The 2024 EPA Awards honor those whose dedication has shaped Equine Pathways Australia into what it is today. Congratulations to all award winners and nominees. The competition was fierce, with numerous outstanding candidates vying for recognition.
The Equine Pathways Australia Founder’s Medal
This award recognises the rider who has made the most significant improvement over the year showing improved skills and confidence across all areas both on and off the horse.
Award Winner: Alex Shepherd
The Ruched Award
This award recognises the Horse within the EPA program which has performed in Clinics/ Competitions beyond expectations. The award is in honour of the exceptional “Ruched” campaigned by Luke Eaton. The award is donated by the Eaton family.
Award Winner: Bailey, RDA Tall Timbers
Cil Dara Cosmic Award
This award recognises the person who has made a significant contribution to the EPA program including day to day involvement, clinic days and competition. The award is to acknowledge and reward the person whose efforts behind the scenes show true passion towards the athletes and the horses. The award is in honour of the exceptional “Cil Dara Cosmic” campaigned internationally by Dianne Barnes. The award is donated by the Barnes family.
Award Winner: Jessie Downs
RVL / OTT Award
The award is sponsored by Racing Victoria Limited and recognises the Off The Track thoroughbred and it’s rider who have shown: competition results, personal development, improvement in training and contribution to the EPA program.
Award Winner: Beck Webber & Zac
The Equine Pathways Australia High Performance Medallions
The High-Performance Medallions recognise when EPA riders are selected onto an Australian Team for World Championships, Paralympic Games or Virtus Games. The medallions are designed to be worn on competition wear and other attire and will be presented every two years following the Championships. Medallions will be accompanied by a framed certificate.
Award Winners: Sui Watts, Sarah Sherwood and Andrew Driffield – 2023 Australian Virtus Team, winning Golf for Australia
The Equine Pathways Australia Volunteer Award
This award recognises the person who has made a significant contribution to the EPA program by regularly volunteering their time to assist at EPA clinics.
Award Winner: Nicole King
The Equine Pathways Australia Award
This award is for the EPA participant who achieves the best and most consistent results across the course of the year in competition, whether it be at local, state, or national level. Winner based on verifiable competition results.
Award Winner: Stella Barton
The Equine Pathways Australia Trophy
For the participant who is always supportive of others, contributes to the overall success of EPA and has been judged to have made the most significant contribution to the health, well-being and improvement of the organisation and its participants, and exhibits attributes in keeping with the Equine Pathways Australia culture of support and growth. The recipient of this trophy is a role model for other participants. They volunteer their time freely and go above and beyond in any role that they take on and support all other participants to develop and grow.
Award Winners: Lucinda Casey
The Equine Pathways Australia Cup
This award recognises the person who has made a significant contribution to the development of athletes with a disability in equine sports. It may be a coach, volunteer, athlete, allied health provider or other supporter and is to acknowledge and reward the person whose efforts behind the scenes show true passion for the development and growth of the organisation and its mission.
Award Winners: Sally Francis OAM
