Equestrian Australia (formerly EFA) & EquestrianTasmania
HISTORY
The Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA) was established in 1951, with Mr (later Sir) Sam Hordern being appointed as President. The EFA was formally affiliated with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of equestrian sport, in May of that year. The legendary R.M Williams, who was the editor of Hoofs and Horns magazine at the time, was instrumental in the formation of the organisation, and the magazine was initially appointed as the official publication of the EFA.
Branches were gradually established in each State and the Northern Territory, and a National Office set up, to maintain liaison with the FEI and other National Federations, and to manage Australian representation at international competitions, both at home and overseas.
During the 1990s, the governing body of the EFA, its Federal Council, explored ways in which to make the EFA a truly national organisation, rather than one composed of members of individual State Branches. On July 12 1997, the EFA became the Equestrian Federation of Australia Ltd, a company limited by guarantee, with a Board of Directors comprising the State Chairs and a number of others, coopted as office bearers or, in the case of the Equestrian Competition Manager for the 2000 Olympic Games, coopted for a specific purpose.
The Board is working towards developing a number of national initiatives, including a national data base of members and registered horses; uniform cost structures; a national information network; and a national benefit program for members.
TASMANIA
On a local level the Equestrian Tasmania is involved with the administration of horses and members and the organising bodies that deal with individual disciplines (such as Eventing, Dressage & Show Jumping)/areas(Pony Club, Riding for the Disabled, Saddle Horse). Currently the Tasmanian Branch is planning for the future and helping state governing bodies in developing evolutionary programs, initiatives and competitions so that horse sports may prosper in Tasmania.
