Leaders from across the equestrian community came together for a National Strategy Workshop and agreed on plans to implement a Nationally Aligned 10-year National Strategy (the ‘Strategy’) for the sport in Australia. The workshop revisited the current strategy and reaffirmed the commitment to its implementation through a nationally aligned long-term vision leading up to and beyond Brisbane 2032.
Background and Context
Senior representatives from Equestrian Australia (EA), State Branches, National Discipline Committees, National High Performance and Health, Safety and Welfare Committees, were joined by Matt Treglown from the Australian Sports Commission and Australian Olympic Committee CEO Mark Arbib.
This collaborative workshop followed the joint statement released in August, which signalled a renewed commitment by the EA and State Branch Chairs to work together constructively to grow and support our members.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, the group recognised the once-in-a-generation opportunity to inspire a nation, elevate our elite riders, and leverage the home Games to grow the sport’s profile and the next generation participation.
Workshop participants agreed that equestrian sport in Australia is at its best when our system works with and for our community, from riders, coaches and officials to clubs, organising committees, volunteers and supporters.
- What Was Achieved at the Workshop Alignment on Strategic Direction
EA, the State Branches and National Discipline, High Performance and Health, Safety and Welfare Committees reached broad agreement on the strategic direction and made a commitment to:
- Implement a member-centric 10-year strategic plan for equestrian sport in Australia that is nationally aligned and provides strategic direction for all levels of the sport.
- Create an operational framework to establish an annual monitoring, review and reporting process for the strategy, enabling measurement of progress and the ability to adjust priorities as needed.
- Leadership and Values
Both the National Board and State Chairs recognised the need to improve and strengthen how they work together, and have made a commitment to ensure this happens The workshop participants collaborated and jointly agreed on the development of a Leadership Charter to guide constructive collaboration across all levels of the sport.
- Vision, Mission and Values
The following were endorsed:
Vision: “A thriving and safe sport, uniting the equestrian community.”
Mission and Core Values: Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence and Inclusion.
Immediate Priorities – Next 12 Months
While the workshop focused on the long-term future, participants also identified practical actions to begin improving how we operate now. Three priority themes were established for the next 12 months:
- Digital Systems Implementation
- Complete the implementation of the JustGo member data platform, acknowledging the significant ongoing work to complete and refine its functionality to meet the needs of members, clubs and officials.
- Implement a new national website to enhance access to information and services.
2. Structural Clarity and Financial Sustainability
- Re-establish a Restructure Working Group to review the current structure, roles and financial model for equestrian sport in Australia and present recommendations for the most efficient framework to deliver the strategic priorities and ensure commercial and financial resilience.
- Clarify and communicate the roles of EA, State Branches and National Discipline Committees.
- A Financial Analysis Working Group will be established to complete a comprehensive financial analysis across all equestrian entities within the next three months. The Restructure Working Group will leverage the findings from the Financial Analysis Working Group and provide its recommendations on the operating and financial model to ensure equestrian sport is both financially and commercially resilient in the long term, with final recommendations due within six months.
3. Consistent Communication and Member Engagement
- Develop a national communications strategy to align information sharing, ensure consistent messaging and increase member engagement.
Long-Term Focus – Towards 2036
The 10-year national strategy will be laser-focused on member services and support, setting ambitious goals in the following areas:
- Membership engagement and education – enhanced services and learning opportunities.
- Member attraction and conversion – growing the sport by attracting and retaining members.
- Horse welfare leadership – positioning Australia as a world leader in horse welfare.
- Sustainable events – supporting traditional disciplines while encouraging new event models.
- Workforce development – strengthening certification and pathways for coaches, officials and volunteers.
- Integrity – reducing integrity issues across the sport.
- Revenue growth – developing diversified and sustainable financial models.
Member Consultation and Next Steps
To ensure the strategy reflects the voice of our community, we will undertake a national consultation process over the coming months.
We will be engaging directly with members, clubs, event organisers, and other key stakeholders to listen, learn, and shape the future of the sport together.
This process will not be top-down. It will be collaborative, inclusive and grounded in the experiences and aspirations of our members.
Regular updates will be provided on progress against the tangible actions identified for the next 12 months to ensure transparency and accountability.
The workshop represents a significant step towards executing a long-term vision and strategy for the sport that will focus on growing the sport and supporting our members.
We thank all members for their ongoing commitment to equestrian sport in Australia. The strength of our sport lies in our community, and this strategy will be built upon that foundation as we move forward together toward a united, thriving and sustainable future.
On behalf of their respective Boards:
Zac Miles – Chair, Equestrian Australia
Amy Eggleton – Chair, Equestrian New South Wales
Christine Edgoose – Chair, Equestrian Northern Territory
Brett Cantle – Chair, Equestrian Queensland
Scott Donner – Chair, Equestrian South Australia
Helmut Rechberger – Chair, Equestrian Tasmania
Fiona Phillips – Chair, Equestrian Victoria
Anne Wilkins – Chair, Equestrian Western Australia
