Equestrian SA calls in government for independent investigation to solve ongoing crisis

The crisis-ridden sport of equestrian in South Australia — besieged by claims of bullying of children, infighting and mass resignations — will undergo a government-overseen independent investigation.

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A government agency will oversee an independent investigation into the governance operations of the crisis-ridden sport of equestrian in South Australia.

After months of infighting, high-level resignations, allegations of the bullying of children and embarrassing failures in corporate practice, Equestrian SA has called in the cavalry in the shape of the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.

ORSR chief executive Kylie Taylor confirmed to The Advertiser she had committed resources to run the inquiry and was looking to appoint an appropriately qualified person or organisation “as soon as possible” to conduct a thorough investigation.

The former Australian lacrosse player said concerns by some members that the inquiry would be a whitewash were misplaced.

“Not if I’m spending money on it,” Ms Taylor said. “I’m not spending money on something that’s not going to deliver meaningful outcomes. We’re not forcing (ESA) to do this but they have recognised they need help and have put themselves in our hands.

“But they’ve got to own the outcomes and they’ve got to implement them.”

Ms Taylor agreed that the costs of an independent investigation could be substantial.

ORSR has previously used Binder Dijker Otte, an international network of public business, accounting and consulting advisory firms to conduct governance inquiries across several sports, including hockey.

Maggie Dawkins with her daughter Alice and horse Grace at Innisfree vineyard. Picture: Dylan Coker

“We’re not going to rush it because we need to do it properly and have enough time for members to have their say,” she added.

“This is an important Olympic discipline that we’ve done well in on the international stage and it must be run to the highest standards.”

ESA chair Peter Graham saidhis board had voluntarily entered into an independent review of the ESA governance and management structure and that it would be at “no cost to the ESA membership”.

“I consider the review would be pointless without input from the equestrian community,” he said. “Setting the Terms of Reference of the review will not be rushed.

“We will only get one opportunity to do this, so we want it done thoroughly, without causing disruption to members in the interim.”

Maggie Dawkins, a national advocate for the safety of children who last week called on Premier Stephen Marshall to intervene in the sport to “protect SA kids”, said she was pleased ESA had asked for help.

The former ESA member said an inquiry must “cover all issues with the ESA administration over several years”.

‘This is a perfect opportunity for a comprehensive examination of the administration and governance of Equestrian SA and should include multiple allegations of bullying and intimidation of children,” she said.