Equestrian SA board turmoil leaves horse events at risk amid scramble to save sport

One of the country’s most successful Olympic sports is in fresh turmoil after the board of its South Australian chapter abruptly quit amid a member revolt.

One of the country’s most successful Olympic sports is in fresh turmoil after the board of its South Australian chapter abruptly quit amid a member revolt.

A group of five Equestrian SA board members resigned en masse last week over what they claimed were “irreconcilable differences” with the directors of the sport’s national authority.

The state government, and Equestrian Australia, are scrambling to avert major disruption to at risk horse-related events, as activities have only been guaranteed for the next fortnight.

Consumer investigators are believed to be also inquiring into the sport’s latest crisis, which follows years of turmoil, financial problems and governance issues, both in SA and federally.

A Consumer and Business Services spokesman said he “could not say” if authorities were investigating.

The country’s official sports body, the Australian Sports Commission agency, was also told of widespread complaints during a meeting between an SA equestrian delegation and ASC chief executive, Olympic gold medal swimmer Kieran Perkins, last month in Canberra.

ASC chief executive Kieran Perkins. Picture: Emma Murray

Wendy Schaeffer-Macdonald. Picture: Sarah Reed

The sudden resignations emerged as EA, which plunged into voluntary administration in 2020, investigates a national restructure and other reforms.

ESA had also recently initiated a member survey.

ESA chairman Craig Hannam, who was appointed just 15 months ago, resigned at 5pm on Tuesday along with committee members, former gold medal Olympian Wendy Schaeffer-Macdonald, Ian Nitschke, Stephen Martiensen and Kathleen “Kass” Dalitz.

In a letter to members listing 14 achievements, they said it was a “very difficult decision to step down effective immediately” but gave no reasons for their collective departure.

Mr Hannam refused to elaborate on the board’s reasons but denied it had engaged in any impropriety or financial mismanagement while no integrity issues had been raised.

“I’m not going into those details because they’re between the two boards,” he said.

“If these people have concerns they can record them through appropriate processes, not through the public media.” Board papers state members discussed unspecified “complaint matters” during meetings earlier this year.

Equestrian SA, which has faced its own governance issues that sparked a Sports SA inquiry, is an independent body that receives $40,000 in taxpayer funds.

It was already seeking four new board members last month after resignations that included vice-chair Jen Benson.

In a note to members late on Friday ESA executive officer, JP Chevalier, said the national office, and its insurers, could only confirm “pre-planned events and activities” until May 30.

Insurance covered recreational and competitive riders, coaches, judges, course builders, affiliated clubs, event organising committees, office operations, and other discipline sub committees.

All forms of equestrian were covered such as riding, attending clinics, and competitions.

He said independent advice was going sought on future governance.

Sports Minister Katrine Hildyard. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“With confidence all members can continue to be active in the sport and enjoy their horses,” he said. “Thank you for your ongoing patience and keeping calm while we work through this unprecedented circumstance.”

EA chief executive, Darren Gocher, said his organisation had a good working relationship with other bodies.

“We’re always striving for good governance in the sport,” he said.

“We are looking at a whole range of things.” Its chairman, Mark Bradley, said it was ensuring “appropriate support”.

Sports Minister Katrine Hildyard said her department was helping “to assist in the resolution of issues to ensure the sustainability of the sport”.

An ASC spokeswoman said the organisation was “aware of matters regarding the Equestrian SA Board” but declined to comment on any meetings.

“The ASC is committed to supporting all sports to maintain good governance and ensure that appropriate … structures are in place,” she said.