New faces enter the race for FEI presidency
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.
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“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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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.