CEO Update - February 2026

Over the past month, there has been strong progress across a number of key areas, with a clear focus on listening, aligning and delivering for Equestrian in Australia.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the first of our annual Member and Stakeholder Surveys. The response has provided valuable insight into what matters most to you and our community. Affordability, financial sustainability, growing and retaining participants and members, support for volunteers and the continued development of coaches and officials featured prominently. Your feedback has already informed discussions at the leadership level and will directly shape the priorities within our new 10-year National Strategy.

The second National Strategy Workshop brought together State Chairs and CEOs, National Discipline Committee Chairs and the EA Board to continue the work on developing our national strategy.  To demonstrate their commitment to working together all of the participants executed a Leadership Charter. The Charter defines how leaders across equestrian sport in Australia commit to working together to serve our sport and our equestrian community.

This shared commitment was to advance Equestrian in Australia. To achieve this goal, the leaders will need to work collaboratively and transparently, with a strong member focus at the centre of every discussion and every decision. 

This alignment across the sport is critical as we position ourselves for a strong and sustainable future to better grow and support you and the sport.

It has also been a pleasure to be out at events and connect with members in person. I joined the Equestrian Australia Chair and Deputy Chair at Dressage by The Sea at Willinga Park. It was a great opportunity to talk with and listen to members and hear what you want and need.

Across this newsletter, you will see further examples of the work being done behind the scenes. I would particularly like to acknowledge the efforts of our Health, Safety and Welfare team. Their ongoing work in athlete and horse welfare continues to strengthen the foundations of our sport. This includes education initiatives, policy development and practical resources to support clubs, coaches and officials in creating safe, horse centred environments. Their contribution often happens quietly, but it is central to our social licence and maintaining trust and integrity within our community.

As we move forward to develop and deliver our 10 year strategic plan, our focus remains on delivering practical improvements, supporting our members and ensuring that Equestrian in Australia is well governed, sustainable and welfare driven. 

Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to the sport.

Ben Houston
Acting CEO
Equestrian Australia