Member Update – Equestrian Australia Governance and Special General Meeting

Dear Members,

We, the undersigned Chairs of the State and Territory Branches, are writing to provide you with a clear and united update on national governance matters and the upcoming Special General Meeting (SGM) of Equestrian Australia (EA). 

Listening to Member Concerns

We understand that recent developments and differing perspectives across the sport may feel unsettling. It is important that member voices remain at the centre of these conversations. This update is the first in a series aimed at keeping you informed and addressing your questions as transparently as possible.

Please continue to reach out to your State Branch offices, Boards, and Chairs — we welcome your questions and feedback. 

Financial Sustainability, Governance and IT

For some time, the State and Territory Branches have sought a collaborative discussion with the EA Board to address several governance matters. In April 2025, a majority of Branches formally proposed a facilitated meeting, supported in principle by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). This meeting did not proceed, which has contributed to the current impasse and the request for an SGM.

We believe members deserve visibility into the key factors that have contributed to the current governance concerns.  These include:

• Financial Management: In November 2024, EA reported a financial loss of $645, 878.00 for the 2023–24 financial year. According to recent advice from the EA Board, the organisation is currently on track to incur a similar deficit for 2024–25.
• Financial Sustainability: EA’s financial position has deteriorated since 2023, with increased expenditure and consecutive annual fee rises - for example, +12%, +7%, and +102% for senior competitive membership, while the organisation continues to operate at a growing deficit.
• Cost Pressures: While national cost increases have been attributed to insurance, safety, and integrity measures, our financial reviews suggest these costs have been consistently present since 2023 and are not unexpected.
• Budget Oversight: EA has advised that it operated for an extended period without a formal budget. Some major initiatives, including a new IT platform, appear to have proceeded without documented cost-benefit analysis.
• IT Systems: On 22 June, EA announced the appointment of JustGo as the new national IT provider. Most Branches had requested a pause on this decision until broader financial and governance matters were addressed.

These points are raised not to criticise, but to highlight the need for strengthened oversight, transparency, and planning across our national operations. 

Reform and Collaboration

All State and Territory Branches remain firmly committed to structural reform that strengthens national coordination and improves services for members.

In 2023, an EA-appointed working group — including representatives from the Branches, EA, and ASC — developed a proposed “member-centric” model. This model aimed to enhance efficiency, empower national discipline committees, and retain strong local service delivery.

But instead of building on this the EA Board went in another direction and rejected key elements of the proposal and in September 2023 the EA Board put forward its own “Unitary Model.”   Unfortunately, this came with minimal consultation, no financial modelling, and — more than a year later — little meaningful progress.

While subsequent proposals have shifted direction, our view is that any reform should be developed collaboratively, with input from members and stakeholders. A successful model must balance national coordination with on-the-ground delivery and support for all disciplines.

We remain ready to engage in this important work in a transparent and inclusive manner. 

Special General Meeting

On 30 May 2025, all States (except South Australia) submitted a formal requisition for an SGM. While we reject any assertions made by EA that the requisition was invalid or unconstitutional, a revised compliant notice was reissued on 13 June to ensure clarity and avoid any procedural delays. As of today, a formal response from EA is still pending.

Under the EA Constitution, an SGM must be convened within 60 days of receiving a valid requisition — by 12 August 2025. This meeting will give members the opportunity to vote on proposed resolutions regarding the EA Board’s composition and future direction.

A quorum of 5% of members (over 1,000 individuals) is required for the meeting to proceed. More information about how to participate will be shared shortly.

When the time comes, we encourage all members to participate, your voice and vote will help shape the future direction of our sport. 

Looking Ahead

We believe this SGM represents an important opportunity for renewal — a chance to build a stronger, more transparent, and member-driven future for our sport.

Our shared goal is to work constructively with the ASC, EA leadership, discipline committees, and members nationwide to support the long-term health, unity and success of equestrian sport in Australia.

Our intention throughout this process is to return Equestrian Australia to a path of financial sustainability and to foster a culture where all voices are heard and respected.

Thank you for your ongoing engagement, your trust, and your commitment to our community.

Warm regards, 

Helmut Rechberger, Equestrian Tasmania Chair

On behalf of the Chairs of:

Equestrian Northern Territory

Equestrian New South Wales

Equestrian Victoria

Equestrian Western Australia