EQ Annual Awards Evening

 

Recognition of Excellence in 2023.... 

 

 

OVERVIEW

The Equestrian Queensland (EQ) Annual Awards are conducted annually to recognise the outstanding achievements from our athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers, officials, and horses that have made an outstanding contribution to equestrian sport in Queensland. 

We look forward to welcoming you to celebrate the year’s sporting achievements recognising success within Australia.


NOMINATIONS AND JUDGING PROCESS

The following applies to the nomination process for the EQ Annual Awards:
  • The person nominating must be an EQ, EA, or member of an affiliated club.
  • More than one nomination may be submitted (each nomination must be completed separately).
  • Nominations are considered for services and achievements during the period of November 2022 – October 2023 for all categories EXCEPT ‘Service to Sport’. 
  • Please assume that your application has NOT been received, until such time as you have received this acknowledgement.
  • Late nominations will not be accepted.
  • Nominations will be judged by a Panel consisting of at least the:
       - EQ Management
       - a representative from the Board; and 
       - 2 x independent representatives.
  • The Panel may consider other supporting information (e.g. competition results) to support applications.
 

KEY DATES

  • Nominations Open: Monday 11 September 2023
  • Nominations Close: Tuesday 31 October 2023
  • Judging: Monday 6 November 2023
  • Finalists Announced: Friday 8 November 2023
  • Ticket Sales Close: Sunday 12 November 2023
  • Award dinner and presentation: Saturday 25 November 2023

2023 EQ ANNUAL AWARD CATEGORIES

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:

 

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.

 

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:

COACH OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Equestrian Queensland. 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.

 

QOTT HIGH POINT HORSE AWARD

The Queensland Off-The-Track Program (QOTT Program) has been established to support a high-quality first transition for Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses, bred for the racing industry and domiciled in Queensland at the time of their retirement from racing or breeding activities.

 The QOTT High Point Horse Award goes to the OTT that has accumulated the highest points during 2022 . 

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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

SERVICE TO SPORT

Proudly sponsored by Equestrian Australia.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:

 

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:

 
 

 

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.

RISING STARS

Proudly sponsored by Sagacity Consultingthis award recognises an athlete up to the age of 21 years of age as at 31 December 2022. 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
 
INTERSCHOOL
⭐️ Ashlee Lowe ⭐️ Anastasia Topalov ⭐️ Arabella Eagles ⭐️ Indigo Kelly ⭐️ Charlotte Ostwald
 
VAULTING
⭐️ Emily Edwards ⭐️ Brooke Stanley ⭐️ Evelyn Mercer
 
JUMPING
⭐️ Kaitlyn Parlevliet ⭐️ Fuschia Criss ⭐️ Georgia Rohde ⭐️ Pip Wolstenholme
 
DRESSAGE
⭐️ Arabella Eagles
 
EVENTING
⭐️ Bella Anthony
 
SHOW HORSE
⭐️ Imogen Hay ⭐️ Mia Plucknett ⭐️ Sky Maree Oldham ⭐️ Jemima Warburton ⭐️ Clare Fedrick
 
WINNERS
⭐️ INTERSCHOOL - Charlotte Ostwald
⭐️ DRESSAGE - Arabella Eagles
⭐️ JUMPING - Fuschia Criss
⭐️ VAULTING - Brooke Stanley
⭐️ SHOW HORSE - Clare Fedrick
⭐️ EVENTING - Bella Anthony

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:

FINALISTS
⭐️ Astrid Stewart ⭐️ Alli Reinke ⭐️ Arabella Eagles ⭐️ Amber Kahler ⭐️ Bella Anthony ⭐️ Charlotte Ostwald ⭐️ Cody Tincknell ⭐️ David Stewart ⭐️ Danielle McMahon ⭐️ Grace Anthony ⭐️ Harriet Smith ⭐️ Holly Tomkins ⭐️ Karen Messmer ⭐️ Maleah Lang-McMahon ⭐️ Olivia Hewitt-Toms
 
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:

FINALISTS
⭐️ Andrew Cooper ⭐️ Boyd Exell ⭐️ Billy Raymont ⭐️ Gary Lung ⭐️ Matthew Lord ⭐️ Olivia Hamood
 
WINNER
⭐️ Boyd Exell

 

 

 

PREVIOUS WINNERS

2022 Annual Awards

2021 Virtual Annual Awards

2019 Annual Awards 

2018 Annual Awards 

2017 Annual Awards 

2016 Annual Awards 

2015 Annual Awards 

 

STATE BRANCHES