Letter from the Equestrian SA Chair

On 28 January 2026, Equestrian South Australia (ESA) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting. Thank you to all members who took the time to vote. Member participation is vital to the strength and direction of our organisation — after all, ESA belongs to its members.

I would like to sincerely thank our outgoing Board Directors for their two and a half years of dedicated service. Their commitment and the many hours they contributed towards our organisation.

I am pleased to welcome several new Board Directors. Jayden Coates has been elected and appointed Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee (FARMC). We are fortunate to have someone of Jayden’s experience and standing within the Eventing and Showjumping communities.

Linda Clark has also joined the Board and FARM Committee. Known to many within the Eventing discipline, Linda brings valuable organisational expertise to the role.

We also welcome Stuart Platt back to the Board. Stuart is widely recognised as an FEI steward, steward educator and jumping judge, an active supporter across both Dressage and Jumping disciplines. He brings significant technical knowledge and officiating expertise to the role. As a former ESA Board member, Stuart joins the FARM Committee and contributes valuable governance experience.

Congratulations to all newly elected Discipline Committee members. Your contributions are essential to the ongoing development of our sport, and we appreciate your willingness to volunteer your time

and expertise. I also extend a welcome back and sincere thanks to returning Board and Discipline Committee members for their continued dedication.

Since the AGM, the ESA Board has met twice. I am pleased to confirm that Neralie Bailey has been elected Vice Chair, and I Wendy Hunt as Chair.

The Board has already implemented several initiatives. Board Directors have now been assigned to individual disciplines to strengthen communication, support governance, and assist with discipline-specific matters. Additionally, the Board has unanimously agreed to reinstate Discipline Chairs Meetings. These meetings provide a valuable forum for collaboration and sharing ideas. We are pleased that these meetings will be coordinated by Linda Clark and Bridget Dunn.

At the time of writing, we are one week away from the ESA Awards Night at Mount Barker. I would like to extend my thanks to Bridget Dunn and ESA staff for their work in organising this highly valued event. Congratulations to all award recipients, and thank you to the competitors, organisers, and officials whose efforts make our sport possible.

Board Directors welcome member feedback and enquiries at any time. We are here to listen, support, and represent the interests of our members.

Happy riding,

Wendy Hunt

ESA Chair