2024 Eventing Queensland Annual Awards Wrap-Up

On the evening of February 1st, 2025, the Eventing Queensland community gathered for a fantastic celebration at the Story Bridge Hotel to honor the outstanding achievements of the past year. The event was a resounding success, filled with great food, fantastic company, and a lively atmosphere.

The evening began with a warm welcome drink, generously sponsored by the Story Bridge Hotel owners, Richard & Kathryn Deery. Their unwavering support for eventing in Queensland was once again evident, and their hospitality made the night even more special. Guests enjoyed a relaxing pre-event mingle, accompanied by a talented guitarist setting the perfect tone for the evening ahead.

As the awards ceremony got underway, the atmosphere was filled with excitement as winners and finalists in all categories were recognized for their hard work and dedication. Each Award Category showcased remarkable achievements in the world of eventing, and the event was a true reflection of the passion and commitment within the Queensland eventing community.

A particularly special moment of the evening was the heartfelt presentation to Katelyn Simpson, who was acknowledged for her exceptional contributions to coordinating the 2024 Eventing Queensland Squads. Her hard work and dedication have been invaluable, and her efforts were truly appreciated.

The night also saw a significant thank-you given to Lisa Gall, who has served two full terms as the secretary of the Eventing Queensland Sport Committee. Lisa’s commitment to the committee and to the sport will be missed, but her legacy will live on in the many initiatives she helped bring to fruition during her time in the role.

The event would not have been possible without the contribution from the following individuals, and a series of thank-yous were in order:

• A massive thank you to Kirani Heeremans for organising and hosting the awards evening for a third consecutive year! Her dedication and expertise have made this event one to look forward to each year.

• A huge thank you to Jo Cosgrove and the entire team at Story Bridge Hotel for their wonderful service and support.

• Aitken's Saddlery for their fantastic sponsorship and providing vouchers for the top three finishers on the Aitken's Saddlery Leaderboard, as well as an encouragement award. Their continued sponsorship is greatly appreciated.

• The event was expertly MC’d by Lesley Brodbeck, the Eventing Queensland Chairperson, whose charm and wit kept the evening flowing smoothly.

• The tireless efforts of the Eventing Queensland Committee - Lesley Brodbeck, Lisa Gall, Chrissy Hynard, Kylie Schooley, Richard Mitton, and Kirani Heeremans—were acknowledged for their dedication and ongoing support to the eventing community.

• Sarah Fitton for attending and presenting the award 'Carisbrooke Lady' Mare of the Year, the perpetual trophy proudly sponsored by the Fitton family and in honour of Sarah's beautiful mare and their successful partnership. 
  
  
• Suzanne & Ronald Garrett for attending and Suzanne's beautiful words honoring Kylie Wilmen while presenting the 'Kylie Wilmen' Memorial Trophy.

• Tiff Chapman from Australian Performance Horse Magazine was also recognized for her beautiful photography, capturing the essence of the evening and the spirit of eventing in Queensland.

• Lastly, a thank you to Kate Brown from Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club for her invaluable assistance with social media.

As the evening came to a close, attendees left with smiles on their faces, reflecting on the hard work, achievements, and camaraderie that make the Queensland eventing community so special. A fantastic night was had by all, and we look forward to another exciting year in 2025!

Australian Performance Horse Magazine Photo Gallery

2024 EvQ Annual Awards Finalists & Winners