Ton De Ridder Leaves Equestrian Australia

By: Jo McKinnon/Equestrian Australia

Equestrian Australia’s (EA) Europe based Dressage coach, trainer and technical advisor Ton de Ridder has confirmed his decision to leave his post after almost eight years. 

Ton de Ridder first started delivering clinics in Australia for the National Squads in October 2009 and was Australia’s National Team/Squad Trainer for Dressage. He was Dressage Coach at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010 and held that coaching role at all major championships that followed including the 2012 London Olympics, 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy and the Rio Olympics last year. 

He also acted as Technical Advisor for Australia’s dressage program in Europe.

"We accept and understand Ton’s decision and want to express our sincere thanks for his contribution,” said EA’s High Performance Director Chris Webb.

“He is well respected by the riders and has made a significant impact on the development of Australian riders and their performances in the European dressage scene.”

“Both EA and the riders that Ton has worked closely with over many years are saddened by his decision to stand down but at the same time we are very grateful for what he has done during his tenure,” he said.

Dressage in Australia is moving in a new direction. In April this year the Equestrian Australia Dressage Committee, led by Prue Spurrett, announced plans to establish a new programme to enhance the development of the popular discipline.

Plans are underway for the formation of an independent Dressage High Performance Panel that will work closely with EA’s National High-Performance Director to ensure alignment of communication, planning campaigns and management of teams for WEG and major international events and provide support and back-up for National Selectors.  The Dressage High Performance Panel will also engage support personnel to advise and support Australian Dressage riders both domestically and internationally

The recruitment process for a volunteer Dressage Chef D’Equipe/Administrator is currently underway. The successful candidate will also be a member of the Dressage High Performance Panel.