The Equestrian Queensland (EQ) 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at Sports House, Milton on Wednesday 27 March, 2024 and via Zoom.  

The business of the meeting included the presentation and adoption of the full 2023 EQ Annual Report and the audited financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2023.  

2023 EQ Annual Report

The meeting was opened by EQ Chair, Nicholas Ballard who thanked all members for their continued support and dedication to the sport. In his address, Mr Ballard provided an overview of the highlights across the sport in 2023 and expressed his gratitude to all EQ affiliates, clubs, members, volunteers, staff and supporters. "I’m pleased to report that our sport and membership continues to grow across the state, but it is very important to acknowledge that many of our members are continuing to do it tough with recent weather events and cost of living pressures" said Mr Ballard.

EQ continues to support all disciplines with both financial and administrative resources and as members may be aware, EQ has committed to utilising its strong surplus position to support new initiatives related to education, equestrian facility improvements and safety initiatives.

"We are pleased to report that EQ has continued to act on this commitment in 2023 with substantial investment into education and professional development of our volunteers, officials and coaches. We are also pleased that through effective financial management over a number of years, EQ was able to provide some relief to members in 2023 by not raising membership fees for competitors, participants and supporters (coaches, officials and owners)" said Mr Ballard.

As part of his address to members, Mr Ballard extended his sincere appreciation to fellow directors Gary Lung, Emily Coggan, Peta Fielding, Dave Holland and Karim Cham for their continued support and dedication to promote, grow and develop equestrian sport. "I also would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Brett Cantle from Eventing Queensland, Madeleine Graham from Jumping Queensland and Melanie Wellsteed from Show Horse Queensland who in accordance with the EQ constitution are required to stand down from their positions on our sport committees after serving two consecutive terms.  Our sport depends on volunteers like Brett, Madeleine and Melanie and I thank them and all like them for their commitment to our sport".

EQ CEO, Briston Toft advised members that EQ has delivered another year of membership growth, our tenth consecutive year which is a testament to the vibrant and inclusive nature of our equestrian community. Our commitment to reinvesting in education, facility improvements and safety initiatives has led to substantial work in these areas this past year, directly benefiting our volunteers, officials, and coaches.

"The journey towards securing and enhancing equestrian facilities in Queensland remains a top priority, as we actively work with government and stakeholders to leave a legacy for our community" said Mr Toft.

Mr Toft extended his appreciation and thanked all volunteers.  "Your contribution, big or small helps connect our growing community and I thank you for your continued support and engagement as we continue to elevate equestrian sport in Queensland to new heights".

Election of Board and Sport Committees 

Elections are only held for the EQ Board and/or Sport Committees where the number of eligible nominations exceeds the number of vacancies. 

In this election cycle nominations for the EQ Board and Sport Committees did not exceed the vacancies available and therefore no ballots were required.

Elections Unopposed

Equestrian Queensland Board

The following members have been nominated to be a Director on the Board of Equestrian Queensland and were elected unopposed at the AGM.

1. David Holland
2. Gary Lung

EQ Sport Committees

DRESSAGE QUEENSLAND

The following members have been nominated to be a representative of Dressage Queensland and were elected unopposed at the AGM.

1. Anne McDiarmid
2. Nicole Magoffin

EVENTING QUEENSLAND

The following members have been nominated to be a representative of Eventing Queensland and were elected unopposed at the AGM.

1. Christine Hynard
2. Caiwen Cusworth

VAULTING QUEENSLAND

The following member has been nominated to be a representative of Vaulting Queensland and were elected unopposed at the AGM.

1. Lisbeth Betts

JUMPING QUEENSLAND

The following member has been nominated to be a representative of Jumping Queensland and were elected unopposed at the AGM

1. Trevor Hyatt

INTERSCHOOL QUEENSLAND  

The following members have been nominated to be a representative of Interschool Queensland and were elected unopposed at the AGM. 

1. Alex Sorensen
2. Sarah Pearce

SHOW HORSE QUEENSLAND  

The following members have been nominated to be a representative of Show Horse Queensland and were elected unopposed at the AGM. 

1. Jo Uppington
2. Vanessa Sorensen

Equestrian Queensland Board Appointments 

The AGM was immediately followed by the first meeting of the newly elected Board of Equestrian Queensland where the following appointments were made;   

Chair - Nicholas Ballard  

Vice Chair - Emily Coggan

Treasurer - Gary Lung 

Director - David Holland 

Director - Karim Cham

Director - Peta Fielding