Great to see this article about Australia's equestrian hopes for the 2012 Olympics, published on mainstream website, ninemsn's Wide World of Sport! ...

The NEC Christchurch Committee have been working hard on a 10-year plan to further develop the NEC into an equestrian venue of international standing. To find out what is happening at the NEC Christchurch and to read more about the planned developments click here. ...

A tragic horse riding accident occurred yesterday morning at Mount Beppo, Queensland. A 16 year old girl was riding with another person on a private property when her horse bolted and she hit a light pole, police say. Paramedics attended the property at 11.30am to find the girl with serious head injuries. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman has advised that the girl died in transit to the Hospital in Esk. ...

Equestrian Australia have announced the National squads for the second half of 2011, following the selectors mid-year review....

Following this latest development of a pet dog being diagnosed with Hendra virus, the situation seems to just keeps getting worse... The Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong has confirmed that a dog has tested positive for Hendra virus. Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Rick Symons said this was an unprecedented situation. "This is the first time outside of a laboratory that an animal other than a flying fox or a horse, or a human, has been confirmed with Hendra virus infection," Dr Symons said. "The dog is on a property where Hendra virus infection has been confirmed and is currently under quarantine. ...

The equestrian community has only six more days to nominate its heroes for the five categories of the FEI Awards 2011. Nominations for Best Athlete, HSBC Rising Star, Against All Odds, Development and Best Groom have so far arrived from France, Great Britain, Australia, The Netherlands, Canada, Africa, Italy, Mexico, Germany, the USA, South Africa, Cambodia, Norway, Malaysia, Thailand, Sweden, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand,...

Vet Dr David Lovell, from Redland Bay, east of Brisbane (who treated several horses affected by Hendra virus in 2008), says the State Government needs to allocate more resources to studying the reasons behind the spike in outbreaks. "Something's different, something has changed," he said. "My belief probably is that it is all in the month of July - I think that in a very, very short period of time we have had all these different outbreaks. "Why is that suddenly happening? ...

Further to previous reports on Horsezone, the Equestrian Australia Education Conference, being held on 6 - 7 August, is a national initiative open to anyone involved in or associated with equestrian pursuits. Registration closes this Friday 29 July. Conference delegates will hear dynamic and engaging speakers who will both entertain and educate. The conference aims to encourage an enduring quest for knowledge, best practice and outcomes for EA members, affiliates and the broader equestrian community. ...

Para-Equestrians bidding to compete at the London 2012 Paralympic Games can now apply for funding as part of a brand new grant scheme to help with training expenses. Eurovestech plc, the pan-European development capital fund, has put up a €25,500 grant to support 15 equestrian athletes around the world as they prepare for London 2012. ...

The Final round for the Goulburn Valley Reining Horse Association ‘Ride & Slide to America’ Series 2011 was held at Tatura Park Indoor Arena on Sunday 17 July. The Rookie L1 and Intermediate Open classes were a very close finish whilst the Intermediate Non Pro, saw runaway leader Keiran Moses on Little Gambel Lena take home a return flight to the NRHA Futurity held at Oklahoma City in Dec 2011. ...