Dressage-News

SYDNEY, June 9–Equestrian Australia and a 140-year-old horse racing enterprise have teamed up to launch and operate an information communications technology platform that the national federation said Wednesday will “revolutionize” horse sports Down Under.

Through their online Internet portal, Horsezone, the company Inglis has become a principal partner of the federation in launching and operating the platform, dubbed ICT, designed to better manage competitions and support strategic priorities for Equestrian Australia established by representative groups across the continent.

The ICT platform will be implemented in stages over the next 12 months. The Horsezone website will be the public face and access point for the ICT platform.

“This platform is a ground-breaking system that will change the way equestrian sport in Australia operates,” said Grant Baldock, Equestrian Australia Chief Executive Officer. “It will benefit our members, events, volunteers–every aspect of our business.”

”Without support from Horsezone this would not have been possible, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have them on board. This partnership is a perfect fit for our sport, as we share similar goals and both have a real passion to see it reach new heights.”

The platform will feature a new membership portal, event management and registration system, streaming video and online shopping. Equestrian Australia is consulting with stakeholders, including event organizers, in building the system.

Since launching the horse trading website Horsezone (www.horsezone.com.au) early this year, Inglis has been exploring ways to use technology to assist horse enthusiasts and professionals in all sectors of the industry.

Inglis Managing Director, Mark Webster, said: “We saw a gap in the market for a 24/7 trading service for buyers and sellers of a wide range of sporting, performance and show horses, and launched Horsezone a year ago. We have been overwhelmed by the support of the equestrian marketplace so far who have been crying out for an innovative and cost effective service that breaks the old fashioned monthly trading cycle.

“We’ve been the market leader in the racing sector for more than 140 years and look forward to providing the same level of professional service to the broader equestrian community across Australia and New Zealand. We also see a great opportunity to bring the Thoroughbred and equestrian sectors much closer together for the common good.

“Our partnership with Equestrian Australia and close association with development and promotion of the new online entry platform is another way of supporting the sport and cementing our place in the market. EA are the peak equestrian body in this country and are aligned to our culture and way of doing business. They are creative, progressive and forward thinking, our new partnership will revolutionize the equestrian event management and trading environment.”

Among Horsezone’s features are advertising to showcase horses and products for sale, breeding and business directories and equestrian news coverage.

“While the membership portal and event registration system will be first off the rank, there are other key features that will be rolled out over the next 12 months,” EA’s Grant Baldock said. “It is a great time for our sport and we are confident both our members and fans of the sport will be excited by what will deliver.”