04/08/2026
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to our two judges who recently took out ENSW 2026 Annual Awards - Jobina Kennedy and Helen Zimic!
The ENSW annual award winners for dressage are selected by the DNSW committee from nominations submitted by clubs and others.
Official of the Year - Jobina Kennedy (FEI Level 3 judge)
Jobina is a highly accomplished international FEI dressage judge, national A-Level judge, Young Horse judge, judge educator, mentor and coach, based in regional Albury, NSW.
In March of this year, Jobina was one of just 15 international judges from 12 countries to be promoted from FEI Level 2 to FEI Level 3 after a testing examination at the CDI Ornago in Italy. (Level 3 was previously known as 4-star level.)
Over a career spanning more than 25 years, Jobina has evolved from a competitive rider into one of Australia's most respected governance figures and educational authorities in the sport. She is a highly respected and sought-after judge and plays a key role in major events such as SYDNEY CDI - International Dressage Event, Willinga Park CDI and national and State championships. As well, she judges at small show and regional events in her area, where her passion for supporting grass-roots dressage is evident.
Jobina contributes significantly, in her official roles, to the governance and quality-control systems of Australian dressage. She is a key representative on the Equestrian Australia Dressage Officials Committee (EADOC) and serves as a valued judge educator advisor to the NSW Judges’ Sub-Committee (JSC).
Jobina helps to oversee training, assessments, and mentorship for the State's most senior A-level and B-level judges and young horse judges as well as conducting vital training clinics to support judge education for lower level judges in the regions.
Services to Sport - Helen Zimic (Manning Valley Dressage and Hacking Club)
Helen is an E Level judge and a para judge but finds time to be a dedicated volunteer with Manning Valley Dressage and Hacking Club since its inception, serving in numerous roles including as a competitor, committee member, president, treasurer, judges' coordinator and judge. She has been a driving force behind the development of the club's facilities at Taree Showground and has made a lasting contribution to regional dressage. Known for her caring and supportive nature, Helen generously gives her time, spending many weekends judging at regional competitions and mentoring and encouraging fellow members and competitors.
Kudos to these two wonderful women - the sport simply would not exist without the contributions of dedicated people like them.
