Statement from ESA Board re National HOTY incident

Equestrian South Australia has recently engaged in an investigation relating to the alleged circulation of a defamatory image, via social media or electronic distribution, of an ESA member officiating at the National Show Horse Championships in December 2018.

An email of complaint naming five individual members relating to the incident was incorrectly distributed to a number of individuals, failing to comply with the procedures as specified by the EA regulations and by laws.

The ESA board wishes to advise all members that the investigation found no substantial evidence of the creation or distribution of any image by the five individuals, nor was there any evidence of any defamatory comments involving any individual or official. A complaint regarding the matter has since been withdrawn  

The ESA wishes to advise that as the matter has been dismissed and that any further discussion, or naming of individuals in relation to the alleged distribution of images, may be in breach of the Membership Protection Policy 3.2.3 and 3.2.14” and other Codes.

Peter Graham

Chairman

ESA Board