Working Group Formed as Part of EA Strategy Process

Equestrian Australia (EA) has announced the Working Group as part of the EA Strategy Process.  The first session with the Working Group will be convened shortly, which will include further engagement with members as the process unfolds.

Equestrian Northern Territory (ENT) is pleased to announce that our Chair, Anne-Marie Cruickshank will form part of the Working Group. 

Anne-Marie is a welcomed addition to the Working Group, not just for her representation of NT members but also for the knowledge and experiences she can share from a: grass roots, remote rider, coach, and parent perspective.

Prior to living Darwin, Anne-Marie and her family lived in Katherine, frequently making weekend trips to Darwin to compete, attend clinics and the like.  The round trip is just shy of 800kms.

Anne-Marie has also been heavily involved in the National Interschool Championships and the National Horse and Rider Championships, in various roles and been the President of the Darwin Dressage Club for several years.  All combined gives her a good grounding and deep understanding of the challenges faced operating in remote regions.

The Working Group will include:

• Independent Chair (TBC)
• Roger Kane (NDC nomination – nominated by EAEC)
• John Vallance (NDC nomination – nominated by EAJC)
• Wendy Schaeffer (State Board nomination – nominated by ESA)
• Anne-Marie Cruikshank (State Board nomination – nominated by EQ and ENT)
• Ron Fleming (State Board nomination – nominated by EWA)
• Brett Moore (EA Board)
• Joanne Stubbs (EA Board)
• Liz Owens (EA Board)

Matt Treglown, from Sport Australia, and Darren Gocher EA CEO will work closely with the Working Group to facilitate operation.

Reform is the hot topic now.  In basic terms, once the overall strategy has been set, an operational model can be developed to meet the strategy.

Social Media is playing a substantial role in membership discussion around reform, and ENT is aware that what’s being discussed could lead to confusion, angst, and frustration with our members.

Whilst the prime topic appears to be a new model, led by the National Discipline Committees, with the undertone EA will exist for FEI and High Performance only. 

What we can tell you is details of this type of model have not been presented to the states for feedback and insight.  Purely as a concept there is several inherent flaws with this type of model that require serious consideration, granted there will be flaws with any model.

Respectfully, we encourage all our members including affiliated clubs to actively engage in this conversation.  What are your ideas?  How would you like to see ENT/EA continue?  What are the challenges you face?  Do you wish to see changes to your discipline?

The EA Membership Survey is still open, you can also have your say here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NNGNR3P

If you have any questions, or would like a more in-depth discussion please do not hesitate to contact us either via email [email protected] or call 0497 303 535 during business hours 9am-2pm Monday to Friday.