Equestrian WA are excited to confirm a number of initiatives relevant to Interschool WA riders in 2020. Long-term supporter Saddles Plus is again confirmed as title sponsors of the Interschool WA program for 2020 as well as supporting many other Equestrian Western Australia Events. Their ongoing support is imperative to the viability of these events and we are incredibly grateful for the healthy relationship developed with Saddles Plus over many years. Saddles Plus is a family-owned WA business with outstanding expertise in saddle fitting, a large range of saddles and extensive saddlery store.

These initiatives are outlined below.

Lowering of Equestrian WA Membership Fees for Junior riders in 2020:

Equestrian WA is constantly aware of the costs involved in participating in youth sport. EWA membership is compulsory to compete in the Saddles Plus Interschool Equestrian Festival and we are excited to confirm the lowering of junior membership fees for 2020 memberships at the participant and competitive level by $25 and $50 respectively. A 2020 Participant Junior membership is now $154 and Competitive Junior Membership $250.

Waiving Helper Duty Fees for those providing helper/s:

Competitors will now have the option to discount their helper fee on their entries in 2020 rather than paying the full fee and receiving a refund upon completion of their helper duty/ies. This decision has been made following feedback from the 2019 event. We will be relying on good faith by competitors to complete their helper duty however given the high completion rate in recent years and requests from to waive this fee we have agreed this will be a positive step forward for 2020. This system was used at the 2019 WA State Dressage Championships very successfully. The option to pay a fee to not complete a helper duty will remain and this fee will need to be paid upfront with entries. The nomination system to self-nominate your duty following the close of entries will remain in place again for 2020 offering flexibility for competitors and their families when choosing duties.

Receive $25 off total entry fee to the Saddles Plus Interschool Equestrian Festival by purchasing from Saddles Plus:

Purchase an item at Saddles Plus either online or in-store between 1 February and 23 March 2020 and receive a $25 discount on your entry to the Saddles Plus Interschool Equestrian Festival 2020.

Offering “Targeted Training” events as Interschool Qualifiers in early 2020

Due to the low number of competitive competitions early in the EWA equestrian calendar Equestrian Western Australia have agreed to permit the use of targeted training days as an opportunity to be assessed and have qualification cards signed. The events are required to meet special conditions including using EA officials and being an EA affiliated club. All other conditions such as requiring EA membership and meeting minimum standards are still required.

These events are listed below:

• 8^th February Zamia Adult Riding Club Dressage Training
• 23^rd February Serpentine Horse and Pony Club Dressage Training
• 29th February Zamia Adult Riding Club Dressage Training
• 13^th March WASJA Jumping Training Day
• 22^nd March Zamia Adult Riding Club Dressage Training
• 22^nd March Gidgegannup Dressage and Jumping Training Day

If you are part of an EA affiliated club hosting a training event between 1 January and 23 March 2020 please contact the Equestrian WA office [email protected] to request your event be included in this initiative. Training days will only be permitted to be used as Interschool Qualifiers with prior approval.

Expansion of Participant Classes

2020 will see further expansion of Participant classes at the Interschool Festival to include more dressage and jumping classes each day for both primary and participant riders. Classes start at Preparatory Dressage and 45cm for both Primary and Secondary riders and also include Show Horse and Show Hunter classes. Participant riders are also welcome to enter Open Combined Training classes from 45cm to 80cm (one per horse).

Inclusion of Vaulting in the Interschool Equestrian Festival

Equestrian WA is excited to confirm Vaulting will again be included in the program for 2020 as participation and competitive competition. Vaulters will require a minimum participation EWA membership to participate. It is also hoped that open classes will also be offered to older vaulters. This competition will take place in the Indoor Stadium on Friday 17 April.

Movie Night

Equestrian WA is excited to confirm we have secured the City of Swan Movie trailer for the Thursday evening of the Saddles Plus Interschool Equestrian Festival and will be hosting a free movie evening in the indoor stadium on the Thursday evening of the event.

Saturday Evening Entertainment

Equestrian WA in conjunction with Saddles Plus and Off the Track WA will again be hosting an evening of entertainment in the indoor stadium on the Saturday evening of the event. This will include an exciting “Jockeys Challenge” celebrating off the track horses and their Interschool riders as well as some special guests. There will be an opportunity for all riders to get involved in a fun evening of games and entertainment. Planning is well underway for this and riders are encouraged to keep an eye on the Interschool WA Facebook Page for further details.

Are you a school student and keen to get involved?

These initiatives are aimed at providing an inclusive, exciting event for all school-age riders keen on enjoying equestrian sports representing their school and at a youth level.

You can find more information about the Saddles Plus Interschool Equestrian Festival online including timetable, important dates list and FAQ https://www.wa.equestrian.org.au/interschool/iswa_equestrianfestival20

Interschool WA is always looking for interested, enthusiastic volunteers with event organisation experience to assist in running this event. If you are keen to get involved in 2020 please contact the Equestrian WA office [email protected]