The first stage in the mainstreaming of Para-Equestrian Sport under the administration of Equestrian Australia is now complete. The Board of Equestrian Australia recently approved key appointments to the Para-Equestrian High Performance Program.

The Appointments Panel, consisting of representatives from Equestrian Australia, the Australian Paralympic Committee and Para-Equestrian sport, conducted an extensive and consultative selection process and now announces the following appointments:-

National Coach	Mary Longden (VIC)
Sport Representative	Sharyn Gregory (NSW)
National Selectors	Pauline Perry – Chair (TAS)
	Deborah MacNicol (VIC)
	Susan Bright (QLD)

The Chef d'Equipe position was not filled and is currently vacant. Equestrian Australia will continue its search for a suitable candidate for this position over the coming months.

The Para-Equestrian High Performance Program will now be integrated into the Equestrian Australia High Performance Program as the fourth sport along with the Olympic sports of Eventing, Jumping and Dressage. Each sport in the Program has a High Performance Panel, which is responsible for the direction and implementation of the High Performance Program.

This Panel is chaired by the High Performance Manager and will include the National Coach, a Sport Representative, the Chair of Selectors, the Chef d'Equipe and a Rider Representative. Anne Skinner (Vic.) has agreed to be the interim Rider Representative on the Panel.

Equestrian Australia in partnership with the Australian Paralympic Committee and the Australian Sports Commission welcomes this new and exciting direction in Para-Equestrian Sport and looks forward to a successful future.