Statement from EWA Board Chair

Dear Members,

EWA recognise and appreciate the work that Equestrian Australia (EA) has undertaken in efforts to strengthen the future of our sport.  We all support a nationally aligned strategy that prioritises member experience, ensures long-term sustainability, and fosters the growth of equestrian sports across the country. We share the same vision of delivering high-quality services and creating a sport that inspires lifelong passion for equestrian activities.

However, we have serious concerns regarding the proposed structural changes and the limited consultation that has taken place.  The process through which this proposed structure has been developed has lacked meaningful engagement with key stakeholders, including state branches, and members. It does not take on board the recommendations or considerations provided by the National Equestrian Strategy and Structural Working Group (NESSWG) and their report.  This absence of consultation risks undermining the very foundation of the sport we seek to strengthen.

Despite our requests, no financial modelling has been provided to us.  This lack of transparency leaves us without a clear understanding of how funds and resources will be allocated under the proposed changes, making it difficult for us to assess the full impact to our members.

The proposed changes, while well-meaning, do not fully address the unique needs of the various states.  Local presence and relationships with government, communities, and members are critical to delivering events, securing state funding, and maintaining the personalised support that our members expect. By moving to the proposed structure without adequate consultation or detail, we fear that these local connections will be weakened, which will be detrimental to the overall member experience and service delivery.

EWA believe that change must be driven by collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity. The lack of consultation in shaping this new structure is concerning and does not allow for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by different states and territories. Without addressing the cultural, behavioural, and relational issues within the sport, structural changes alone will not lead to the desired outcomes. In fact, we believe that pushing forward with this model prematurely could create unnecessary disruption and further confusion for our members.

In order to truly benefit our members and the future of equestrian sports, we urge Equestrian Australia to pause, engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, and consider how best to tailor the national strategy in a way that genuinely reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire equestrian community.

We all remain committed to working with Equestrian Australia to create a sustainable, vibrant future for equestrian sports. We believe that by fostering a collaborative approach, we can achieve change that benefits all members while preserving the unique strengths of our local communities.

We will continue to build on the EWA QA page; however, if you have any questions for the EWA Board about the EA Reform, please email them to [email protected]. 

Regards

Anne Wilkins

Chair, Equestrian WA