‘Heated’ debate over Endurance GB’s funding
Members have until next week (7 December) to comment online about Endurance GB’s (EGB) controversial sponsorship from the United Arab Emirates, the country at the centre of welfare scandals that have rocked the sport.
But opponents returning from EGB’s annual general meeting on Saturday (22 November) told H&H they fear acceptance is already a “done deal”.
The three-year contract, for an undisclosed sum, is backed by Meydan and Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC) and includes provision of high-tech equipment and sponsorship for all the UK’s FEI rides, reinstatement of the DEC-managed Euston Park venue, bursaries and support for training.
After the AGM, the board’s press statement said the package was “deliberately constructed to offer opportunities and benefits to all our members, and the sport as a whole.
“The EGB Board believes the proposed agreement would significantly enhance our ability to realise our vision and reinforces the implementation of the revised FEI rules.”
Attendees say the one-hour debate was “heated”, with concerns about availability
of “unconflicted” personnel to manage Euston Park, contract terms and exit strategies, and possible deferment until the conduct of Group VII countries visibly improves.
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Ref: H&H Thursday 27 December, 2014
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Formerly Horse & Hound’s first female deputy editor, Pippa is an award-winning journalist who has actively campaigned to raise awareness of the welfare concerns within the sport of endurance in order to drive change. During her 21 years on the H&H staff rota, Pippa sub-edited every sector of the magazine before being promoted to assistant editor and then deputy editor. She was also an active reporter, covering Olympic Games, European championships and the last stand-alone world eventing championship, at Gawler, South Australia, in 1986, prior to the introduction of the World Equestrian Games.