NEW YEAR MESSAGE – EQASA 2026

At the outset, on behalf of the Directors and Representatives of EQASA I would like to wish all our Candidates and Stakeholders the very best for 2026.

2026 is an auspicious year for EQASA in that the organization celebrates 50 years of existence!  This milestone has been achieved largely due to the continuity of management.  Charlotte Stubbs originally set up SANIP (South African National Instructors Plan) in 1976.  Charlotte handed over the leadership to Di Pieterse in the 2000s and due to the unexpected passing of Di in 2022 it fell to me to take up the role.  So what is it that has allowed EQASA to survive and thrive when so many others have not stood the test of time?  Apart from the aforementioned continuity, it is the integrity and hard work (done part time on top of their own careers) of those in each province who run the exams as well as the EQASA Examiners who maintain the standards required at each level.  On top of this is the close connection that EQASA has with the IGEQ (International Group for Equestrian Qualifications).  EQASA has been an active Member of this group for well over 20 years and has the mandate to issue IGEQ Equestrian Passports to qualified Instructors holding Module 5 (International Level 1) and above.

What about the past year, 2025?  EQASA assessed 481 Candidates in 5 Provinces from Module 1-Module 7.  It is the first time since 2017 that Module 7 (International Level 3) exams have been held in the country.  This was done with the assistance of Sam York, a Fellow of the British Horse Society who visited South Africa twice during the year.  Sam regularly conducts assessments at this level in the UK and is fully aware of the standard required.

Candidates of EQASA should note that EQASA is an Independent External Assessment Body and NOT a Training Provider.  As such we supply the syllabus for each module against which the Candidate will be assessed and provide a recommended reading list but not learning material.  Candidates are expected to do their own self-study with or without the help of a Training Provider or qualified Mentor.

Kind regards,

Troy Kernick

MD: EQASA