Role of British Eventing regional directors reviewed

Following a review of the role of British Eventing’s (BE) regional directors (RDs) they will now be known as regional co-ordinators (RCs).

The number of regions has increased to five, with the central region split, and new RCs are being sought for the new area and the south — where current regional director Robert Mackenzie is due to retire at the end of the season.

RCs will be part-time and have fewer responsibilities.

BE chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith said: “The drive behind this is efficiency.

“Now the BE calendar is fuller, it was felt that with the added responsibilities of a portfolio as well as overseeing events, we were asking too much.”

No incumbent RDs wished to comment, but organisers hope to continue the good relationships with their reps.

Jenny Perry, from Cleobury Mortimer Horse Trials, said: “Chris Farr [RD for the east] has been very helpful.”

Pete Collins at West Wilts Horse Trials added: “Robert McKenzie has been our regional director for years. We hope to have just as good a relationship with the new co-ordinator.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (27 May, ’10)

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