The 2025 EPA Awards celebrate the individuals whose dedication, spirit, and commitment continue to shape Equine Pathways Australia. Congratulations to all of our award winners and nominees. This year’s field was incredibly strong, with so many remarkable people worthy of recognition.
THE EQUINE PATHWAYS AUSTRALIA AWARD
About: 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.
Awards Winner: Chloe Karsten – NSW
THE EQUINE PATHWAYS AUSTRALIA FOUNDERS MEDAL
About: 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.
Awards Winner: Katie Genn – QLD
THE EQUINE PATHWAYS AUSTRALIA TROPHY
About: 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.
Awards Winner: Kelly Ffrost – VIC
THE EQUINE PATHWAYS AUSTRALIA CUP
About: 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, 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.
Awards Winner: Shelley Earl – VIC
THE EQUINE PATHWAYS AUSTRALIA HP MEDALLIONS
About: The High-Performance Medallions recognise when EPA riders/officials/grooms/owners/ horses are selected onto an Australian Team for World Championships or Paralympic 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.
Awards Winners: Diane Barnes (VIC), Stella Barton (VIC), Catherine Viney (SA), Luke Purtill (WA), Chloe Karsten (NSW), Sarah Sherwood (QLD), Sui Watts (NSW), Andrew Driffield (NSW).
RVL / OTT AWARD
About:
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.
Awards Winners: Mickayla Prindable & Radcliffe – VIC
THE RUCHED AWARD
About: 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.
Awards Winner: Mallee Jack – SA
THE EPA VOLUNTEERS AWARDS
About: 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.
Awards Winners: Hilary Stubbs – QLD and Krystal Handly – VIC
CIL DARA COSMIC AWARD
About: This award recognises an EPA athlete who has participated in competition throughout the year and has demonstrated the EPA values even under the stresses of competition. This person exemplifies the unity between participation and performance and is an example of great sportsmanship to aspiring competitors. This award is donated by Dianne Barnes.
Awards Winner: Kathy Angel – SA
