Connecting with Members over our strategic direction

Dear Members,

I am pleased to share that the Board has recently approved a Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement Plan for Equestrian Australia. A key part of this plan is getting out and connecting with our members face-to-face – attending events, making presentations, and having genuine conversations with the people at the heart of our sport. The visit I describe below is a direct reflection of this commitment in action.

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending Dressage by the Sea at Willinga Park alongside our Deputy Chair, Nicky Rockwell and Acting CEO, Ben Houston. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time at a major event, speak with members in person and listen to your thoughts about the future of our sport.

This visit also coincided with a very special milestone – the 10th anniversary of Willinga Park. We would like to extend our sincere congratulations and heartfelt thanks to the Willinga Park family and their dedicated staff for a decade of outstanding contribution to equestrian sport in Australia. Their passion, professionalism and commitment to creating world-class facilities and events have made Willinga Park a truly iconic destination for our sport. It was a privilege to celebrate this milestone with them.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop and chat. These conversations are incredibly valuable and help ensure that the direction we take as a national federation reflects what matters most to the people who make up our community.

During the visit, I also had the opportunity to share some of the early thinking behind Equestrian Australia’s strategic direction and to discuss the results of our recent member survey, specifically the results from NSW members. The survey has provided important insights into the priorities and concerns of members across the sport and will play a key role in shaping our strategic plan for the coming years.

What members told us was very clear. Financial sustainability and strong governance are fundamental priorities for the future of equestrian sport in Australia. At the same time, there is strong support for growing participation, supporting volunteers, and continuing to develop coaches and officials. These elements work together to create healthy clubs, competitions and pathways for riders at every level.

Another consistent message was the importance of balance. Members told us that while attracting new participants is important, we must also continue to support and serve those already involved in the sport. That balance between growth and member experience will be an important focus of our strategy.

Encouragingly, recent discussions between Equestrian Australia, State Branches and National Discipline Committees have been very constructive. At our latest National Strategy Workshop, leaders from across the sport came together and committed to a Leadership Charter focused on collaboration, transparency and acting in the best interests of members. This is an important step toward strengthening governance and ensuring that the sport works together more effectively at all levels.

The next phase of this work is to finalise our national strategic plan, incorporating the feedback we have received from members and stakeholders. This plan will guide our priorities over the next 10 years, focusing on strengthening governance, improving financial sustainability, supporting participation and building a strong future for equestrian sport in Australia.

Opportunities to connect directly with members, such as the visit to Willinga Park, are an important part of this process. Hearing your perspectives helps ensure that the decisions we make are grounded in the experiences of the people who ride, volunteer, organise events and support our sport every day.

Thank you again to everyone who spoke with us over the weekend and to the organisers of Dressage by the Sea for hosting such a fantastic event. I look forward to continuing these conversations with members around the country as we move forward together.

Warm regards,

Nick Ballard
Chair
Equestrian Australia