In Memorial

Vale 2020 - Simone Bird - President 2017 to 2018, Treasurer 2018 to 2020

2014 Racing NSW - Thoroughbred Rehabiltation Trust

2005 - Charles Sturt University - Degree in Master of Accountancy

1997 to 1999 - University of Sydney - Degree in Bachelor of Management - Field Of Study Equine Business

Vale 2022 - Joy Charlton OAM - President 1980 to 2017

In her own words -

"I started in Dressage at the age of 17 years (1953) when Franz Mairinger first came to Sydney and conducted a jumping clinic at Sydney Showground. Franz showed us a video of the Spanish Riding School and I was immediately overwhelmed and decided that this was what I wanted to do (before this time there were only Hacking, Show Jumping and Hunting events held, which I competed in) .

I worked with Franz for 23 years, until his death. With the expert knowledge from Franz I had my first Grand Prix horse which was one of the first in the country. I competed with the great Judy McKay, Tina Wommelsdorf and Nita McAuley.

Franz approved me as an FEI Dressage Judge, (and then judged the levels we were riding). I was one of the first accredited FEI Judges.

From the beginning I was involved with administration, competing and judging. I was also involved with the formation of the Dressage Association.

I then :-

- started the Judges Accreditation Scheme in NSW and started bringing international judges to Australia for accreditation purposes. I was officially accredited FEI by Hanne Valentin.

- became and International Judge in 1981

- was fortunate enough to have Wolfgang Niggli as my mentor.

- trained at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna in 1981.

- arranged for Hubert Eichinger (my trainer from the Spanish Riding School) to conduct riding clinics in Australia twice a year. Judy Mackay also assisted with this planning for EA.

- started the first International CDA events in Australia at Lochinvar in the 1970’s and ran our first International Selection event in 1979 for the 1980 First World Equestrian Games in Stockholm.

- was the recipient of the inaugural Gow Gates Dressage Person of the Year in 1991.

- judged all CDI events in Sydney until my compulsory retirement as an international judge at the age of 70 years (2006). Since then I have judged National Competitions at the CDI until the last few years.

-started the Sutherland Shire Horse Owners Association in 1980 and was president and event organiser for 36 years (until 2016).

- helped put Darwin Dressage Club back on their feet in 1976, after the cyclone, and helped establish their EFA Branch. I was made an Honorary Member of the Darwin Dressage Club.

- was an EA and Australian Coaching Council accredited coach.

- was awarded EA State Volunteer of the Year in March 2016 and then the EA National Volunteer of the Year in June 2016.

- am the longest standing judge in Australia.

- was also Committee Member (Vice President) of the Dressage Association, Judges Sub-Committee co-ordinator and EA Committee member, until 2001, helping organise our great 2000 Olympics.

- was a National selector until 2000 Olympics.

- was a National selector for Para-Equestrian until 2000 Olympics.

- am an RDA volunteer and supporter since it started.

- am a judge educator and mentor.