The president of the FEI has cast doubt over the future of the World Equestrian Games (WEG) as he prepares for his next term in office.

Ingmar de Vos has pledged to review the FEI’s games and championships “with an open mind in order to make the best choices for the future and sustainability of our sport”.

“Although we have further strengthened the minimum eligibility criteria, we must recognise that due to the successful development of our sport in many regions it is more and more difficult to find organisers that are capable of organising an event of such magnitude,” said Mr de Vos.

“It is also increasingly difficult for [national federations] to send athletes in all the disciplines for which their athletes achieved the minimum eligibility requirements.

“We must have the courage to look at the future of our World Championships and ask if the WEG is still the best format.”

He added while the FEI would promote multi-disciplinary bids, the organisation needs to ask itself it is “realistic to impose a model integrating all our disciplines in one event”.

“If we want to be successful we need to have a model that creates competition and can interest a lot of organisers rather than having to fight to find and motivate one organiser for WEG,” said Mr de Vos.

A number of previous WEG venues have found hosting the event challenging, particularly on the financial side.

This year’s WEG faced huge challenges, including Storm Florence.

Tryon stepped in with less than two years to prepare for the Games, which were originally to be hosted at Bromont, Canada. But in a mutual decision between Bromont and the FEI, the Canadian venue pulled out of hosting WEG 2018 due to financial issues.

Mr de Vos’ comments were made as part of his presidential programme for 2018 to 2022, in which he sets out aims for the sport for the next four years.

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Support for grooms

The president has also pledged to do more to “understand and support” grooms.

“I strongly believe that we must reach out more to a group that often has been neglected, namely, the grooms,” he said.

“As they take care of our horses, day in and day out, and travel with them from event to event, we should make more effort to better understand and support them.

“Several preparatory meetings have been held with representatives of the grooms. We will continue these efforts and will help them create their own international association in order to have a representative body with whom we can interact.”

He added the “ultimate goal” is to register grooms with the FEI and provide them with a certificate after an online course and exam in order to “recognise their crucial role in the equestrian world”.

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FEI president Ingmar De Vos has told H&H he is “confident” ahead of Rio 2016, despite a number of issues in the run-up to the Games.

Last week the International Olympic Committee hosted a meeting for all 28 international federations and Rio’s organising committee amid concerns surrounding finances — around $500m in expenses must be cut to remain in the $7.4bn Olympic budget.

It was the first time such a gathering has been arranged.

“It was a very good initiative to gather everyone together,” said Ingmar. “It was an important to have an update on where we stand, and to look at specific issues regarding the economy. There is an urgency to reduce costs, but it is important that our athletes — both human and equine — as well as spectators are not negatively impacted by this. We need to find cost-reducing solutions together, not just the organising committee implementing them.

“We have looked at optimising the use of space in offices and lounges to reduce the number of square metres used. It is a work in progress.”

Last month (21 January) Rio’s city government terminated an agreement to build the equestrian venue due to reported “noncompliance with contractual clauses”.

The contractor, IBEG Engenharia e Construções, was fined around $2.5m for contract breaches.

The equestrian centre is estimated at costing around $38m.

“I took the liberty to raise the point that we are becoming worried about the delivery of the building work on time — we need action. However, we have been assured that a new construction company has been confirmed and that the organisers are confident it will be ready in time.”

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He added that there is “always stress” ahead of an Olympics, but that the mood at the meeting was “positive”.

When questioned on the Zika virus Ingmar added that the IOC had assured them that everything possible was being done to avoid the virus spreading.

“At the Deodoro site we do have some standing water, which is more of a problem with mosquitos, but August is Brazil’s winter, so the mosquito population should be reduced,” he added. “I haven’t heard any concerns from athletes about attendance.”

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The FEI is “confident” horses will be able to travel to Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games, despite concerns regarding quarantine.

Fears have been circulating that the equestrian events might have to take place outside the host country after it was revealed on Wednesday (7 October) that the equine health certificate needed by Brazil still hadn’t been finalised.

“If the problem is not resolved by the end of the month, we run the risk of not having the event in Brazil,” said Luiz Roberto Giugni of the Brazil Equestrian Federation. “We are running late.”

This is due to strict quarantine laws involving travelling horses from Europe, the US and Canada.

However, FEI president Ingmar De Vos said he expected the certificate to be issued “very soon”.

“We have been working for some time with Rio 2016, the Brazilian and Rio Authorities and the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture to get the Veterinary Certificate and Protocol approved that will define the conditions for importation and exportation of the horses that will compete at the Rio Olympic Games,” Ingmar added.

“The process of approval of the equine health certificate by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture has already taken a lot of time and is still not finalised.

“This has an important impact as it delays the planning and preparation of the horses that will take part in the Games.

“The president of the Brazilian Equestrian National Federation, Luiz Robert Giugni has supported during these negotiations and we appreciate that in his efforts to help the equestrian community he is applying all possible pressure to achieve this.

“We have had further discussions earlier this week and I expect the Ministry of Agriculture to issue this certificate very soon so that we can carry on with preparations for the Olympic Games and that the biosecurity protocols will ensure the safe import and export of the Olympic horses.

“Therefore we are confident that our horses will be allowed to travel back and forth to Rio to participate in 2016 Olympic Games together with all the other Olympic sports. We are looking forward to very successful Olympic equestrian events in Deodoro next year.”

Glanders scare

In August a surprise glanders scare at the Deodoro Olympic horse park in Rio, which organisers kept under wraps for several months, caused concern within the equestrian industry.

The Brazilian government has been criticised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) chief Dr Bernard Vallat for not being “more transparent about the situation”.

There was no suggestion at the time the events might have to be moved.

“Glanders remains a globally important disease which is a continuing threat to the horse industry and is the subject of international disease surveillance,” Professor Josh Slater of the Royal Veterinary College told H&H at the time.

“The disease has been eradicated from Europe but does occur in other parts of the world and the outbreak in Brazil is a reminder of the need for constant surveillance and vigilance.

“Horses moving to Rio for competition will do so under the highest health conditions as a result of extensive preparations by OIE, FEI and the local organisers to create an equine disease-free zone around the venue to safeguard the health of horses while at the Games.”

Olympic test event

However, the Rio Olympic site received a thumbs up following the test event this summer (6-10 August).

A team of British observers attended the CIC2* event including eventing chef d’equipe Yogi Breisner and British Equestrian Federation (BEF) performance director Dan Hughes, who said “initial impressions are good”.

“The venue itself is impressive — it is a good size, well laid out, yet has a feeling of space,” said Dan.

“The stables, training arenas, vet clinic, storage areas, grooms accommodation and other functional areas are all within easy reach.”

He added that it was not yet all in place but that the venue “works”.

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Ingmar de Vos is to be the first paid president of the FEI.

Following a vote to allow remuneration at the FEI Sport Forum (28 April), the FEI bureau has also now agreed.

The vote was taken at an extraordinary general assembly, where 59 nations were present. There were also 27 powers of attorney — totalling 86 valid votes.

The nations voted unanimously to change the statutes to allow the president to receive remuneration.

For the past 60 years the role of FEI president has always been unpaid. However, members of the Royal family had held the position since the 1950s.

Last week (10 June) the FEI bureau consented to the rule change.

A temporary committee will now study the legal aspects of the decision and “compare the way the matter is handled by various international organisations and to establish the exact amount of remuneration”.

This committee will be chaired by the FEI’s first vice president John Madden. It will have Mark Samuel of Canada, and chair of regional group IV, and Brian Mangan of Ireland, chair of the FEI audit and compliance committee as members.

The committee will work with PricewaterhouseCoopers. “The committee will negotiate and agree on the package with the president. The committee will then report back to the bureau,” read an FEI statement.

During his campaign to become president last year Ingmar was clear on his intentions.

“The FEI is now a professional organisation that needs professionalism at all levels. Many international federations and organisations now have presidents that receive remuneration. There is nothing unusual about this. It is, in my view, not a good practice that the presidency would only be limited to volunteers that can afford it,” he said at the time.

“If the EGA were to reject, I would of course respect this and would continue as a volunteer [president], though in that case I would probably also have other occupations not related to the FEI.”

Belgium’s Ingmar De Vos took over from Princess Haya as president of the FEI after a vote in December — in which he received 98 votes out of a possible 131.

Princess Haya had been in role for eight years. She was allowed to stand again for another four-year term, but stepped down to focus on her family and humanitarian work in Gaza.

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Ingmar de Vos is likely to be paid in his position as FEI president after a vote at the FEI Sports Forum earlier this week (Tuesday 28 April).

The vote was taken at an extraordinary general assembly, where 59 nations were present. There were also 27 powers of attorney — totalling 86 valid votes.

The nations voted unanimously to change the statutes to allow the president to receive remuneration.

For the past 60 years the role of FEI president has always been unpaid. However, before Ingmar, members of the Royal family had held the position since the 1950s.

However, this must now pass through the FEI Bureau before being confirmed. A final decision is expected in June.

Dr Claude Nordmann of the Swiss National Federation spoke briefly after the vote, calling for a study to be conducted on salaried positions and commenting that the contents of the study would also be useful for other International Federations.

Belgium’s Ingmar De Vos took over from Princess Haya as president of the FEI after a vote in December — in which he received 98 votes out of a possible 131.

Princess Haya had been in role for eight years. She was allowed to stand again for another four-year term, but decided to step down to focus on her family and humanitarian work in Gaza.

When campaigning to become president last year Ingmar was clear on his intentions.

“The FEI is now a professional organisation that needs professionalism at all levels. Many international federations and organisations now have presidents that receive remuneration. There is nothing unusual about this. It is, in my view, not a good practice that the presidency would only be limited to volunteers that can afford it,” he said at the time.

“If the EGA were to reject, I would of course respect this and would continue as a volunteer [president], though in that case I would probably also have other occupations not related to the FEI.”

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Belgium’s Ingmar De Vos (pictured) has taken over from Princess Haya as president of the FEI.

Ingmar has been secretary general of the FEI since 2011. Yesterday (Sunday 14 December) he received 98 votes out of a possible 131 in the first round of voting at the general assembly of horse sport’s governing body.

“I’m really very honoured and overwhelmed by this enormous support,” said Ingmar.

“I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your confidence. Elections are always difficult, as it splits the family a little bit, but I guarantee that I will be the president of all of you, I will serve all the members of our community and I will work very hard to keep this unity.”

Ingmar paid tribute to outgoing president Princess Haya.

“Words cannot explain what she has done for our organisation. She has shown leadership, she has guided us through difficult waters, she has innovated us, she has modernised us,” he said.

“She has left us with a great legacy and I believe, together with many of you, that it is our responsibility to preserve the legacy and go on with the roadmap she has shown us. Words are not enough to thank her.”

Ingmar takes over for a four-year term, after Princess Haya stepped down to focus on her family and humanitarian work in Gaza, despite winning a vote in April to allow her to stand again.

The other candidates standing for election were Pierre Durand, Pierre Genecand, John McEwen, and Ulf Helgstrand. The latter withdrew his candidacy before the vote, and Javier Revuelta del Peral pulled out of the race in November, blaming a “flawed” process that fails to “meet the minimum democratic principles of independency, transparency and equal opportunity to all candidates.”

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A new president will be elected at the FEI general assembly this Sunday (14 December) taking over from Princess Haya in overseeing horse sport globally.

Earlier this year Princess Haya confirmed she would not be standing for a third consecutive four-year term, despite winning a vote in April allowing her to do so. She cited humanitarian work in Gaza as her reason for not running.

Five candidates will now go head-to-head in the race for presidency — Pierre Genecand, Ulf Helgstrand, Pierre Durand, current FEI vice president John McEwen and current FEI secretary general Ingmar de Vos.

Spain’s Javier Revuelta took himself out of contention last month, blaming a “flawed” process that fails to “meet the minimum democratic principles of independency, transparency and equal opportunity to all candidates”.

Mr Revuelta, a former Olympic event rider and now president of the Spanish Equestrian Federation, has complained “numerous” times about the intention of Ingmar de Vos to run for president while retaining his current job

Mr de Vos put forward a proposal that, if elected on 14 December, he would resign as secretary general and call an Extraordinary General Assembly to vote on a statute change enabling future presidents to be paid.

The election will take place on Sunday (14 December) at the FEI General Assembly in Azerbaijan.

Continued below…

More from H&H…

Twist to FEI election campaign

Princess Haya could remain FEI president for an extended period of time due to election dispute

But who will win the vote? H&H helps remind you of the five candidates:

Pierre Genecand

The 64-year-old businessman, banker and insurance broker has been proposed by the Swiss Equestrian Federation.

He served as president of the Geneva International Horse Show from 1989 to 2003 and is the current president of the Polo Club Gstaad and the Hublot Polo Gold Club.

Mr Genecand has also been a member of the board of the World Cup of Horsemanship, the Alliance of Jumping Organisers, and the Committee of Swiss Top Sports.

Ulf Helgstrand

The 64-year-old doctor and former dressage rider has been president of the Danish Equestrian Federation since 2003.

He was board member and vice president of the Danish Warmblood Association for 10 years and is currently vice president and charter member of the European Equestrian Federation.

John McEwen

The British candidate is the current first vice president of the FEI.

The 69-year-old was British team vet for the showjumping and dressage teams until London 2012.

He was vice chairman of the FEI Veterinary Committee from 1999 to 2003 and has been the Committee’s chair since 2006.

He currently chairs the FEI Prohibited Substances List and Laboratory Groups and has served on an advisory panel for World Horse Welfare for more than 15 years.

He represents the FEI at the World Organisation for Animal Health specialising in horse transport issues and on the International Sports Horse Federation.

Pierre Durand

French Olympian Pierre Durand, who is now 57, was showjumping champion at the 1988 Seoul Games with the 13-year old gelding Jappeloup.

He also competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and became European Jumping champion in 1987.

From 1993 to 1998 Mr Durand was President of the French Equestrian Federation. He is currently chairman of the board of directors of the French National Institute for Sport, Expertise, and Performance.

Ingmar De Vos

Currently secretary general of the FEI, the 51-year-old has been put forward by the Belgian Equestrian Federation, which he joined as managing director in 1990. He was secretary general of the organisation from 1997-2011.

Mr De Vos was secretary general of the European Equestrian Federation from 2010-2011.

During his time at the Belgian National Federation, he was chef de mission for the Belgian Equestrian Team at all FEI World Equestrian Games.

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Spain’s Javier Revuelta has quit the FEI presidential race, blaming a “flawed” process that fails to “meet the minimum democratic principles of independency, transparency and equal opportunity to all candidates”.

Mr Revuelta, a former Olympic event rider and now president of the Spanish Equestrian Federation, has complained “numerous” times about the intention of Ingmar de Vos, FEI secretary general, to run for president while retaining his current job.

Three weeks ago Mr de Vos made a new proposal that, if elected on 14 December, he would resign as secretary general and call an Extraordinary General Assembly to vote on a statute change enabling future presidents to be paid.


”Mr de Vos should have resigned as secretary general exactly at the moment that he declared himself a candidate.

If not, there could be an issue of conflict of interests,” said Mr Revuelta.

According to Mr Revuelta, the remuneration of the president should only be considered after “deep study of the reasons and if it is beneficial or not for the FEI.”

Mr Revuelta also criticised the belated supply of “rules of conduct” to the six candidates, and claims the committee overseeing the election is not independent as it includes outgoing president, Princess Haya — she hired Mr de Vos within days of the resignation of his predecessor, Alec McLinn.

Meanwhile, Mr de Vos has clarified why he would ask Princess Haya to be available for a “handover period”.

He said this was wrongly labelled a “caretaker” role in H&H (news, 6 November).

“My intention — with the best interests of the organisation and the sport at heart — is to build on Princess Haya’s legacy and ask her to lend guidance and insights on the role in the initial period,” he said.

“This is testimony to the strength of my working relationship with Princess Haya, and I do not believe all candidates would follow this same path.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (20 November 2014).

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Two further candidates have joined the race to succeed Princess Haya as FEI President later this year — bringing the final total to six.

Earlier this week — before the deadline day of 1 September — FEI secretary general Ingmar De Vos, of Belgium, and Spanish Olympian turned lawyer Javier Revuelata de Peral both announced their intention to run for the position.

Last week British vet, and current FEI first vice president John McEwen came forward for the role. He joined Pierre Genecand of Switzerland, Ulf Helgstrand of Denmark and Pierre Durand of France, who had already declared their intentions.

Last month Princess Haya confirmed she would not be standing for a third consecutive four-year term, despite winning a vote in April allowing her to do so. She cited humanitarian work in Gaza as her reason for not running.

The election will take place on 14 December at the FEI General Assembly in Azerbaijan.

Find out more about the six candidates:

Pierre Genecand

The 64-year-old businessman, banker and insurance broker has been proposed by the Swiss Equestrian Federation.

He served as president of the Geneva International Horse Show from 1989 to 2003 and is the current president of the Polo Club Gstaad and the Hublot Polo Gold Club.

Mr Genecand has also been a member of the board of the World Cup of Horsemanship, the Alliance of Jumping Organisers, and the Committee of Swiss Top Sports.

Ulf Helgstrand

The 64-year-old doctor and former dressage rider has been president of the Danish Equestrian Federation since 2003.

He was board member and vice president of the Danish Warmblood Association for 10 years and is currently vice president and charter member of the European Equestrian Federation.

John McEwen

The British candidate is the current first vice president of the FEI.

The 69-year-old was British team vet for the showjumping and dressage teams until London 2012.

He was vice chairman of the FEI Veterinary Committee from 1999 to 2003 and has been the Committee’s chair since 2006.

He currently chairs the FEI Prohibited Substances List and Laboratory Groups and has served on an advisory panel for World Horse Welfare for more than 15 years.

He represents the FEI at the World Organisation for Animal Health specialising in horse transport issues and on the International Sports Horse Federation.

Javier Revuelta del Peral

T

he Spanish lawyer, 57, is a former rider who has competed nationally and internationally in eventing and jumping and rode in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in eventing.

He also represented Spain in the FEI World Equestrian Games in 1994 and at the FEI European Championships in 1995.

Mr Revuelta has been chairman of the Spanish Equestrian Federation since 2005 and is a member of the Spanish Olympic Committee. He also breeds and owns racehorses.

Pierre Durand

French Olympian Pierre Durand, who is now 57, was showjumping champion at the 1988 Seoul Games with the 13-year old gelding Jappeloup.

He also competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and became European Jumping champion in 1987.

From 1993 to 1998 Mr Durand was President of the French Equestrian Federation. He is currently chairman of the board of directors of the French National Institute for Sport, Expertise, and Performance.

Ingmar De Vos

The 51-year-old is currently secretary general at the FEI and has been put forward by the Belgian Equestrian Federation, which he joined as managing director in 1990. He was secretary general of the organisation from 1997-2011.

Mr De Vos was secretary general of the European Equestrian Federation from 2010-2011.

During his time at the Belgian National Federation, he was chef de mission for the Belgian Equestrian Team at all FEI World Equestrian Games.

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Britain’s John McEwen has come forward as a fourth candidate for FEI presidency.

The current vice president of the FEI declared his intention to run for president earlier this week (Tuesday 26 August).

Mr McEwen joins Pierre Durand of France, Ulf Helgstrand of Denmark and Pierre Genecand of Switzerland in the race to become Princess Haya’s successor.

Princess Haya announced she was not going to run for a third term as president earlier this month — despite winning a vote in April to allow her to do so.

Presidency was limited to two four-year terms, a rule which Princess Haya herself brought in.

However, she cited her humanitarian work and her young family as reasons she would not standing again.

Mr McEwen has been chairman of the FEI veterinary committee for the past eight years and was elected as first vice president in 2000.

He has also been overseeing endurance since the discipline was handed to him earlier this year by Princess Haya to prevent a “conflict of interest” due to her husband Sheikh Mohammed’s involvement in the sport.

“I have been delighted to play my part in support of the FEI and of our current President, Princess Haya,” said Mr McEwen.

“I have no illusions about the challenges for this election and the work that needs to be undertaken in the future. I run because I know I have the confidence and support of my own Federation and because I am committed to the direction our current president has forged. There is clearly more work to do but we have good people in place and a sound executive team led well by its Secretary General, Ingmar De Vos.

“If elected, I will seek to run a steady course and a period of further evolution.”

BEF’s president and chairman, Keith Taylor, added: “We were geared to support Princess Haya in her campaign to run for another four years. Her withdrawal from the race a couple of weeks before nominations close has caused us to move quickly.

“But, we took no time in citing John McEwen for our nomination. He is hugely experienced and electable. He knows the FEI inside out and he knows what needs to be done to build on Princess Haya’s outstanding legacy. He is very well respected throughout the international community as a man of integrity.”

The election will be held at the FEI General Assembly in Baku, Azerbaijan on 14 December.

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Two new candidates have come forward to succeed Princess Haya in the role of FEI president — Pierre Durand (pictured top) and Ulf Helgstrand.

Olympic gold medallist Pierre is being put forward by the French Equestrian Association (FFE).

A statement made by the FFE stressed France’s “excellent relationship” with the FEI during the past eight years.

“FFE want a president who can embody the Olympic values effectively and preserve the diversity of international equestrian sports, in respect for the cultures of the five continents,” the statement said.

“The candidacy of Pierre Durand will be presented by the FFE, with the full support of its president, Serge Lecomte, and the Federal Committee.”

Ulf is the current president of the Danish Equestrian Federation and the vice president of the European Equestrian Federation.

“I have thought of this a lot since HRH Princess Haya stated that she is not running for a third period,” Ulf said.

“But with the expression of support I have received from several places in the equestrian world, I’m confident that I’m ready for the post and the challenges the equestrian world faces if the national federations will give me their support.”

The two of them will stand against Swiss financier Pierre Genecand, who declared his intention to stand for the position in July.

The election will be held at the FEI General Assembly in Baku, Azerbaijan on 14 December.

Current president Princess Haya announced last week (12 August) that she would not be standing for a third term despite winning a vote earlier this year which allowed her to do so.

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Princess Haya will not be standing for a third term as president of horse sport’s governing body, the FEI.

She said today (Tuesday 12 August) that “after a great deal of thought and reflection” she has made the “very difficult decision” not to stand for a third term, despite winning a vote earlier this year allowing her to do so.

The president, who was first elected in 2006, cited the desire to spend more time with her young family and to put more into humanitarian work in Gaza as the reason.

“To fulfill my commitments to humanitarian work and to raise my children with the time to love them seems truly overwhelming; it is clear to me that I cannot in good faith promise to give my all in each of these areas while also continuing to be the hands-on president that the FEI needs and deserves,” she said.

“After agonising over these conflicting worries and desires, I realise that my decision cannot be put off any longer. For the good of the FEI and most of all, our community, this decision had to be reached in good time to allow the many excellent candidates to come forward.”

FEI rules previously limited presidents to two consecutive four-year terms — a rule brought in by Princess Haya herself.

Princess Haya added that she had always intended to step down after two terms, but that her “resolve had been weakened” by the response at the extraordinary general assembly in April.

There she won a landslide vote, allowing her to stand for a third term as FEI president. The vote still limits the Presidential term to three — previously the FEI Presidential term of office was unlimited.

As the junior wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, several nations had said they would oppose any movement as they believed it creates a “conflict of interest”.

But in April only three Federations were in opposition [Switzerland, Lichtenstein and Holland] with a further 103 showing their support.

“This demonstration of support was a humbling and truly huge moment in my life,” she said.

“Equestrian sport has been, and continues to be, a source of inspiration to me. I have loved serving this community, just as I have loved being an athlete in our family.”

Princess Haya added that she has “no doubt” the future of the FEI “is solid”.

“I am very proud of the many things we were able to achieve together during my time in office. I look forward to an election campaign focused on ideas for further improvements. I will now be in a position to focus totally on serving the FEI until my last minute in office and to leaving the house in the best order for my successor,” she said.

“I remain deeply honoured to have held this position for eight years.”

Princess Haya was to face competition for the role, as in May Swiss businessman Pierre Genecard officially declared he would also be standing for the position.

“I am deeply convinced that I could bring a renewed energy to the FEI in many aspects, be it in sports, commercial matters or media promotion, not to mention the welfare of the horse,” said Mr Genecand earlier this year.

Read Princess Haya’s statement in full

The FEI presidential election will take place at the general assembly on 14 December.

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Earlier today, I notified the National Federations, the FEI Bureau and the FEI staff that, after a great deal of thought and reflection, I have made the very difficult decision not to stand for a third term as FEI President.

This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life. My very first act in office in 2006 was to prepare a motion to limit the term of the FEI President to two, four-year terms. I reiterated that view in my re-election campaign four years later and again when some of my supporters began advocating for a statute change that would permit me to run for a third term.

Although I had always planned to leave office after this term, my resolve was weakened at the FEI General Assembly in 2013 when I was presented with a petition signed by 100 National Federations calling for an Extraordinary General Assembly to change the FEI Statutes. I gave more thought to the possibility of a third term when the Extraordinary General Assembly voted to change the Statutes to permit it.

This demonstration of support was a humbling and truly huge moment in my life. And, as I weighed the possibilities in reaching this difficult decision, the gratitude and loyalty I felt to those who had been so faithful to me was paramount among the countless reasons compelling me to consider a third term.

Equestrian sport has been and continues to be a source of inspiration to me. Horses and the relationship between a human and the horse are as old as time itself, and for me that relationship will never lose its magic. Horses and our community motivate the best part of my soul. I have loved serving this community, just as I have loved being an athlete in our family. And I have always felt that the Olympic values are a source of pride for all of us.

I adore the friends I have made in the sport, many of whom I have relied on in office. My colleagues in the FEI, in the National Federations, in the Bureau and our Headquarters staff have done so much to improve and modernise this organisation in the last eight years, and I would have loved to continue to build on that progress.

It would have been beyond exciting for me to continue to be part of this institution that is now truly in a position to reap the rewards of this metamorphosis and to see all of the continued work in that process be rewarded.

Having said all that, the factors that have led to my decision not to seek a third term are, for me, impossible to ignore. I committed to a term limit, and that commitment still weighs heavily on me. However, most importantly, as I said in the EGA, I needed to see if a third term would work with my family.

As always, I continue to have the support of my family, and yet, I am painfully aware that their support for me comes at a cost for them. Fate took my own mother away from me when I was three years of age. That experience greatly influences my efforts to strike the right work-life balance with my own two young children. I have always managed this balance in the past, but recent events have made me question my ability to do so.

The situation in my region is turbulent and desperate at the moment. You will understand that these are also my people and my family, so recently much of the work that I have balanced with my FEI Presidency in the past has begun to make itself a first priority. In the last weeks, I have needed to put aside some of my work for the FEI to concentrate on humanitarian relief to Gaza and other work in that sector. And I feel that this is just the beginning.

To fulfill my commitments to humanitarian work and to raise my children with the time to love them seems truly overwhelming; it is clear to me that I cannot in good faith promise to give my all in each of these areas while also continuing to be the hands-on President that the FEI needs and deserves. After agonising over these conflicting worries and desires, I realise that my decision cannot be put off any longer. For the good of the FEI and most of all, our community, this decision had to be reached in good time to allow the many excellent candidates to come forward.

I have no doubt that the future of the FEI is solid. I am very proud of the many things we were able to achieve together during my time in office. I look forward to an election campaign focused on ideas for further improvements. I will now be in a position to focus totally on serving the FEI until my last minute in office and to leaving the house in the best order for my successor.

I remain deeply honoured to have held this position for eight years.

Princess Haya faces a contest to retain the FEI presidency with confirmation that Swiss financier Pierre Genecand, 64, is a candidate.

Genecand, a leading figure in both Swiss showjumping and polo, has been formally backed by the Swiss Equestrian Federation, which has strongly criticised Haya’s “conflicted” status as the wife of Sheikh Mohammed. The Sheikh’s Dubai stables have been at the centre of the horse welfare crisis raging in endurance racing for the past 12 months.

Princess Haya originally declared she would not seek re-election at the completion of her maximum 2 terms, but in April national federations approved a statute change that would permit Haya a third term.

Genecand is an insurance broker by profession. He speaks five languages and divides his time between homes in Geneva and Buenos Aires. He has been president of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad for 20 years, is past president of Geneva horse show, and was on the organising committee of the 1998 WEG in Rome.

He regards his election prospects as “undiminished,” despite broad support for Princess Haya.

“There is still a long way to go before the elections,” he said. Describing himself as “an independent president with no conflicting interests,” he aims increase the focus on sport rather than commercial interests – with an “overriding goal” being the well-being of horses.

Princess Haya easily defeated two other opponents when re-elected 4 years ago.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (17 July, 2014)

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Princess Anne spoke on the need for strong communication and collaboration between equine charities and the human development sector during the seventh International Colloquium on Working Equids last week (2-4 July).

The Princess — who is president of both World Horse Welfare and Save the Children — said it was “vital” the link between equid and human welfare was established.

“There is real scope for animal welfare organisations to work together with human development organisations if we can work out how to get across to the more sceptical audience the value of the working animal to communities in the long-term,” she said.

“The human development sector has a bit to learn about the importance of working animals and that they cannot be replaced instantly by some convenient mechanised way of doing business.”

Meanwhile Princess Haya (pictured top) president of the FEI, spoke of the link with horse sport.

“The ethos of horse sport is the horse is an athlete and deserves respect and care.

“Every workhorse deserves the same. It is a mistake to think that working equines are less valuable to their owners than expensive elite horses are to theirs.

“I have no doubt that this exchange of ideas will help save working equids from needless suffering.”

Read H&H’s full report from the International Colloquium on Working Equids in 10 July issue of the magazine or H&H VIP members can read online.

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Do you know an equestrian hero? What riders do you most admire?

Nominations are now open for the FEI’s annual awards, set up to reward excellence, commitment, dedication and courage in the equestrian community.

Last year’s winners were:

• Reed Kessler from the US, the youngest equestrian athlete to compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Longines rising star award for 14-21 year-olds).
• Double Olympic gold medallist, Charlotte Dujardin, (Reem Acra best athlete award).
• Joann Formosa, the Australian gold medal winning London 2012 paralympic athlete (against all odds award).
• Carmen Thiemann, the German who manages Olympic eventing team gold medallist Ingrid Klimke’s yard (best groom award).

This year there is a fifth category, the FEI Solidarity award, presented to an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy to an expanding equestrian sport.

“Given the special year we have before us, I urge all National Federations, athletes, fans of equestrianism and everyone working in the sport to take the time to nominate the individuals that deserve to be acknowledged far beyond the equestrian world, ” said FEI president Princess Haya.

The winners of the 2014 awards will be flown to a red-carpet gala evening in Baku, Azerbaijan in December.

To make a submission (the closing date is 9 September) visit: www.feiawards.org 

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The FEI has announced that HRH Princess Haya has signaled her intention to stand for re-election as FEI president for a 3rd term.

The FEI statutes had previously limited presidents to 2 consecutive 4-year terms. However, a vote on amending the statutes to prolong the term of the president took place at the FEI extraordinary general assembly in Lausanne today (29 August).

103 national federations voted in favour and 3 voted against the amendment.

Princess Haya is the junior wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai. Several nations had said they would oppose any movement to allow a 3rd term for Princess Haya because they believe it creates a “conflict of interest”.

Her husband Sheikh Mohammed had to order an investigation into his own equine operations, following a series of doping scandals.

The report, which was led by former Metropolitan Police Chief Lord Stephens, concluded that Sheikh Mohammed had no knowledge of the drug-related incidents and that the problems came from “a sense of complacency” within the Sheikh’s management structure.

Princess Haya was first elected in 2006. Since then she has brokered a number of high-value sponsorship packages for the FEI, including a 9-figure deal with watchmaker Longines. 

Princess Haya, who had previously ruled herself out of a 3rd term, said she was “hounoured to be given the opportunity”.

“I always felt that when people are given a responsibility, given faith and given belief, they are given an opportunity to do well in their lives and that’s what you’ve always given to me,” she added.

The FEI presidential election will take place at the general assembly in December. The FEI Bureau will decide on the application period for presidential candidates during its in-person meeting on 9 and 10 June.

The Swiss National Federation has already announced its support for Swiss businessman Pierre Genecand, although his candidacy has yet to be officially declared.

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In a surprise announcement, Princess Haya has said that she will not seek a third term as FEI President.

Earlier this year, proposals were put forward to change the rules to allow the FEI President to stand for a third four-year term.

But today Princess Haya, who was elected in 2006, announced that she would not seek to extend her presidency beyond November 2014.

“After my election in 2006, I proposed limiting FEI Presidents to two four-year terms… because it is essential to ensure fresh thinking and avoid a sense of entitlement,” she said.

“I cannot in good conscience put aside my beliefs and the commitment I made seven years ago now that the term limit I supported applies to me,” she added.

According to the FEI, the third term proposal was put forward by FEI regional group chairs and national federations.

Princess Haya said she was “honoured” by their efforts, but was “confident” they would understand “why I feel I must keep my word when my current term ends next year”.

Princess Haya has been instrumental in brokering a number of lucrative sponorship deals for horse sport — including a nine-figure deal with watchmaker Longines and £13.4m from the Saudi Equestrian Fund to help shore up the showjumping Nations Cup.

But some national federations have said they would oppose any attempt by Princess Haya to serve a third term as FEI President.

They have pointed to an alleged “conflict of interest” between her role as the arbiter of clean sport and her marriage to Sheikh Mohammed, whose endurance and racing interests have been caught up in recent doping scandals.

Statement from FEI President HRH Princess Haya on FEI Governance

In my first meeting in Lausanne with the FEI Bureau after my election in 2006, I proposed limiting FEI Presidents to two four-year terms. I suggested that reform, which was later adopted as an FEI Statute, because it is essential to ensure fresh thinking and avoid a sense of entitlement within the leadership of an International Sport Federation.

Whilst I very much appreciate and am honoured by efforts of the FEI Regional Group Chairpersons and the National Federations to amend the FEI Statutes to permit me, or any FEI President to seek a third term, my views on the benefits of a two-term limit have not changed since the day I was elected. I love being FEI President. I am passionate about the work and our sport. I love the people I work with at the National Federations and at headquarters.

However, I cannot in good conscience put aside my beliefs and the commitment I made seven years ago now that the term limit I supported applies to me. I am deeply grateful to all the National Federations that favour changing the Statutes to allow me a third term. I am confident they will understand why I feel I must keep my word when my current term ends next year.

I was first elected to this job seven years ago because our National Federations wanted transparency, good governance and change and I promised a transformational presidency. Together, through thick and thin, we have achieved more than 80% of all pledges laid down in my manifesto and programme in an open, democratic and transparent manner. I am so very proud of the people who worked together with me to achieve this.

My focus in my final year in office is on delivering the remaining pledges. I will complete this shared mission with respect, determination and energy — and with the support of the entire community and above all the help from 132 National Federations.

I intend to leave the FEI in November 2014 knowing that our International Federation is fit for the future. I will work as hard as ever towards that goal until my final day in office. And then I will step aside, confident that I have done the right thing.

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Princess Haya will learn next week if she is to serve a further four years as president of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

Two candidates stand against her — Henk Rottinghuis of the Netherlands and Sven Holmberg from Sweden are both bidding to run the governing body of horsesport.

The election will take place during the FEI general assembly in Taipei next Friday (5 November).

A controversial figure during her four-year first term as president, 36-year-old Princess Haya can only serve one more term under current FEI rules.

If re-elected, the Princess has promised to offer athletes more representation and address transportation and quarantine challenges faced by travelling horses.

Former dressage rider Henk Rottinghuis, 53, headed the Dutch equestrian federation from 1999 to 2004.

He says he will “unite the FEI and put the sport and its development at the top of the agenda”.

Sven Holmberg, 65, is the current FEI vice president and chairman of the FEI jumping committee.

He strongly and publicly opposed the (now abandoned) proposal to allow again the use of bute and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in competition — the topic of strong debate at last year’s general assembly.

If elected, Mr Holmberg promises “to make the democratic processes more effective” and to place horse welfare “at the forefront” of the FEI’s work.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (28 October, ’10)

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HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan gave birth to a baby girl on 2 December.

Princess Haya, 33, is president of the International Equestrian Federation and has competed at the Sydney Olympics in show jumping.

She is married to HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of UAE, and ruler of Dubai.

Her baby was born on the UAE National Day, and both mother and daughter are doing well.

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HRH Princess Haya of Jordan has been chosen as the new FEI President at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur (1 May). The General Assembly of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) elected the Princess after she received 30 more votes than fellow contender Freddy Serpieri from Greece. “I promise to do everything in my power and to work tirelessly to serve the institution and the people who have done me the honour of placing their trust and belief in me,” she said afterwards. “Our beautiful, noble sport is seeped in tradition, history and grace. I will do all I can to protect and advance it, in all its forms.”

The voting took place over two rounds with 123 National Federations (102 present and 21 represented by proxy) and 15 Bureau Members voting for Princess Haya, Serpieri or HRH Princess Benedikte of Denmark in the first round. Princess Benedikte was eliminated at the end of round one, having received the least amount of votes. In the second round Princess Haya scored a total of 82 votes with Serpieri receiving 52.

Although neither candidate obtained the two-thirds majority required in the FEI election rules, Freddy Serpieri chose to withdraw and HRH Princess Haya was declared the winning candidate. Her four year term will last until 2010.

Princess Haya is an experienced horsewoman who has been riding internationally since she was 13-years-old. In 1992 she won the individual bronze medal in Jumping at the seventh Pan Arab Games and the following year she was elected Jordan’s athlete of the year. After years of intensive training in Ireland and Germany, she qualified for and took part in the Sydney Olympics in 2000, and the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games at Jerez de la Frontera. The Princess is the daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan and wife of HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

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