From the CEO - May 2026

The 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival showcased everything that makes our sport so special and reminded us why we do what we do.  The event brought together athletes, owners, officials, volunteers, supporters and members across four days of sport, connection and conversation reinforced a powerful truth: our community is the heart of equestrian sport. Competition at the highest level, genuine community, and a shared passion for horses – these are the pillars that define us. Thank you to everyone who made it possible, and it was a pleasure to speak with so many members at the event.

Beyond the Festival, we've made significant strides this month. Our members are excelling on the international stage – from Australia's victory claiming the Trans-Tasman Trophy at the Sydney CDI to the outstanding performances of our Para Dressage combinations at Boneo CPEDI. The 2026 EA National Endurance Championship in Kilkivan demonstrated the strength and breadth of our sport across disciplines.

On the operational front, we’ve remained focused on the work that sustains our organisation and supports our members. The new Member Portal enhancements and updated How To Guides are designed to make navigating our systems easier. Our partnership with Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers brings specialist support to our affiliated community, while the new funding opportunities for Para & Virtus Dressage programs are lowering barriers for clubs across the country.

Looking Ahead

This month has also involved important strategic conversations with our State CEOs regarding membership attraction and retention – a priority that sits at the heart of everything we do. These ongoing discussions are critical as we work together to strengthen Club, Discipline, and member engagement, reduce barriers to participation, and ensure our members feel valued and supported at every level of the sport.

We've also convened the Fees & Levies Committee to discuss financial planning for FY27. We remain committed to finding the balance between affordability for members and the financial sustainability of EA. These conversations, while sometimes challenging, are essential to ensuring we have the resources needed to deliver the programs, pathways and support our members. We'll be sharing more about this important work with you in the coming weeks.

As we head into winter and look ahead to key events in June, I am encouraged by the momentum that we have made in May. Please stay connected to the latest updates and make the most of the resources available to you. As always, please let us know your thoughts, as your feedback and engagement as we navigate these strategic priorities is invaluable.

Thank you everyone.

Ben Houston
Acting CEO