FEI Solidarity, which was launched in 2012, is a global programme aimed at promoting and enhancing equestrian culture working directly with the FEI’s member National Federations (NFs) by providing the tools, knowledge and infrastructure required to develop the sport and nurture talent from grassroots to the world stage. The FEI Solidarity Programme has provided assistance to more than 110 Member National Federations and been involved in over 511 projects, some of which are still ongoing.  

How does FEI Solidarity support work?

FEI Solidarity support is focussed on four key pillars of activity and three types of assistance, with specific programmes available in each of the pillars in order to best target and fulfil specific development needs.

INCREASING THE SCOPE // SINCE 2012…

*These figures include funds allocated to National Federation projects (ie. 511 projects since launch in 2012) as well as development related assistance/funding areas such as grassroots events and series, education, IT and horse transport/quarantine.

2023 Highlights

HOW FEI SOLIDARITY HELPED URUGUAY’S TEAM ON THE ROAD TO SANTIAGO… 

The Uruguayan Eventing team made significant strides towards Olympic qualification during the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in Chile. Led by coach Edison Quintana, and strongly supported by FEI Solidarity, the team was able to train locally, take part in international events and ultimately qualify for the Pan American Games. The road was not always easy, the Covid-19 pandemic having disrupted their training, however the team remained dedicated and delivered notable performances from athletes such as Federico Gonzalo Daners Bidegain, Rufino Emilio Dominguez Midon, and Gastón Marcenal, to name a few. 

FEI Solidarity support facilitated Uruguay’s progress, reflecting a shared ambition for Olympic representation. This success once again underscores FEI Solidarity’s commitment to sustainable development in equestrian sports, emphasising the transformative impact of tailored support. 

CZECH REPUBLIC YOUTH DRESSAGE AND EVENTING ATHLETES TRAINING 

FEI Solidarity is supporting Dressage and Eventing National Youth teams in their preparation for the FEI Dressage and Eventing Youth European Championships. In Eventing, five clinics were delivered by Lars Christensson (SWE), following which four young Athletes qualified for the FEI Eventing European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors in Montelibretti (ITA), from 14–17 September 2023. The Czech Equestrian Federation also approved Lars Christensson to accompany the team as national trainer.  

In Dressage, two clinics were delivered by Thomas Lang (AUT), leading to the participation of four Czech athletes at the FEI Dressage European Championships for Young Riders and U25 in Pilisjászfal (HUN). The best result was obtained by Anna Procházková, who finished 17^th with a score of 69,441% in the individual competition, and also 17^th on 70.425% in the Freestyle. With a score of 75.290%, Czech Junior athlete Johana Vášáryová finished 10^th at the FEI Dressage European Championships for Children and Juniors in Kronenberg (NED). Marie Křížová finished ninth in the children’s category on a score of 77,815%.

FEI GROUP VIII SOUTH EAST ASIA (SEA) JUMPING YOUTH CUP  

The FEI SEA Jumping Youth Cup 2023, which took place at the Royal Stable Unit in Bangkok (THA) from 7-10 December 2023, was a huge success bringing together athletes from seven different NFs within FEI Regional Group VIII (CAM, INA, MAS, MYA, PHI, SGP and THA).  Based on the model of the Youth Equestrian Games, this event was created as the replacement for the SEA Games 2023 in Phnom Penh (CAM), which saw the cancellation of the equestrian event.   

FEI Solidarity provided the funding for the event as well as two training sessions for the athletes on borrowed horses prior to the competition.  

The team competition, consisting of three athletes per NF, saw the following teams on the podium: 

This was a historic achievement for the Cambodian athletes as it was the first gold medal won by Cambodia at an equestrian event of this magnitude. The team was composed of HH Princess Amrita Norodom riding Kajaree, Chantola Kiri paired up with Sawang and Rathanak Kong on Khwan. This victory was especially rewarding for Chantola Kiri and Rathanak Kong, who both originate from underprivileged families and who were able to train and compete through the support of the Cambodian NF and FEI Solidarity. 

In silver position, Sophie Eve Peabody paired up with Kajpol, Sophie Louie Lacson on Ngam Som and Jasmine Baez with Egano Sitte represented the Philippines and bronze went to Thailand following the performances of Supagan Leeyavanti riding Ngernpae, Panipa Kasemwuttirat with Clinaro and Supinun Jullobol together with Javier.   

FEI COURSE FOR NATIONAL FEDERATIONS’ SECRETARY GENERALS & ADMINISTRATORS 2023

Course duration: 5 days

Attendance: According to a specific application procedure

Where: FEI Headquarters, Lausanne (SUI)

Certificates provided: Certificates of Attendance

DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR COACHES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 

FEI Solidarity is supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in the establishment of a National Education System for Coaches. Benoît Malhet (FRA), the expert appointed for this mission, visited Bosnia for the first time from 9-12 March 2023 to meet the local Coaches. On his second visit in July, he was joined by European Equestrian Federation (EEF) Development Officer Teodor Sheytanov (BUL), to give a refreshment workshop to the Coaches which allowed them to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The Education System is comprised of two levels, Riding Coach Assistant and Equestrian Sports Coach, the contents of which have been carefully selected to be compliant with international guidelines provided by the International Group for Equestrian Qualifications (IGEQ) and the International Council of Coaching Accreditation (ICCA). 

DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR COACHES IN CHILE 

The Chilean National Equestrian Federation requested support from FEI Solidarity to develop and implement a National Coach Education and Certification System for their Coaches. 

The plan put in place consisted of several stages, starting with establishing the Recognition of Prior Learning processes for the already active Coaches. The next stage was the creation of a comprehensive ongoing education plan, based on various modules to either complete the education of selected Coaches or to upgrade their level. The third and final stage was to put in place an initial Coach Education Programme based on three levels of progression and recognition, through certification at each Level (1 to 3). 

As part of the process, a workshop run by FEI Solidarity Director, Jean-Philippe Camboulives, was organised in order to identify the potential Tutors (Course Directors) and explain the programme content to them.  

This will then be followed by a Pedagogical and Technical workshop in 2024, given by a Coach Developer from Saumur National School IFCE, to refresh and complement the Tutors’ knowledge and skills, with the aim of implementing the full National Coach Education and Certification System for Coaches in 2024. 

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EX-RACEHORSES IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO  

FEI Solidarity is aiding the creation of second careers for retired racehorses in Trinidad & Tobago through its retraining course. The techniques used in the Retraining of Racehorses (RTR) programme have already proved successful across Asia, India and the Caribbean, as they equip equestrians with the skills and know-how to transition former racehorses into new roles.  

The course covers fundamental basics such as lunging, Dressage and Jumping, which are then tailored to the individual needs of each horse. Trinidad & Tobago’s success story highlights the programme’s potential, and participants on the course such as Wan Ming from Malaysia, were enthusiastic about the opportunity to share their knowledge and contribute to the welfare of retired racehorses in their respective regions. The next step for the NF is the organisation of the FEI Eventing World Challenge in 2024, in which the retrained racehorses could then take part. 

In the near future, FEI Solidarity plans to expand this project to Europe, aiming to provide a good life and opportunities to retired racehorses worldwide.

SCHOLARSHIP FOR VETERINARIANS IN IVORY COAST 

FEI Solidarity is empowering Ivory Coast’s equestrian community by supporting two veterinarians. In 2023, with the support of FEI Solidarity and the Ivorian Equestrian Federation, Dr Yoboué Noël Koffi and Dr Fatou Touré Diabaté completed a transformative internship at Clinique Equine des Bréviaires in France, enhancing their skills in equine medicine and care. 

During their seven-week internship, Dr Koffi and Dr Diabaté gained invaluable experience in clinical activities, surgeries, emergencies, and diagnostic imaging. Their expertise will significantly improve horse care standards in Ivory Coast, benefitting the entire equestrian community in the country. 

SCHOLARSHIP FOR VETERINARIANS IN PALESTINE

Committed to improving horse welfare worldwide, in 2023 FEI Solidarity supported the Palestine NF in advancing their horse welfare efforts within the country. Following an initial visit by Jean-Philippe Camboulives and a veterinarian Dr Markus Wilke, to discuss the possible construction of an Equine Clinic, it was ultimately determined that equipping local veterinarians with a portable X-ray machine was a more suitable solution, given the limitations on adequate land for construction in Jericho. 

Three veterinarians, selected by the NF, received support from FEI Solidarity through a scholarship and underwent training at the Sharjah Equine Hospital in the UAE from 4-29 September 2023. In order to optimise their skill sets, the X-ray machine was also shipped to Sharjah so that the veterinarians could learn how to use it before returning to Palestine with the equipment.  

FEI SOLIDARITY RELIEF FUND FOR UKRAINE

Vaulting  

Polina Shovkova and Kateryna (Katya) Panasenko fulfilled a dream they have been working towards for some time now: to represent Ukraine at the FEI Vaulting World Championship for Juniors in Flyinge (SWE).   

Along with three other members of their Vaulting team, the girls first left their hometown of Poltova in March 2022 to escape the war. They lived and trained in Bernolákovo, a suburb of Bratislava (SVK) for many months, where they were welcomed by members of the local Vaulting community and supported financially by the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund.  

By May 2022, the team of five young women was rewriting history by becoming the first team to ever represent Ukraine in international Vaulting when they participated in a one-star competition in Kaposvár (HUN). Since then, Polina and Katya have been flying the yellow and blue flag high, progressing from one and two-star national events to victories at international level.  

At the CVIJ1* in Samorin (SVK) in June 2023, Polina and Katya both finished on the podium, their first key milestone on their road to the World Championships in Flyinge (SWE). It was also the first time that the Ukrainian anthem was played at an international Vaulting prize giving ceremony. Another historic moment! 

Jumping

Based on the existing FEI Solidarity Athlete Scholarship scheme, two Ukrainian Jumping athletes, Oleksandr Prodan and Anastasia Bondarieva, as well as two Ukrainian Dressage athletes, Danylo Konovalov and Diana Borovyk, were selected to receive the scholarship grant to support training and competition related preparation with the ultimate goal of representing Ukraine at FEI Championships in 2023. This project resulted in Oleksandr Prodan successfully qualifying for the FEI Jumping European Championship for seniors in Milan (ITA) and Danylo Konovalov for the FEI Dressage European Championship for Juniors in Kronberg (GER).  

FEI COACH EDUCATION PROGRAMME 

In 2023, the FEI Coach Education Programme for National Coaches celebrated its 20th anniversary.

2003 – Working group in charge of outlining a development strategy which included the creation of a practical coach education system  

2004 – First Level 1 courses in Olympic disciplines were delivered 

2005 – First Level 2 courses in Olympic disciplines were delivered 

2005-2010 – over 100 Level 1 courses and 24 Level 2 courses were organised 

2011-2012 – development and creation of the L1 Vaulting module 

2010-2013 – development and creation of the L3 modules in each Olympic discipline 

2013 – First Level 1 courses in Vaulting were delivered  

2014 – First Level 3 courses in Olympic disciplines were delivered 

2016-2017 – Creation of a Level 1 course in Endurance 

2017 – First Level 1 courses in Endurance were delivered  

2019 – Creation of a Level 2 module in Vaulting 

2020 – Creation of a Level 1 module in Para Dressage

20 years in numbers

Courses for National Coaches 

With a continued increase in activities after the Covid-19 pandemic, the FEI Solidarity Education Programme for National Coaches keeps growing with the figures in 2023 reflecting a positive increase of 39 courses in total versus 30 in 2022.  The numbers are not yet back to the pre-pandemic quota of 48 courses in 2019, but follow a constant increase which is very encouraging.

Updates regarding Coaching in Endurance

Following the steady increase in demand for courses for Coaches in Endurance and with a growing pool of Coaches who have successfully completed their Level 1 course, the project of creating a Level 2 module was put back into motion having been put on hold during the pandemic. The first meeting with the dedicated Working Group was organised at FEI Headquarters on 31 October and the production of content for the new module was initiated.  

A key topic emphasised in this module is the well-being of the Endurance horse both in and out of competition. The goal, as for all coach education modules created, is not only to educate coaches on good practices from a technical sport perspective, but also in terms of horsemanship so that they can lead by example in front of their pupils. The Coach Education Programme developed by the FEI for National Coaches provides an insight on what it means to be a coach and how to apply the different elements of the wheel of performance, which are tactical, technical, physical, mental and lifestyle, to one’s coaching.  

In 2023 Abdul Aziz Al Redha of the UAE received the education to become a new Tutor in Endurance for Arabic speaking countries.  

Coaching on FEI Campus 

Another project finalised in 2023 was the Introduction to Para Dressage Coaching on FEI Campus. This project was initiated in 2021 following the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) 2021 Covid-19 Grant Support Initiative for Para Dressage.   

The IPC created this Grant Support Initiative as part of its commitment to support IPC members in developing Para sport. Thanks to the support of the IPC, this course is now available to anyone interested in finding out more about the Para Dressage and coaching in general.  

FEI World Challenge Series 2023

Jumping

2023 marked the 45^th edition of the FEI Jumping World Challenge series, and its longevity clearly demonstrates the series’ popularity among National Federations. With 251 competitions organised in 33 countries, the series remains a great development tool for emerging countries as well as for more established countries such as Morocco, who only open the FEI Jumping World Challenge Category A to their Junior athletes, in order to provide them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience by competing in an international setting and possibly qualify for the Final. 

The calendar of competitions showed a total of 97 events at the end of 2023 with 2,080 combinations taking part. 

Category A

173 combinations made it to the FEI World Challenge Series Rankings. 

Category B

123 combinations in the FEI World Challenge Series Rankings. 

Category C

194 combinations in the FEI World Challenge Series Rankings. 

For more information on the FEI Jumping World Challenge, click here. 

FEI Jumping World Challenge Final 2023 

The FEI Jumping World Challenge Final 2023 took place in Polokwane (RSA) from 3-7 October. This was the second time the National Federation of South Africa welcomed the Final, having already organised it in Kyalami in 2014. This meant that the host country was familiar with the complexity of organising this event on borrowed horses, and finding an adequate pool of horses with the right profile, combining both the technical quality required for the event as well as the right temperament to guarantee a successful competition.  

This endeavour was brilliantly achieved by the organising team, under the lead of Show Jumping South Africa, with the full support of the entire jumping community and the help of athletes and coaches as well as horse owners, who provided an excellent selection of horses for the 16 athletes from 13 countries around the world who took part in the event.  

In a collaborative effort, the organising team put together a fantastic event for all the participants and their entourage, both on and off the field of play, as well as for all the fans. The 2023 edition once again demonstrated that the FEI Jumping World Challenge Final is much more than just a competition, it is a celebration of international camaraderie between athletes from around the world who share the same passion for our sport.  

Read up on all the details of the Final right here. 

Dressage

The FEI Dressage World Challenge 2023 calendar showed 32 events in 30 countries. In terms of participation, overall, 473 combinations were entered for the events with 463 ultimately completing the Dressage test. The Youth category saw a considerable increase from 87 to 105 combinations in the span of a year, which is extremely encouraging and we hope to see these athletes continue competing and progressing through the levels. 

First timer in the 2023 edition was Egypt, and with exciting projects in the pipeline to help develop Dressage in Group VII countries, FEI Solidarity looks forward to seeing more countries of the region taking part in the future.  

Lastly, thanks to the Eurasian Regional Dressage Development project, Moldova made its return to the FEI Dressage World Challenge series after an eight-year absence. 

Intermediate I (29 combinations) 

Prix St Georges (68 combinations) 

Senior II (123 combinations) 

Senior I (138 combinations)  

Youth (105 combinations)  

For more information on the FEI Dressage World Challenge, click here.

Eventing 

The launch of the promising new FEI Eventing World Challenge series was made official in 2023, after countries of Group IX, Namibia and Zambia, tested the format at the end of 2022.  

Other Group IX countries keen on developing the discipline of Eventing in their region had discussed the possibility of organising a workshop for the region with FEI Solidarity Director Jean-Philippe Camboulives at the FEI General Assembly in 2022. The goal was to educate their Officials so that they could organise their 2023 event in the best conditions in 2023. Consequently, a workshop was organised in Lusaka (ZAM) from 20-22 April 2023, which was attended by 11 participants from five countries: NAM, RSA, SWZ, ZAM and ZIM. All participants had experience at national level as Course Designer, Technical Delegate or Judge.

The workshop was conducted by Alec Lochore (GBR), FEI Eventing Level 3 Course Designer and Technical Delegate, and Deputy Chair of the FEI Eventing Technical Committee, who worked closely with the FEI Solidarity Department on the creation of the series, in particular the Cross Country format and requirements. Workshop participants were very enthusiastic and felt they learned a lot, not only on how to organise the FEI Eventing World Challenge, but about Eventing events in general. Three out of the five countries represented at the workshop went on to successfully organise an Eventing Challenge in their country in 2023. 

FEI Eventing World Challenge 2023 in numbers… 

Most popular format: Category C short format – 95 starters

Organisers of the FEI Eventing World Challenge in 2023

Category A

25 combinations made it to the FEI World Challenge Series Rankings.  

Category B

57 combinations in the FEI World Challenge Series Rankings. 

Category C

For more information on the FEI Eventing World Challenge, click here. 

Vaulting 

Created in 2020, the FEI Vaulting World Challenge is showing steady activity, with an average of six competitions per year organised across five different countries. Among the host countries, Argentina joined the series for the first time in 2023, reflecting the increasing interest in the series, which we look forward to seeing evolve in the future. 

Advanced Individual (25 combinations) 

Advanced Pas-de-Deux (only one PPD) 

Alicia Arango Arias & Julieta Galvez Acosta & Lunger Izac Silva de Araujo (COL) & Centauro Tupa

Intermediate Individual (6 combinations) 

Beginner Individual (23 combinations)

For more information on the FEI Vaulting World Challenge, click here. 

Para Dressage

Among the three new series that were developed in 2022 and launched in 2023, the FEI Para Dressage World Challenge is a key competition which FEI Solidarity has created in collaboration with the Para Dressage Department. This series aims to promote the discipline on a global level, all while offering a format accessible to countries hoping to forge a pathway that will allow their Para Athletes to compete internationally.  

The format is composed of two phases, starting with the national classification of their athletes under the supervision of an FEI Chief Classifier. The second phase consists of the competition itself, with three levels in each of the five existing Grades. 

Having generated interest mainly in Latin America, Uruguay was the first country to organise a FEI Para Dressage World Challenge event in 2023.  

Seventeen athletes went through the national classification process, of which eight participated in the competition. 

Challenge III – Para Novice Test A (2 combinations)

Grade I winner: Ximena Silva (URU) Columbus

Grade V winner: Hanna Sax (URU) Serrano

Challenge II – Foundation Test (2 combinations)

Grade II winner: Mitar Cokljat (ARG) Secom

Grade III winner: Nicolás Sebastián Bruzzone Villar (URU) SVR Jeans

Challenge I – Beginner Test (4 combinations)

Grade I winner: José Neitzke (ARG) Secom

Grade II winner: Nicolas De Armas (URU) Serrano

Grade III winner: Anush Del Manzo (ARG) SVR Jeans

Grade IV winner: Jose Emiliano Villaroel (ARG) Tom Cat 

For more information on the FEI Para Dressage World Challenge, click here. 

Driving

The FEI Driving World Challenge was launched in 2023, with a format designed by a group of experts in collaboration with the FEI Driving and FEI Solidarity Departments. The goal of the series is to offer a progression through the different categories from the foundation of the discipline to the first level, just prior to International 1* level. Promotion for this new series was made on several occasions, such as the FEI Driving Forum in Kronenberg (NED) on 11-12 April, and at the dedicated online conference for EEF countries.  

For more information on the FEI Driving World Challenge, click here.