A message from the Board

Dear Members,

As a busy year draws to a close, the Board and I would like to thank our valued members, officials, volunteers, our staff and partners for your continued effort and support. 

As we look to a future that embraces the changes promised as EA came out of administration in 2020, I would like to update you on developments towards our national vision. The restructure and reform that is underway has been designed to create a more effective and inclusive management structure and greater collaboration with each of the disciplines. Long overdue are changes that will see a greater share of funds directed to the sport to ensure a sustainable future for both Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines.

Recently, we held the 2023 Equestrian Australia Strategic Forum to review and workshop details of the proposed structure. Participants had experience spanning grass roots delivery, to Olympic and international elite competition – all came to the session having reviewed the discussion paper outlining a ‘member focused' discipline model for restructure. The model is based on principles that had come from the National Structure working group, namely that:

• The structure must put EA members front and foremost;
• National Discipline Committees are given greater resourcing and autonomy over planning, development and growth;

Under the model, discipline committees will be accountable for strategy development, budgeting and management of the individual sports, with the aim of getting resources and support to grass roots to deliver events and competitions. EA will provide strategic guidance and support, with shared services that all members use, and we will aim to optimise delivery to ensure we use limited funds as best possible.

The participants were asked to workshop the design of the discipline committees as well as the principles for a nationally consistent fee model. There was constructive discussion around how to get more money and resources to the disciplines. There will be further opportunities for members to hear how the proposal is shaping in the new year.

I wish you and your horses a wonderful Christmas and New Year and I look forward to a productive and successful 2024.