMahon ⭐️ India Cochrane

SHOW HORSE ⭐️ Amelia Waller ⭐️ Fraser Deverill ⭐️ Isabella Anderson

INTERSCHOOL ⭐️ Sophie Nicholls ⭐️ Simone Sorensen ⭐️ Danielle McMahon ⭐️ Shilah Morris

WINNERS 

JUMPING ⭐️ Tayla Parlevliet

EVENTING ⭐️ Georgia Rohde

DRESSAGE ⭐️ Danielle McMahon

SHOW HORSE ⭐️ Amelia Waller

INTERSCHOOL ⭐️ Sophie Nicholls

JUNIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Stuartholme School, this award recognises an athlete 18 years of age or less as at 31 December 2021 who has consistently achieved at a high level either at State, National, or International level in the Award criteria period. 

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Significant achievements at State, National or International level.

• Demonstration of EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect in both practice and competition.

• Qualities that make this junior athlete stand out against other juniors through their contribution to equestrian sport.

FINALISTS 

⭐️ Maleah Lang-McMahon ⭐️ Bronte Rigney ⭐️ Heidi Grinham ⭐️ Bridgette Dalmau ⭐️ Olivia Middleton ⭐️ Holly Tomkins ⭐️ Ashlee Lowe ⭐️ Sophie Nicholls ⭐️ Isabella Anderson ⭐️ Cody Tincknell ⭐️ Amelia Waller ⭐️ Danielle McMahon ⭐️ India Cochrane ⭐️ Alli Reinke

WINNER

⭐️ Maleah Lang-McMahon

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Finch Farm, this award recognises an athlete who has consistently achieved at a high level either at State, National, or International level in the Award criteria period.  They will have displayed excellent sportsmanship, as well as putting something back into the sport.

The following criteria will be taken into account for judging:

• Significant achievements at State, National or International level.

• Demonstration of EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect in both practice and competition.

• Qualities that make this athlete stand out against others through their contribution to equestrian sport.

FINALISTS

⭐️ Rhys Stanley ⭐️ Billy Raymont ⭐️ Kevin McNab ⭐️ Dominic Schramm ⭐️ Andrew Cooper ⭐️ Jayden Brown ⭐️ Kelly Layne ⭐️ Lili Tamai

WINNER

⭐️ Kevin McNab