2024 EQ ANNUAL AWARD CATEGORIES

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Redshed Business Advisors.

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

This award recognises a Queensland member 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 considered for judging:

• The level of contribution to the sport as an administrator (e.g. roles performed, time devoted, dedication to a role or discipline etc).

• Special achievements over the year and the significance of these achievements (e.g. 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.   

CLUB OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by CPR Group. 

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

This award recognises a Queensland affiliated club that 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 considered for judging:

• Contribution to increased/sustained participation in the sport (including program development, coaching development, grassroots programs and 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.

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

This award recognises a Queensland owner/s (must be an EQ member) that has contributed to the success of equestrian sport by providing horses of the highest quality to riders within the various equestrian disciplines.  These horse/s have competed to an exceptional level during the year either on the State, National, or International stage.  

The following criteria will be considered judging:

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

• Contribution to the development of the sport.

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

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

COACH OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by KNK Metal Works.

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

This award recognises a Queensland EA registered coach whose dedication and skill has positively influenced both human and equine athletes during Award criteria period.  The EA registered coach has 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 consdiered for judging:

• Outstanding performances by coached athletes or teams during the year where the coaches contribution is considered significant.

• Contribution to the development of equestrian athletes within and outside the sporting environment (e.g. professional development, mentoring, program development and 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 alignment to the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect. 

QOTT LEADERBOARD HIGH POINT HORSE AWARDS

Proudly sponsored  Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT).

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

The QOTT Leaderboard established in 2022, highlights Standardbred and Thoroughbred ex racehorses excelling in their new careers.

This award is NOT self-nominating.  

The QOTT Leaderboard High Point Horse Awards are presented to the OTT horses that have accumulated the highest points in each discipline.

SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Interschool Queensland.

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

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 competition successes.  This school havs provided opportunities for riders, volunteers, administrators, and officials to develop within and outside the school environment.

The following criteria will consdiered for judging:

• Successes and achievements of the school and its athletes in the past 12 months to increase participation in school and community sport.

• Evidence of successes and achievements of the school and its athletes 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.

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

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 considered for judging:

• Special achievements and significance of these achievements in the past 12 months.

• 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.

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Proudly sponsored by Australian Outback Spectacular.

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

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 12 months.

The following criteria will be considered 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.

OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Marsh Insurance Brokers.  

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

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 considered for judging:

• Significant achievements for the past 12 months.

• Demonstrated commitment to equestrian sport (e.g. roles held, level of officiating and/or tenor 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.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Toft Endurance.  

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

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 considered for judging:

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

• Special achievements and hte significance of these achievements inthe past 12 months.

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

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

SERVICE TO SPORT

Proudly sponsored by Equestrian Queensland

Award Criteria Period:  Multiple Years of Service/Not restricted to the Award Criteria Period

This award recognises an individual who, over several 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 considered for judging:

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

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

EVENT OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Aitken's Saddlery. 

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

This award recognises an event conducted in Queensland during the Award criteria during the past 12 months that has made a significant impact by influencing community valuess, spreading awareness of the sport and/or producing significant economic benefits.  

The following criteria will be considered for judging:

• Conduct of a significant and successful event at State, National or International level (including how the success of the event was defined/measured).

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

• Engagement with the Equestrian Queensland memberhsip and public (e.g. number of competitors, officials and/or spectators).

• How the event organiser/s uphold and demonstrates the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect. 

HORSE OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Pryde's EasiFeed.

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

This award recognises a horse owned by an Equestrian Queensland member, who in the past twelve months, has had exceptional performances either on the State, National, or International stage and gains recognition for the sport.

The following criteria will be considered for judging:

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

RISING STARS

This award is NOT self-nominating.  

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

This award recognises an athlete up to the age of 21 years of age as at 31 December 2024. Each of the Equestrian Queensland Sport Committees will nominate athletes that have met the following criteria in the past 12 months.  

In addition to the athlete demonstrating positive qualities and 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 2* 

• 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 events which include Horse of the Year (HOTY) and the Childs HOTY.

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

JUNIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Stuartholme School.

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

This award recognises an athlete 18 years of age or less as at 31 December 2024 who has consistently achieved at a high level either at State, National, or International level in the past 12 months. 

The following criteria will be considered for judging:

• Significant achievements at State, National or International level.

• Demonstration of positive qualities in both practice and competition.

• Qualities that makes this rider stand out against other junior equestrian athletes and who demonstrate the EQ Values of Safety, Welfare of the Horse, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Respect.

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Proudly sponsored by Finch Farm 

Award Criteria Period:  November 2024 – October 2025

This award recognises a Queensland athlete who has consistently achieved at a high level either at State, National, or International level in the past 12 months.  They will have displayed excellent sportsmanship, as well as putting something back into the sport.

The following criteria will be considered for judging:

• Significant achievements at State, National or International level.

• Demonstration of positive qualities to both practice and competition.

• Qualities that make this athlete stand out against others from all disciplines and who demonstrate the EQ Values of Teamwork, Integrity, Inclusion and Excellence.