ABOUT

The Star Club Equestrian Program was developed in January 2018 when a gap was identified in Equestrian sport for those with an Intellectual Disability and Autism; with Acquired Brain Injuries, Anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder and Cognitive/Behavioural Impairments officially included in 2019.

Originally at a small riding school in Nulkaba, the interest in Star Club Equestrian Program grew and Riders ("Star Clubbers") skills developed. A need for access to more school horses, the desire to give our "Star Clubbers" opportunities in various equestrian disciplines and a wish for competition pathways, called for the Program to search for a new facility in January 2019, with Emerald Park Equine, Mandalong announced as our new Host Centre.

In May 2019, the Star Club Equestrian Program became an Incorporated Association in NSW with the inaugural Committee being formed. A "Superstar Pledge" to Stop Bullying in Equestrian Sports was also made, and in July 2019 Star Club Equestrian Program became an Equestrian NSW Affiliated Club with Equestrian Australia insurance. August 2019 saw the Program become an Active Kids Provider, and our first official Star Club Equestrian Program Team attended RDA (NSW) Gymkana and Dressage Championships under the Star Club Equestrian Club banner.

Host Centre

EMERALD PARK EQUINE

200 Crooks Road

MANDALONG, NSW, 2264

The 112 acre property boasts three arenas (plus other riding areas) for activities including Showjumping, Dressage, Equitation, Endurance, Eventing and Trail/Beach Rides to name a few, stables/yards, agistment, cabins, equine vet facility and 15+ amazing school horses of all shapes, sizes, breed and experience.

Coaches

JADE BAGLEE

- Level I EA Coach, General

- Certificate III Sports Coach

- Certificate III in Equine Nursing

- Pony Club - Show Jump Coach (Guest instructor)

- Watagan Equestrian Club - Vice President, Newsletter and Social Media Coordinator, and Sponsorship Coordinator

- Current Working with Children Check

- Senior First Aid

Jade is currently competing in Eventing and has 2 competing Horses; a Warmblood and an Irish Sport Horse. She attends Dressage Events and tries her best to get to Showjumping days. She encourages an all-inclusive environment with an invitation to our Star Clubbers to attend all Emerald Park Equine Events/Activities.

Star Clubbers

Our Riders ("Star Clubbers") all have an Intellectual Disability - Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down's Syndrome, Global Developmental Delay, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Mild to Severe Intellectual Disability, Cognitive & Behavioural Impairments, Acquired Brain Injury and many other forms of Intellectual Disability.

Star Clubbers are aged (approx) 5 - 54 years of age and travel from the Greater Hunter, Central Coast, Sydney and even the Mid North Coast to participate in our monthly Star Days. Currently, there are approximately 80 Star Clubbers on our mailing list, with 25-30 of those regularly attending Star Days - some are beginners, some are experienced competitors, but they all have one thing in common, they love coming to Star Club! Rider Profile Form

Volunteers

The Star Club Equestrian Program is run entirely by Volunteers. Whether Committee, Star Day Volunteers, Emerald Park Equine Helpers, Kennedy & Cooke Solicitors, Your Portal Accountants, volunteering Star Clubbers or helpful family, friends and carers, everyone contributes to making the Program the success it is. Our Volunteers adhere to NSW Incorporated Association Compliance Laws, Industry Guidelines, a Working with Children Check, Risk Management Plan, Objectives and a Code of Conduct. Volunteering tasks may be related to horses, disability support, Star Days, lessons and/or activities, day-to-day organisation, grants & fundraising and much more, because, as they say, many hands make light work!

Committee & Positions

PRESIDENT - Stewart Chapman

SECRETARY - Sharon K Bassett

TREASURER - Janett Watts

COMMITTEE - Jamie Illfield-Bell

COMMITTEE - Carina Tanna

COMMITTEE - Greg Tanna

COMMITTEE - Vacant

ACCOUNTANTS - Ken Lipschitz, Your Portal

FUNDRAISING - Committee

GRANTS OFFICER - Vacant

SOCIAL MEDIA/WEBSITE - Greg Tanna & Sharon K Bassett

MERCHANDISING - Jamie Illfield-Bell

MINUTE SECRETARY - Carina Tanna

PUBLIC OFFICER - Sharon K Bassett

SOLICITOR - Cally Hannah, Kennedy & Cooke

Members

Star Club Equestrian Program Membership is on an annual (July-June) basis with options available including Full Riding (Star Clubber) Membership, Full Non-Riding Membership, Non-Riding Membership and Pay-As-You-Attend Membership. Full Riding (Star Clubber) Membership is compulsory for our Star Clubbers and Committee. Currently, Star Club Equestrian Program has 49 Members and growing! Membership Form