HRCAV

15/06/2026

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Reg Cleland, a valued member of the HRCAV community and former HRCAV Official.

Reg dedicated many years to supporting our sport and its participants, generously giving his time, knowledge, and expertise.

His contribution to the HRCAV and the wider equestrian community will be remembered and appreciated by all who had the privilege of working with him.

On behalf of the HRCAV, we extend our sincere condolences to Reg's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Reg's contribution to HRCAV community will not be forgotten.

15/06/2026

This month in Chaff Chat, meet the wonderful partnership between Des Miller and her big bay beauty, Brian Epstein.

It was love at first sight for Des – with Brian waiting at the gate when she arrived to pick him up. What followed has been a remarkable journey of patience, understanding and trust.

Over the past 2½ years, Des has dedicated herself to helping Brian become physically comfortable, a process that has taken time, perseverance, and plenty of care. Along the way, Brian has shown his playful side, enjoying playing with his ball, liberty work and, of course, lots of treats!

Des shares how this special horse has changed her too, helping her become a more patient, understanding version of herself. Their story is a beautiful reminder of the lessons our horses teach us every day.

Be sure to read Des and Brian's inspiring story in this month's Chaff Chat!

You can access Chaff Chat by clicking the link below, your user name is your valid email address and your password is your membership number.

https://www.hrcavnewsletter.com/

12/06/2026

🐴✨ Did You Know? ✨🐴

Have you ridden up to a higher level in any of the jumping disciplines (HT, CT or SJ)?

Good News!

As per Level Assessment rule 11.2 members can be level assessed at Level 4 on a young or green horse.

HRCAV recognises that riders developing a young or inexperienced horse may benefit from competing at a lower assessment level while their horse gains confidence, education, and experience.

This provides a fantastic opportunity to continue progressing your horse through the levels while still enjoying competition and building a solid foundation for future success.

If you're considering competing a young or green horse and would like to know more about level assessments and eligibility, check the relevant HRCAV rules, contact your local level assessor or contact the office for guidance.

Level Assessment Rules:https://hrcav.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Section-4-Level-Assessment-Rules-Jan-2026.pdf

List of Level Assessors:https://hrcav.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/L1_LIST-OF-LEVEL-ASSESSORS-010426.pdf

11/06/2026

Did You Know?

HRCAV Clubs are permitted to run unofficial jumping classes (for HRCAV members only) at HRCAV official events. This includes Showjumping, Combined Training and Horse Trials events.

HRCAV provides the clubs with ribbons for these classes, giving riders the opportunity to compete for awards while gaining valuable experience in the ring.
To be eligible to compete in these unofficial classes, members simply need to:

✔️ Be Level Assessed
✔️ Ride at their assessed level or below

For clubs, it's easy to incorporate unofficial jumping classes into your event. These classes can be included in your official program and run as a separate section, providing additional opportunities for members and helping riders and horses build confidence and experience.

Why not consider adding unofficial jumping classes to your next event? It's a great way to encourage participation and support riders as they progress through the jumping disciplines.

For more information, contact the HRCAV office- [email protected] or 03 9877 0330

10/06/2026

OTT Journey of the Year Award.

We’re absolutely loving the OTT Journey stories that have been coming through — thank you to everyone who has shared their experience so far.

Just a friendly reminder that all story submissions need to be a minimum of 500 words.

If you’re not sure where to start, you might like to reflect on the highs and the lows, the special moments and the setbacks, what you’ve learned along the way, what you might do differently, who has supported you, and any resources you’ve used to help you or your horse on its journey.

Most importantly, remember this is your journey and your story. We can’t wait to read it.

Please send your OTT Journey stories to [email protected]

Off The Track

05/06/2026

🐴 The latest edition of Chaff Chat is here! 🐴

This month’s issue is packed with informative articles, member achievements & competition updates

🔹 “The Bit Before the Bit” – discover the importance of groundwork with Dr Shelley Appleton
🔹 “Is It Training, Behaviour or Pain?” – an insightful article by Dr Anushka Von Oppen
🔹 Learn about the new Pro Rata Memberships commencing 1 July 2026
🔹 Celebrate an incredible milestone with Elise Binks & EK Bellissima achieving the 300 Point Showing
🔹 Read our recap of the exciting TTT 3PE Competition
🔹 Find out who is leading on the EQ Champion Rider Leader board
🔹 Check out the latest Horseland Top 10 and Club Leader board standings
🔹 Catch up on results from the Whittlesea Dressage Jackpot Competition

Plus, much more from around the HRCAV community!

Be sure to log into Chaff Chat and stay up to date with all the latest news, achievements, and events.

Members receive a free digital copy of Chaff Chat each month, you can access Chaff Chat by following this link https://www.hrcavnewsletter.com/, enter your valid email address as your user name and your password is your membership number.

04/06/2026

Frequently Asked Questions – New Helmet Standards 2029

When do the new helmet guidelines come into effect for HRCAV riders?
1st January 2029

What helmet can I use between now and the 1st January 2029?
You may ride in any helmet that meets the current Australian standards, but if you are looking to purchase a new helmet, please make sure it complies with the standards that will come into effect from 1st January 2029.

What are the new standards?
Please see table attached. Ensure your helmet meets two of the new standards and carries at least one of the quality testing marks.

Are the HRCAV helmet standards the same as the EA helmet standards?
Yes, however EA & FEI have a different timeline for rolling out the new standards. The new helmet standards for HRCAV events come into effect on 1st January 2029.

Do the new guidelines apply to all helmets?
Tagging is only required for the jumping disciplines and Nav Riding however members must ensure that they ride in a compliant helmet that meets current Australian standards regardless of if it is tagged or not. It is the rider’s responsibility. If you’re unsure please contact your local helmet tagger https://hrcav.com.au/helmet-tagging/ or the HRCAV office.

Which HRCAV disciplines will need their helmet to be tagged?
Horse trials, Show jumping, Navigation, Combined Training.

What colour will the HRCAV tags be?
Green.

Do taggers need to request the new tags, or will they be sent some automatically?
Taggers will be sent green helmet tags automatically.

When will HRCAV taggers get the new helmet tags?
Within the next 3 weeks.

What date can taggers begin tagging under the new guidelines from?
New tagging can begin as soon as tags arrive if the helmet in question meets the new standards that will be effective from 1st Jan 2029.

Where can I get my helmet tagged?
Please contact your local helmet tagger, to arrange your helmet to be tagged. A list can be found at https://hrcav.com.au/helmet-tagging/

Is there a cost to tag a helmet?
No these will be provided free of charge.

Will HRCAV accept an EA tag?
Yes, if the helmet meets the current approved Australian safety standards.

Will EA accept a HRCAV tag for competitions?
Unfortunately, No.

Does this mean I need x 2 tags on my helmet for both EA and HRCAV?
No because HRCAV accept EA tagged helmets.

04/06/2026

"Featured Club of the Month" - Pakenham Upper Riding Club!!

🐴 Celebrating 50 Years of Pakenham Upper Riding Club 🐴

Founded in 1976, Pakenham Upper Riding Club (PURC) continues to thrive as a welcoming and inclusive club for riders of all ages and disciplines.

The club holds a special place in Horse Riding Clubs Association of Victoria history, with founding HRCAV member Ian Streete helping establish the association in 1981 so riders could continue enjoying horses beyond Pony Club.

Nestled at the beautiful Huxtable Road Equestrian Reserve, PURC boasts exceptional facilities including a picturesque cross-country course catering from Level 5 through to Level 1, along with three all-weather sand arenas fully equipped with quality show jumps. These fantastic facilities provide members with year-round opportunities for training, competition, and fun.

Today, Pakenham Upper Riding Club proudly has around 65 members and holds two rallies each month — one on the 1st Friday and the other on the 3rd Sunday of the month — featuring excellent coaches across a range of disciplines. These rallies help riders build confidence, develop skills, and create strong partnerships with their horses.

From trail riders and endurance enthusiasts to dressage, show jumping and eventing riders, there is something for everyone. The club also offers regular competitions, camps, and social events throughout the year.

Most importantly, PURC is known for its strong community spirit, supportive atmosphere, and lifelong friendships built through a shared love of horses.

Congratulations to Pakenham Upper Riding Club on 50 wonderful years, and here’s to many more to come!

https://hrcav.com.au/

03/06/2026

01/06/2026

📣 WE NEED YOUR HELP! 📣

🐴 Demonstration Riders Needed - Dressage Judge Clinic THIS SATURDAY 🐴

When: Saturday 6th June
Where: Indoor Arena :- Horsham DESC at Riverside Reserve. 95 Riverside Rd, Dooen VIC 3401

We are seeking
x 1-Level 3,
x 2-Level 4
x 1 Level 5 combinations to assist as demonstration riders at our upcoming Dressage Judge Clinic.

Demonstration riders play an important role in the education and development of our Dressage Judges. Your assistance provides valuable practical learning opportunities and helps maintain high judging standards across our sport.

Riders will be required for a maximum of one hour in the afternoon, participating in:
✅ Individual movements during the flip card session
✅ Test riding

As a participant, you'll also have the opportunity to receive valuable feedback and gain insight into how judges assess movements and tests.

We would greatly appreciate your support and assistance.

Petrol subsidy available.

If you are able to help, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 (03) 9877 0330

Thank you for supporting HRCAV Dressage and the development of our judges!