Announcement to Members from the Chair

Tuesday 11 February 2020

Dear Valued Members,

I have been informed police visited Kirkcaldy Park and a man was taken into custody in regard to a drug related offence. The owner of the property, Karin Edwards offered her resignation from the ESA Board with immediate effect.

As Kirkcaldy Park is a venue hired and used by ESA and our members we will use alternative venues for our training clinics in the interests of protecting our membership, especially our children, until investigations and any proceedings that follow are completed. 

ESA as a member of Equestrian Australia, will comply with our responsibilities to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) that is Australia’s driving force for pure performance in sport and aims to protect Australia’s sporting integrity.

Equestrian Australia works closely with ASADA and random drug testing of members may occur at events in South Australia. I would like to remind all Organising Committees that it is of the utmost importance that provisions are made for the possibility of ASADA arriving at one of our events. I recommend to all Event Organisers and members, further information HERE.

All our coaches have completed the ASADA online Level 1 anti-doping course which can be located at https://elearning.asada.gov.au/  in order to renew their coaching memberships. I invite any equestrian member to take the free, online course that takes just over one hour to complete to be better informed.

As Chair, I will keep you informed and provide whatever advice I am able to give members as it comes to hand. Please respect the police investigative process currently underway and spare a thought for the possible distress you may cause people involved, by participating in speculation, gossip and innuendo.  

If you or your children feel the need for additional assistance and support, please contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 3636.

Sincerely, 

Wendy Schaeffer OAM

Chair ESA

(for and on behalf of the Board)