Great Britain’s Dane Rawlins will be the dressage Chef d’Equipe and Technical Lead, while local Gavin Chester will be the Chef d’Equipe and Technical Lead for the show jumpers, and Tristyn Lowe returns as vaulting Chef d’Equipe.
Dressage
Chef d’Equipe and Technical Lead: Dane Rawlins (UK)
Role term: through to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles
Dane Rawlins adds a wealth of international expertise to the Australian Dressage program. A familiar figure in the role, he has previously been appointed Chef d’Equipe for England on multiple occasions.
He competed at the highest level for Ireland and is an accredited judge and coach in both dressage and jumping. Rawlins also brings significant event-management experience, having worked behind the scenes at major international fixtures including Hickstead. This breadth of experience equips him to effectively support Australian combinations at home and abroad as the pathway to LA28 continues.
Jumping
Chef d’Equipe and Technical Lead: Gavin Chester (AUS)
Role term: through to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles
Gavin Chester has been confirmed as Chef d’Equipe and Technical Lead for the Australian Jumping program through to LA28, taking on a pivotal role overseeing the nation’s jumping teams as they head into upcoming world championship and Olympic cycles.
Commenting on his appointment, Chester said, “I’m excited, if not daunted by the appointment, as Gavin’s promotion to Chef and Technical Lead has left very big shoes to fill. I’m looking forward to an exciting time ahead, with the Aachen World Championships and LA into the future. Thanks to EA High Performance for trusting me, I hope I can do a very responsible job justice.”
His selection recognises long-standing involvement in Australian jumping and a proven track record working with riders at the highest level. As Chef d’Equipe and Technical Lead, Chester will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and technical guidance as Australian combinations target major international events.
Vaulting
Chef d’Equipe: Tristyn Lowe (AUS)
Role term: through to the 2026 FEI Vaulting World Championship for Seniors in Aachen
Tristyn Lowe has been appointed Vaulting Chef d’Equipe through to the 2026 Senior World Championships.
She brings a long-standing commitment to international vaulting, with a comprehensive understanding of the discipline across performance, governance and development pathways. Lowe has held roles on a number of Equestrian Australia committees and boards and currently serves as Technical Lead for the EAVC Working Sub-Committee focused on High Performance Vaulting Pathways.
Her experience as Chef d’Equipe spans several major championships, including most recently the 2022 World Championships in Herning. Professionally, Lowe is a medical doctor and holds the IOC Diploma in Sports Medicine, while continuing to contribute to the sport as an FEI judge and coach.
