The FEI has said it “appreciates the frustration” and that there was “no lack of willingness” on its part to allow a replacement CCI2*-S to go ahead – but that its hands are tied by its rules.

Event riders made a “personal appeal” to the FEI after hopes of adding a CCI2* at Bicton International (25 to 28 May) at short notice were dashed. This extra class would have been a replacement for those lost to the wet spring, such as Chatsworth’s cancelled short-format two-star. Bicton’s other classes will go ahead as normal.

British Eventing (BE) chairman Mark Sartori said on Saturday (20 May) that owing to the “extreme weather challenges” and the “ramifications of so many lost events”, BE is working with the FEI, organisers, owners and riders “to address the many issues our members are facing”.

“We are listening to our membership but need clarity from the FEI on replacement classes as well as working with our organisers on key issues such as abandonment insurance,” said Mr Sartori.

“We will be updating our membership as soon as possible. It’s vital that we work with all our stakeholders during this period and keep our membership informed.”

An FEI spokesman told H&H today (Monday, 22 May) that it “fully appreciates the frustration of event riders in Britain following several cancellations of classes and events due to bad weather”.

“This is an unfortunate situation which has especially impacted the lower-level classes, and while we understand this has reduced the opportunities for athletes, we cannot override rules which have been put in place to ensure the integrity of the sport and the decision-making process,” added the FEI spokesman.

A statement from Bicton on Thursday (18 May) said that approval granted by the FEI on 17 May for the addition of a CCI2*S had been “suddenly revoked”.

Eventing Riders Association chairman Bruce Haskell added that the decision to “un-approve” the additional class was made “outside of the Bicton organising committee, BE, British Equestrian [BEF] and the FEI eventing committee”.

“From a governance perspective It is clear that FEI eventing does not have control of its own programme and that under the current FEI administration, the destiny of eventing is determined by other non-related disciplines and the issues they have created in the past,” said Mr Haskell.

“As athletes we again appeal to the FEI administration to see sense especially as the request for additional classes will directly impact young athletes, young horses, recreational working athletes, in other words, your future FEI customers.”

Today’s response from the FEI spokesman added: “The BEF and the Bicton organising committee did request the FEI to grant an exception to the rules, however, as the rules are approved by the general assembly and there is no provision in the rules to override this – the FEI headquarters and/or secretary general, not for the want of trying, were ultimately not in a position to grant the exception.

“In terms of revoking approval, the FEI did initially respond to the request, saying it ‘should be possible’, however, within a few hours, the FEI went back to confirm that it would not be possible, with a full explanation as to the reasons the request could not be granted.

“This clearly demonstrates there was no lack of willingness on the FEI’s part, but that the rules would not allow for it and the FEI had no other option but to uphold the rules at play.

“It’s also important to note a precedent was set in 2019 with regards to the FEI’s capacity to grant exceptions, when the FEI Tribunal issued a decision confirming that the FEI headquarters and/or secretary general were not entitled to grant exceptions if the rules did not allow the possibility of an exception.”

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Eventing came together to look forward and talk about the future in a meeting called at Thoresby following many withdrawals among the top-level classes.

The wet spring – England’s dampest March in 40 years according to the Met Office – has sliced through the eventing calendar.

At the Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park, organisers BEDE Events, headed by director and course-designer Stuart Buntine, produced a mammoth effort to keep the show on the road. They moved arenas, scrapped all novice and intermediate classes – with the exception of the senior open intermediate and under-18 open novice sections – and rejigged the timetable. The idea was to prioritise the classes for those using Thoresby as a stepping stone on their five-star pathway the chance to run. Many withdrew, and for the ones who stayed, those courses rode well.

Mr Buntine stressed to H&H on Sunday afternoon that he “is not pointing fingers” or “blaming anyone” for withdrawing, but rather called Saturday’s meeting with owners to discuss how to look forward.

“I think it’s probably been the toughest week I’ve ever had organising events in 35 years – and tough because we’re working in unknown territory. That’s the hardest thing,” Mr Buntine told H&H, referencing the fact that this is only the third time Thoresby has run as a venue.

“When you’ve been at an event venue [for years] and you know the ground and how it reacts, you have confidence. I did have confidence in my inner self, that we were going to be right, but I’ve had to dig deep occasionally.”

Riders – whether they withdrew or stayed – praised Mr Buntine and BEDE for their efforts.

“We can’t control the weather, but what Stuart has done this weekend is going above and beyond,” said World Class eventing performance manager Dickie Waygood at the meeting. “I think everyone in this room will appreciate, and I did talk with Stuart, that every rider will walk in their own shoes. It could be a different story in three weeks’ time and absolutely no-one wants you to give up, Stuart, the way you think outside of the box is what we need.”

Mr Buntine added that he was upset and disappointed on Saturday, not at anyone’s individual decision to run or not, but for those who could not come.

“I get that the dressage got cut up. The moment I accepted 160 in the CCI4*-S, that was going to put huge pressure there, so I probably shouldn’t have done that,” he said, adding that he had done so because of pleas for him to take more than the intended 100 four-star entries.

“I think there are lots of areas where we, the three stakeholders – the owners, the riders, and the organisers – have to come together and work out how we develop a sport for the future.

“On Saturday, I got really frustrated and I thought, ‘Well hang on, I have dozens of the best owners in the country. Let me just start to try and get a consortium, a brainstorm of people as to how we do it’. I know the riders are the ones that are risking it, so they’ve got to have the ultimate decision, but we have to know what they want.

“The circle in our sport never gets beyond about half past six, quarter to seven and we’ve got to try to join it up. So my plea is to owners and riders, let’s get together and try to talk about it.”

Bruce Haskell, president of the Eventing Riders Association of Great Britain, told H&H: “Thank you to Stuart for the incredible effort he’s made to run under extreme circumstances, and we look forward to working with British Eventing and all stakeholders to create a sustainable future for everybody.”

The meeting included discussion over challenges including the reducing availability of estate parkland venues, escalating costs, and whether a portable all-weather arena would be possible – although at a cost of £450,000, there was also the question of whether that would come at the expense of parkland venues.

The Event Horse Owners’ Association (EHOA) report following the meeting noted that around a dozen people put their names forward to be involved, while “many others stated their wish to contribute or be informed of the discussions and outcomes”.

“There is a real need for key stakeholders including EHOA, ERA [Eventing Riders Association] and BEOA [British Event Organisers Association] to come together to work on solutions, as time is ticking and these issues need to be addressed as a priority to ensure we have a sport for the future,” added the EHOA report.

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As Covid has not only affected the Games themselves but also qualifying competitions, H&H finds out what work has been carried out to make sure elite riders can prepare

THE road to Tokyo is on as eventing in Britain moves to ensure combinations can safely get the training and competition they need ahead of this summer’s Olympics.

The pandemic and rescheduling of the Games has rejiggled the timeline of milestone dates for qualification, but time is ticking on.

The British longlist meeting is due to be held around 11 May and the cut-off date for horse/rider combinations of any nationality to achieve minimum eligibility requirements (MERs) at CCI4*-L/S and/or CCI5*, is 21 June. The GBR squad of four (three competing, one travelling reserve) is likely to be selected around 15 or 21 June, and announced around 19 or 24 June.

The Eventing Riders Association (International) has been working closely with British Eventing (BE) to ensure elite riders based here can get the right preparation.

“We have been consulted all the way through and have been pushing especially towards the elite riders, not just the Brits but those based in Britain, to have access to the right events to get them ready,” ERA president Bruce Haskell told H&H.

Mr Haskell shared his hopes for a “good season of sport” and praised BE and organisers for the level and detail in their plans, down to the possibility of increased demand for entries at domestic CCI4*-L/S events owing to Brexit transport concerns.

There are four British events considered Olympic qualifiers in the calendar until 21 June: Burnham Market CCI4*-S (16-18 April), Chatsworth CCI4*-S (15-16 May), Houghton Hall CCI4*-S and Nations Cup leg (27-30 May), plus Bramham CCI4*-S/L and under-25s (10-13 June). There are further qualifying events in Europe and worldwide.

In preparation for combinations targeting the Olympics and/or Kentucky, BE is running elite training at Aston-le-Walls (16-17 March), followed by elite-only competitions at Oasby (22 March), Cirencester Park (24 March) and Aston-le-Walls (31 March) in “strict accordance with Government regulations and Covid-19 protocols”.

BE chief executive Jude Matthews told H&H the organisation has been working with performance managers to ensure combinations have an appropriate pathway.

“Until [22 February], we didn’t know how long it was going to be ‘elite only’ sport, and the fact we can get going Easter weekend as it stands means that it’s a very much shorter period of ‘elite only’ now,” she said, adding much work has gone in to identify “elite status” for British riders.

“We’ve also contacted all the other national federations to ensure they are aware of what we are planning, so they can make sure we have their elite riders on that list as well.

“There’s almost like three ‘buckets’ riders fit into – the GBR domestic athletes, the foreign domestic athletes based in the UK and the foreign or GBR athletes who are based overseas and want to travel in and compete.”

She added that the pathway is to help riders ensure their horses are prepared and fit before going to major competitions, and it complies with the elite return to sport guidance, covering cross-border international travel, so they can safely cater for all three relevant groups as mentioned above.

In order for qualified nations to hold on to their Olympic tickets, they had to have enough competitors who had achieved minimum eligibility requirements (MERs) by 31 December 2019, which was then confirmed by early February 2020.

An FEI spokesman told H&H that there have been no changes since then, with no nations advising them that they will not be taking up their places at the Games.

This means the focus is now on which combinations will be selected to represent their country, rather than which nations will have riders at the Games.

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British Eventing has revealed how its recently announced Area Festivals format will give grassroots riders competing from BE80(T) to BE100 level an “inspiring goal” designed to “showcase talent”.

The Science Supplements Area Festivals will include “new look” BE80(T), BE90 and BE100 area qualifiers – replacing existing regional finals – and new area championships classes for BE80(T), BE80(T) open, BE90, BE90 open, BE100 and BE100 open.

The Area Festivals will run as standalone events, with courses of “championship technicality” and international-size dressage arenas.

“Following member feedback, collaborating with the rider working group 80-105 and in conjunction with the Event Riders Association, the Area Festivals will provide additional championship opportunities, plus the chance to compete at prestigious venues with an exciting competition atmosphere,” said a BE spokesman.

“The area qualifiers will bring together riders challenging for the BE90 and BE100 championship at Badminton and the BE80(T) championship”.

The spokesman said following a tender process in which 14 venues applied, the host venues are: Firle Place, Sussex (15-16 May), Frickley Park, South Yorkshire (19-20 June), Chillington Hall, Staffordshire/Shropshire border (26-27 June). A northern/Scottish venue will be announced soon.

Combinations can qualify for the area festival championships by achieving two double clears between 1 June 2019 and 30 April 2021, or by being placed in the top percentage, to be confirmed next year, of a normal BE80(T), BE90, BE90 open, BE100, and BE100 open in the same period.

In line with previous regional final qualifications, the top percentage, as yet unconfirmed, of eligible combinations placed at BE80(T), BE90 and BE100 events will be eligible to compete at area qualifiers. The top percentage of combinations then placed at the area qualifiers will go on to compete at the BE90 and BE100 championships held at Badminton and the BE80(T) championship. Those who already hold a regional final qualification will automatically be eligible to enter an area qualifier in 2021.

In addition to qualifying at the Area Festivals, competitors can qualify directly for the BE90 and BE100 championships at Badminton, at the Scottish Grassroots Championships at Blair Castle, Perthshire, and the BE90 and BE100 three-day event at Bicton Arena, Devon.

“This is such an exciting development for the sport and one which we hope will provide more of our members with an inspiring goal,” said BE chief executive Jude Matthews.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Science Supplements for their support of this initiative. As well as providing a new competition opportunity for grassroots riders in the creation of the area championships, the inclusion of the area qualifiers at the Area Festivals enables us to make these classes closer to the challenge that will be faced at the finals and create a bigger atmosphere for this stage of the qualification route.”

Ms Matthews added that BE had worked with its rider working group to take feedback and adapt the concept.

“Key feedback from our members has been that they would like more championship opportunities and for us to reward those who achieve consistent double clears,” she said.

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“We have also listened to feedback to provide area championship opportunities for those who are not eligible for the more restricted BE90 and BE100 championship and BE(80)T championships route by including open sections.”

Science Supplements group chief executive David Mitson said the company is delighted to be extending its relationship with BE and supporting grassroots riders.

“The Area Festivals will provide a further opportunity to showcase the range of talent among grassroots riders and give more members a championship to aim for.”

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A new series for adults competing at British Eventing (BE) novice level will be held at five venues across the UK next year.

The novice masters, developed by the BE rider working group representing riders at novice level and above, in conjunction with the Eventing Riders Association of Great Britain, will run at novice intermediate level and aims to give members an “achievable new goal”, with consistent performance being rewarded.

“As well as riding a bespoke dressage test designed especially for this class, in an international 20m x 60m arena with two dressage judges, competitors can choose to ride their test in a tailcoat, adding to the special feel of this occasion,” said a BE spokesman.

The series will take place at Glamis Castle, Angus, in May, Catton Park, Derbyshire, in June, Barbury, Wiltshire, in July, Little Downham (2), Cambridgeshire, in August and Allerton Park, North Yorkshire, in September.

The spokesman added that the classes will create a new regional goal for riders, with the well-established venues selected with a broad geographic spread in mind.

BE chief executive Jude Matthews said the series is a “fantastic” addition to the BE calendar and an “exciting new opportunity”.

“We believe it is important that members at every level should have an achievable goal to aim for and the novice masters will provide a valuable new aim for those riders,” she said.

“The rider working group has really championed this new concept and we have worked closely together to shape this into a product that fits their objectives. Their feedback highlighted a desire for a new series specifically aimed at adult riders competing at novice, which we hope will provide many with a new competition opportunity.”

Ms Matthews added that data analysis company EquiRatings had provided BE with useful insight around eligibility and it was clear from the statistics there is a demand for the new series.

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“We look forward to welcoming riders to the novice masters next year,” she said.

Combinations will qualify for the series by achieving two double clears at any novice, CCI2*-S, or CCI2*-L within the qualifying period (2020 season and up to the ballot date of the novice masters class in 2021) – or by finishing once in the top 25% of dressage starters in each section

There is no restriction on the grade of horse but combinations must be eligible to compete at intermediate novice level. The top 150 BE riders of the previous two calendar years, those who have competed at five-star in the past 10 years, and anyone who has finished in the top 25% of a four-star in the past five years are ineligible.

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A group of French event riders have added their voices to the debate about prize money in eventing in the form of an open letter to help stimulate discussion. H&H finds out more...

THE push for a debate and review of prize money in eventing has taken an international turn, with a group of French event riders penning an open letter to help spark ideas of ways to solve the issue for all stakeholders.

The subject has also been a topic for debate at a national level in Britain and riders are keen that Covid-related reductions in prize funds do not become the new normal.

The open letter, which thanks all those for helping restart competition this year, strongly urges against prize money reductions becoming permanent and calls for wider discussion on the topic to help form a combined proposal to take to the FEI.

It states the reduction “and in some cases complete lack” of prize money has raised “serious concerns among professional event riders and their owners”.

“Focusing on international competition, in fact this is by no means either a new phenomenon or isolated to any particular country. It is not an issue particular to the strictures of Covid but it has certainly been exacerbated by them,” it states.

“As well as the obvious and immediate loss of income to riders and owners, this widespread trend has other negative effects on the sport: it will lead to further elitism, narrowing the accessibility of participants to the fortunate few and diminish the merits of talent. It will impact the impression and reputation of the sport in the eyes of the general public, the sponsors both actual and potential, TV and media and even the IOC [International Olympic Committee] itself.

“The blame for this situation cannot be laid at the door of competition organisers, they have seen regulatory constraints and their expenses increase constantly year-on-year, putting more pressure on budgets. Corrective action is needed and it is felt that the first steps must be taken by the FEI.

“One Olympic equestrian discipline, showjumping, already has clear and established FEI minimum limits for prize money allocations from five-star down to three-star. It is a peculiar anomaly that similar steps were only taken for five-star in eventing. That situation seems to say to the world that only showjumping and five-star events are of any value.”

Eventing Riders Association (International) president Bruce Haskell told H&H the association is “100% supportive of the effort”, adding there are many factors to consider and it is important the subject involves discussion between riders, organisers and the FEI.

“If we want change, we need to create it,” he said. “Equally, we don’t want to see events going under. That is why we need to have open discussion. This is a great time of year to do that as there is time to talk, debate and get the dialogue going.”

He added what events are looking to offer and achieve, plus the growth of commercial enterprises as owners in Europe, as well as the desire from riders to change a system they are losing money from need consideration.

“We are lucky in Europe that we do have choice of events,” he said. “However, there are some internationals where people are coming back with less money from prize money than they paid to enter.

“We cannot let Covid set a precedent.”

An FEI spokesman told H&H prize money has been a topic raised with the FEI eventing committee.

“The FEI welcomes all open discussions and any proposals put forward for consideration,” he said, adding the organisation has not yet received an official proposal.

“In addition, proposals would need to be reviewed with eventing organisers to source the financing, which is uncertain in these times and would need to ensure that the organisers are able to guarantee the quality of the cross-country is maintained.”

H&H 22 October 2020

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William Fox-Pitt and the Eventing Riders Association (ERA) have spoken out over the FEI’s “clarification” of the flag rule, saying it does “not go far enough”.

The so-called “missing a flag” rule (549.2) has proved highly contentious in Britain since the re-worked regulation came into force this year.

The seven-point clarification (see in full at the end of the article) asks fence judges to “give the benefit of the doubt” to riders, states that knocking a flag does not entail an automatic penalty and goes into detail on how to use video evidence.

But FEI eventing rider representative William Fox-Pitt requested a further clarification be added and has said he “is unable to support” the statement sent out by the FEI.

The clarification he requested stated: “the shoulder or body of the horse is permitted to move or dislodge the flag, and the horse should be judged clear so long as it has jumped the correct side of the flag.”

On Monday, he wrote to the FEI eventing committee to say he understands its position regarding the clarifications of the rule.

“As I have repeatedly stated I do not feel that this deals with the central issue at stake and my additions, which are the result of extensive consultation with riders from around the world, have not been incorporated,” he said.

“Regrettably, as the rider representative I am unable to support the statement regarding the clarification.”

ERA chairman Bruce Haskell said the organisation accepts the sport must follow FEI procedure and that a full change to a FEI rule is not possible mid-way through a season.

“The additional guidelines are a positive initiative by the FEI eventing committee to address uncertainty for athletes, officials and wider stakeholders but in our opinion do not go far enough,” he said.

“The central issue remains as follows: the rule states that if any part of the body strays outside the line where the flag was originally positioned it should be penalised, therefore a horse who jumps the correct side of the flag but moves or dislodges it with the shoulder or pelvis is judged as not clear and is awarded 15 penalties.

“Despite the overwhelming majority of the eventing community sharing our view, we are all bound by a rule stating otherwise and today’s clarification does not change that.”

ERA is asking the FEI eventing committee to view the clarifications as a “good starting point towards a workable rule for 2020 and beyond”, but urges them to remain open to change in the short term for the benefit of the sport this year.

Bruce added ERA, William Fox-Pitt and chairman of the international rider working group Harry Meade have been “overwhelmed by a consistent response from riders, officials, national federations, organisers and other stakeholders”.

“The message is the same. The definition of “clear” in the current rule is not sufficient in line with what riders feel is appropriate,” he said.

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Top riders including Harry Meade, Flora Harris and Bill Levett raised concerns over how the rule was implemented at Belton in March.

Following this, some competitors at Bicton faced appeals before the final results were confirmed in the CCI3*-S.

Riders are worried the rule is bringing subjectivity into cross-country and that the way it is being applied is “not in the spirit of the sport”.

Elite rider and owner Kate Walls started a petition to the FEI last month, which garnered more than 4,000 signatures in a week.

But the FEI stated it cannot change a rule part-way through a season “unless there is a risk management impact”, which does not apply in this case.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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Riders have been urged to read up on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) rules after three competitors tested positive for prohibited substances.

US eventers Hannah Sue Burnett, Jennie Brannigan and Alyssa Phillips were competing in the CIC3* at Ocala Jockey Club in Florida (17-19 November) when they tested positive for prohibited substances.

Jennie and Alyssa both said they believe the positive tests are as a result of medications that had been prescribed to them for legitimate medical conditions and were not taken in order to enhance their performances.

The Eventing Riders Association of North America (ERA of NA) is now calling on all competitors and their support teams to take time to understand the WADA rules.

“It is imperative that all equestrian athletes understand these rules,” said a spokesman for the riders’ association.

“[This includes] how to prepare for FEI events by knowing what is a prohibitive substance, how to notify FEI for approval of the medication, and how long the process is to be approved to compete or not compete on that substance.”

Equine and human competitors at all FEI events — not just at the top end of the sport — must comply with WADA and FEI doping rules.

Riders can apply for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) if they have an illness or condition that requires the use of medication on WADA’s prohibited list.

This must be fully completed and submitted to the FEI 30 days before competing.

Without this, a rider could receive a ban of up to four years from the FEI as well as sanctions from their national federation.

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“A valid prescription from your healthcare provider for one of these prohibited medications does not assure that a TUE will be approved,” added the ERA of NA spokesman.

“It is important that you inform your healthcare provider that you are an athlete that completes clean sport testing under WADA anti-doping rules, and discuss all prescribed medications and potential alternatives.”

US Equestrian team physician Mark Hart added: “All riders competing under FEI rules are subject to random, in-competition and out of competition drug testing.

“It is your responsibility to know if you are taking any medications on the FEI prohibited substance list.”

Visit www.globaldro.org/Home or inside.fei.org/fei/cleansport for details.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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Event riders gathered last week (2 October) to discuss a controversial potential rule change involving flags.

In April H&H reported on the FEI looking into amendments to the sport, to fall into line with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) 2020 Agenda on creating “attractive, modern, TV- and spectator-friendly sports”.

One of the proposals for eventing was the introduction of five penalties for knocking flags on skinny, narrow or corner fences.

“Whoever suggested the five-penalty rule doesn’t understand our sport,” Paul Tapner told H&H at the time.

“We need improved technology — they have Hawk-Eye in tennis and cricket, we need something similar.”

Last week an informal discussion was held at Osberton by the Event Riders Association GB to help facilitate ideas for British event rider representative Daisy Berkeley.

The general feeling from riders was against the rule.

“We need a black and white rule, but we’re not sure if this is it,” said ERA’s Bruce Haskell. “We want to be proactive and openly discuss things.”

No rule change would be implemented until 2017.

Olympic eventer Jane Holderness-Roddam told H&H that something needs to be sorted to make it easier for judges, riders and officials “so everyone knows where they stand” when judging flags at accuracy fences.

“It is such a difficult situation, there are so many ifs and buts, but it’s becoming a bit of a joke,” she said.

“In some cases riders are winging it through corners, other times the fence is too narrow to fit a horse through, other times it’s bad luck that a rider’s foot knocks it when the horse has jumped safely.

“People seem generally against it, but there needs to be more time to discuss it. As far as I can see there’s no easy solution but there needs to be some kind of clarification.”

British Eventing’s Davide Holmes said it was a “great initiative” by ERA to organise the meeting.

“This rule would require much more standardisation of types of flags/their fitting/ the dimensions of obstacles that could potentially cause the infringement of the rule – and the possibility of applying this rule across the world,” he added.

“The main theme to come out from all was that the FEI must consult widely within the eventing community regarding the possible implementation of such a rule. There would also require a lead in period of sometime in order to enable the required standardisation globally to support it.

“The bottom line was that given where we are now it would be very difficult to implement.”

For Harry Meade’s comments don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H – out today (Thursday 8 October).

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From a personal perspective as coach to the Brazilian team, the Pan Am Games were a huge success. We took team silver and individual bronze medals, which probably surprised a few people, but I thought we had a decent chance and so it proved.

The venue — Caledon Equestrian Centre, about an hour from Toronto — was stunning, with first-class facilities. It made last year’s World Equestrian Games look even more of a shambles!

The cross-country took place an hour away. It was a fairly small area, but it was undulating, and the Australian course-designer Wayne Copping had done a good job of making use of the whole site. The track was on the soft side for a CCI2* but, considering the varying abilities taking part, it was a fair course.

From the sport’s perspective, it was encouraging that there were 11 teams and 13 nations competing. The USA, Canada and Brazil stood out; there was a big gap back to the other, central and South American, nations, but it was great they were fielding teams — it is hugely difficult for them to compete at any level — and trying to improve.

Karen O’Connor is coaching the Mexican team, while former Canadian rider Peter Gray is training the Guatemalans, and another Canadian, Kyle Carter, is helping the Venezuelans. The progress the Brazilians have made was a talking point, and should act as inspiration.

We were drawn behind the hosts, Canada, so all our riders had to follow theirs into the dressage arena, where huge cheers went up as each of their competitors exited — and again as their scores were announced, by which time Ruy Fonseca, for example, was doing his first halt.

There was a definite element of gamesmanship to it and it was a bit unsporting — there was a big cheer as our last rider entered the stadium, organised by someone connected to their team. But our riders did remind theirs in whose country next year’s Olympics will take place!

All the Brazilians went clear inside the time, and we pushed team gold medallists, the USA, all the way to the line. Ruy had the last showjump down, so won individual bronze, rather than gold — still a terrific result.

Anna Ross, the Brazilian dressage coach, and I were very satisfied; we are on target.

Hooray for Aston

I got pretty wet at Aston-le-Walls last weekend — if the dressage and showjumping had not been on all-weather surfaces I think it would have been cancelled. But the cross-country held up well, considering that close to 1,000 horses ran on it over the three days. Most fences have all-weather take-offs and landings, which made the difference.

Every time you go to Aston, Nigel and Ann Taylor have done more. It is a brilliant facility. My one tiny criticism was that the surfaces in the new arenas aren’t quite settled yet and got quite churned up. But, especially as we no longer have Salperton at this time of year, it is so important that Aston is there so that these horses could get a run.

Having a say in our future

There is a lot of discussion going on about the FEI’s future changes to eventing, and there was a meeting last Tuesday with the Eventing Riders Association (ERA) about it. The FEI are interested in input from national federations and riders, and for the first time during my career I feel as if riders have a say in the future of our sport. We need to get behind our federations and rider groups and make sure we have input in a constructive and considered way.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 30 July 2015

Proposals for radical changes to eventing have left riders “concerned” and “frustrated”.

The FEI is looking into amendments to the sport, to fall into line with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) 2020 Agenda on creating “attractive, modern, TV- and spectator-friendly sports”.

The idea is to create a “new generation of fans” says the IOC.

The plans will be discussed at the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne tomorrow (Monday 27 April).

And while eventers are not averse to the idea of modernisation, leading riders said that a “drastic overhaul” is not needed.

The sport has already had its format amended once to fit with the IOC’s plans, and now the International Event Riders Association (ERA Int) — says the changes are “not justified”.

Proposals that are sparking some debate include the downgrading of Olympic and championship cross-country from four-star to three-star level for team events, with the aim of involving more nations.

A second contentious point is the decrease to 10 penalties for a first refusal, plus the introduction of five penalties for knocking flags on skinny, narrow or corner fences.

“Whoever suggested the five-penalty rule doesn’t understand our sport,” Paul Tapner told H&H.

“We need improved technology — they have Hawk-Eye in tennis and cricket, we need something similar.

“Eventing should take a lead from dressage, proposals to change the sport include good publicity and more promotion — that’s what eventing needs too.”

Kiwi rider and president of the International Event Riders Association Bruce Haskell agrees.

“When compared to other sports, the way eventing is presented to the public is outdated, it needs freshening up,” he said.

“The main concern is the lack of justification for change. We’re saying ‘don’t change our sport, change the presentation of our sport’. It needs modernising and making more commercial.”

He added that there were major worries that some of the proposals could affect safety.

“The Olympics should be aspirational. These changes will increase [the number of] runners, but will decrease the standard and put the sport at risk in front of a television audience,” he said.

“Similarly, if you’re only going to get 10 penalties for a run out, people are going to take more risks.”

Mark Todd agreed the sport doesn’t need an overhaul.

“What needs changing is the attitude to how it is run, and how it is presented to the public,” he said (see Mark Todd’s comment)

The name of the sport is also under discussion — with possibilities being “equestrian triathlon”, “equestrathon” and “tri-equathlon”.

“I don’t have a problem with the name change, but they’d be better simplifying the confusing things like CIC and CCI first,” added Paul.

Other points investigated on the document include a safety audit — which will look at data that the FEI has collected over the past 10 years.

Any changes will be brought in at the general assembly next November (2016).

An FEI spokesman added: “The proposals are made by the FEI Eventing Committee based on the overall discussion held for all sports in relation to the IOC 2020 recommendations. With the decision to shift from a ‘sports’-based Olympic Games to ‘events’, it is important to review the equestrian sports in the Olympic context ensuring that the three disciplines will promote similar principles for the universality and understanding.”

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A reduction in the number of penalties awarded for breaking a frangible pin has been issued by the FEI, following complaints from riders.

Earlier this month (10 March) members of the International Event Riders Association (ERA) and key industry figures met with the FEI. They argued against the new 2015 rule in which 21 penalties are automatically given to any rider breaking a frangible obstacle or device unless “clear mechanical failure has produced an unexpected activation of the mechanism”.

At the time a spokesman for the FEI said: “The need to clarify this rule has been raised by athletes and officials to ensure its consistent interpretation and application.”

ERA international was “openly opposed to the revision”, which it claims “effectively removes the ground jury of an FEI event from the decision making process”.

The group also argued that the rule “penalised safety”. Riders had concerns that the rule would lead to course-designers using fewer frangible pins at events.

However, yesterday (Monday 30 March) the FEI announced that the ruling had been changed from 21 to 11 penalties.

The new 11 penalty ruling comes in today (Tuesday 31 March).

“The modification is made in the interest of risk management programme, following meetings with eventing riders and three- and four- star eventing course-designers who expressed concern that the current rules would restrict the use of frangible devices,” read a statement from the FEI.

The wording has also changed from “breaking a frangible obstacle” to “activating a frangible device”.

The rule now reads: “Each athlete activating a frangible device will be awarded 11 penalties, whether the activation occurs as expected (i.e. activation by significant pressure exerted by the horse on the fence). In the case of unexpected activation (i.e. activation by an insignificant contact) the ground jury will be called to evaluate the possible removal of the penalty.

“In evaluating the possible removal of the penalty, ground juries are not called to investigate if the horse would have fallen or not if the contact was with the front or hind legs, or if the rider was riding dangerously or not, but only if an unexpected activation occurred through a light tap. This is the only case where penalties can be removed.

“There will be no appeal against a decision of the ground jury arising from the field of play, where the decision is based on factual observation of the performance during a competition.

“In this case a detailed report explaining the reasons for removing the penalty must be produced by the course-designer/technical delegate and, signed by the president of the ground jury, must be returned to the FEI.”

Earlier this year, British Eventing (BE) told H&H it has “no plans” to implement penalties for breaking frangible pins, despite the FEI strengthening its stance.

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Could modern technology make eventing more engaging for spectators? A German software firm is developing a product “to simplify and enrich the fan experience at equestrian events.”

SAP — which has previously developed similar technology for the America’s Cup sailing series — has created SAP Equestrian Analytics to give fans instant data and bring equestrianism in line with sports such as Formula 1.

The software will allow eventing fans to have immediate information about individual routes, speed data, time gaps and competitor heart-rates. The information will also integrate with an interactive competitor chart and leaderboard in real time.

SAP has enlisted the help of German eventer Ingrid Klimke to create the software, and the prototype was showcased at Aachen (17-19 July).

“I look forward to being able to actively contribute to the development of solutions that enhance the fan experience,” said Ingrid.

“I am excited to use this innovative technology to present and explain specific new aspects of my rides.”

Other riders have also backed the new technology as they believe that making the sport more accessible to fans will increase its commercial viability.

“Eventing is an amazing sport, but it can be hard for spectators to understand the drama happening around them,” 2010 Badminton winner Paul Tapner told H&H.

“The current portrayal of the sport does not do it justice.

“SAP is offering technology which is well overdue. Their involvement in the equestrian world offers amazing potential.”

“It is exciting in terms of being able to open up new avenues for the sport,” added Event Riders Association president Bruce Haskell.

“Anything that brings information forwards is brilliant. But it needs to make money for it to succeed.”

British Eventing (BE) has also welcomed the product.

“This sounds like a very interesting concept,” said BE’s chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith.

“Creating other avenues for riders to improve their training and for spectators to enjoy the sport from another perspective could be a very positive step forward.”

First published in H&H magazine on Thursday 28 August, 2014.

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The Event Riders’ Association (ERA) is urging eventers to fill in a new online form after competing to help give feedback to horse trials’ organisers and British Eventing (BE).

“This is a new initiative this year and a huge step forward,” said ERA chairman Francis Whittington. “Long-term, this will be hugely helpful for the sport.

“I think some people were worried it would all be negative, but so far, we’ve found people have been very positive, even when making suggestions.”

The form has sections for rating and commenting on different aspects of events, from signposting to going, arenas, courses, friendliness of officials, tradestands and value for money.

At the end of the year ERA will collate the information and relay it to BE and organisers.

ERA also has reps at events, gathering feedback on the ground, and if you want to make ERA aware of something sooner than the end of the year, the organisation advises members to highlight this to the ERA rep or your ERA regional director.

You need to be a member of ERA to fill in the online form, but joining is free. The forms are meant to be anonymous, but you can leave your contact details if you wish.

To fill in the form, join ERA or find out who your ERA regional director is, visit www.eventridersassociation.org.

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The Event Riders Association (ERA) is looking for four regional representatives to support members and the ERA board.

ERA needs one rep for each BE region — Scotland and the North, Wales and Central North, Central South and South — and is looking for a broad range of riders from BE80 to advanced.

Apply by 9 June by emailing your contact details, the BE area you live in and a few words about yourself to regionalrep@eventridersassociationuk.org

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (20 May, ’10)

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The Event Riders Association (ERA) is looking for four regional representatives to support members and the ERA board across the country.

ERA needs one person from each BE region — Scotland and the North, Wales and Central North, Central South and South.

ERA chairman Francis Whittington said: “If you are passionate about eventing and want to see the sport move forwards we want to hear from you.

“We are looking for a broad range of people from BE80 riders to advanced, from single horse amateurs to professionals.”

He said applicants should be prepared to invest some time in ERA and be approachable to members as they will be the first point of contact for members in their region.

They will also liaise between members and the board to ensure their region’s voice is heard.

If you would like to be more involved, email your contact details, which BE area you live in and a few words about yourself to regionalrep@eventridersassociationuk.org.

The closing date for applications is Friday 9 July.

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The first two inductees — Lucinda Green and Supreme Rock — have entered eventing’s Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame is the brainchild of the Event Riders’ Association (ERA) and has been set up to honour the horses and riders who have played a starring role in the sport down the years (see 19 April’s H&H).

ERA chairman Clayton Fredericks described six-time Badminton winner Lucinda Green and Pippa Funnell’s Supreme Rock as “two truly worthy characters.”

A delighted Lucinda added: “I am absolutely thrilled. It has been a long time since I won anything and it is lovely to feel that I am worthy of such an honour. It really is very special to me.”

Supreme Rock’s owner Emma Pitt said: “It is a huge honour to receive this award as recognition of how Supreme Rock was adored by the British public.”

The next batch of laureates will be presented at the four-star at Luhmuhlen later in the year. Nominations, which are open to non-ERA members, can be made online at www.eventridersassociation.com

If you enjoyed this, why not browse through our other collections featuring Lucinda Green:

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To celebrate Lucinda Green’s 60th birthday, we selected 60 pictures from the H&H archives across Lucinda’s many successful years in the saddle.

Behind-the-scenes video: Lucinda Green rides Opposition Buzz

Enjoy some behind-the-scenes footage of cross-country legend Lucinda Green riding Nicola Wilson’s world and European team gold medallist, Opposition Buzz.

Lucinda Green gets outstanding contribution to equestrianism award

Former world champion event rider Lucinda Green was presented with the Martin Collins Special Award for outstanding contribution to equestrianism at the Animal Health Trust’s (AHT) awards ceremony.

Lucinda fought off competition from Paralympic gold medalist Lee Pearson and the Whitaker family, who were all shortlisted from nominations made by H&H readers.

Lucinda said: “This is something that I really can’t believe has happened, it is the most unexpected award to have come my way in many years.”

Exclusive video: Lucinda Green riding Comberton Clancy

‘Lucinda rides’ saw six-time Badminton winner Lucinda Green visit Carol Bardo’s yard near Maidenhead to ride HOYS supreme horse of the year Comberton Clancy.

See how Lucinda got on in our exclusive video (below), and pick up a copy of the magazine (24 November 2011) for more of Lucinda’s fascinating insights into riding this “happy, balanced champion”.

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Do you have an eventing hero — with two legs or four — who deserves to be recognised for their contribution to the sport? If so, be sure to nominate them for a place in the Eventing Hall of Fame.

The brainchild of the Event Riders’ Association (ERA), the Hall of Fame has been launched to celebrate the achievements of the people and horses who have played starring roles in the sport over the years.

Nominations, which are open to non-ERA members, can be made online — www.eventridersassociation.com — and the first batch of laureates will be announced at a dinner at Badminton on 3 May.

ERA chairman Clayton Fredericks said: “There are so many heroes in our sport and through the Hall of Fame we hope to honour them.”

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FEI President HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein has praised the work of the ILPH. On a recent visit to ILPH’s Hall Farm in Norfolk (24 February), the Princess watched presentations about the charity’s work in both the UK and abroad and was introduced to some of the horses currently in rehabilitation.

The FEI and the ILPH have a longstanding relationship and the Princess was interested to find out more about the charity. “We have a long association with the FEI, currently sitting on its welfare sub-committee, and look forward to developing our relationship further,” explained John Smales, ILPH Chief Executive.

HRH Princess Haya said: “The ILPH has a long relationship with the FEI and it was because of this that I made the time to come here and find out more and further concrete the partnership.

“It has been very interesting to see at first hand the work they do and tour the wonderful facilities.”

The ILPH is the largest rehomer of horses in the UK and has nearly 1800 horses on its loan scheme. The UK Welfare Hotline (tel: 0870 871 1927) takes around 30,000 calls a year leading to around 1,500 separate investigations by our 16 field officers.

In the developing world the ILPH works with communities where welfare needs are greatest, producing individually tailored programmes to develop horse care skills. Meanwhile the ILPH also leads campaigns to improve horse welfare. Key campaigns include preventing the live export of horses and ponies from the UK for meat and banning the long-distance transport of live horses for slaughter in Europe.

During her stay in Britain, Princess Haya also attended the annual awards dinner of the Event Riders Association and visited Somerby Equestrian Centre in Leicestershire to see the Pony Club’s centre membership scheme in practice.

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A proposal designed to improve funding for the Event Riders’ Association (ERA) will be debated by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) later in the month.

ERA was set up 13 years ago as a body to give three-day eventers a voice and has been run in several different guises since then. In its present form, ERA is open to all event riders and membership is free.

Australian rider Clayton Fredericks, who has been chairman of ERA for the past 12 months, told H&H that getting the association on a solid financial footing is crucial if it is to have a future.

“In the past, ERA hasn’t had a regular income and so it’s been hard to manage,” he said. “In general, riders are very keen to be represented, but without a sustainable income, it’s been hard to keep the association going.”

The proposal, which will be discussed at the FEI Eventing Committee meeting in Lausanne on 22-23 February, involves adding a 5 Euro fee to all international entries. After paying the fee, all participating riders would automatically become ERA members.

If passed, the proposal would serve two purposes, explained Clayton.

“Running a proper office, advising riders, marketing the association and hosting the website means ERA costs about £30,000 a year to run, so the fee would go towards this,” he said. “Additionally, I want us to have as many members as possible. Our strength lies in numbers.”

ERA estimates that there are around 20,000 event riders globally. The present membership of ERA stands at 1,700, up from approximately 200 before Clayton Fredericks became its chair.

Riders contacted by H&H were broadly supportive of the changes he is trying to make to the association.

Ruth Edge, an ERA member, said that rider representation was crucial. “We need to have our say or the sport won’t be the standard we want,” she reasoned, “and with the rule changes we’ve seen in the past few years, it’s crucial that riders are kept up to date.”

Fellow rider Nick Turner echoed this viewpoint. “A lot has happened in eventing in the past few years and it’s important that all riders work together,” he said.

“But one problem with the E5 proposal is that [many] owners pay the entry fee, so in that respect, it becomes less like a riders’ association. Riders will need to liaise carefully with owners.”

• This news report was first published in Horse & Hound (1 February, ’07)

The Event Riders Association (ERA) has agreed to sponsor Tweseldown’s controversial unaffiliated CIC* section and response to the competition has been “very promising”, according to organiser Brynley Powell.

“The fact that the ERA is sponsoring it says it all,” he said.

Mr Powell said he was left with “little choice” but to host an unaffiliated competition after British Eventing (BE) turned down his application to run an affiliated CIC*.

“I decided to run a one-star because riders constantly complain that during a five-day competition they have nothing to do,” he explained last month. “So I got a budget together but was informed by BE’s fixtures committee that the event upset too many other organisers — I didn’t even receive a written explanation.”

ERA chairman Clayton Fredericks (pictured) said: “We’ve been looking to do this type of event for a long time. Because it’s unaffiliated, it gives us the opportunity to do a few interesting things.”

These “interesting things” include top riders such as Bettina Hoy and Pippa Funnell judging the dressage phase, as well as giving critical advice to riders after the show jumping and cross-country phases.

As well as a brand new course at Tweseldown, competitors will benefit froma prize-fund of £3,000.

But Clayton Fredericks points out the ERA is not turning its back on affiliated eventing.

“We would hate BE to think we’re doing it for any political reason,” he said. “The ERA is for all levels, both affiliated and unaffiliated.”

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