FEI signs MOU with Equestrian Tourism

The Fédération Equestre Internationale, world governing body of equestrian sport, has moved towards a closer collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de Tourisme Equestre (FITE) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two bodies.

The Fédération Internationale de Tourisme Equestre (FITE), which was created in 1975, is a French initiative, with support from Belgium and Italy. Its objectives are to unite National Equestrian Tourism Organisations (NETOs) from all over the world, representing them and fostering the development of all tourism activities involving the use of horses.

“The FEI is very happy to be working even more closely with Equestrian Tourism and the signing of this MOU is an important part of that”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Our organisations have a very strong connection, sharing the same values of horse welfare and horsemanship, promoting equestrianism and encouraging its development.

“We are part of the same community, with the welfare of the horse being at the heart of all our activities. Equestrian sport is so diverse, with the remarkable relationship between equestrian athletes and their horses, which also translates across equestrian tourism. It’s that same bond, whether you are an elite athlete on the world stage or riding in a beautiful remote location, it’s the passion and diversity that are inherent to our sport which help spread the spirit of equestrian.”

"The signature of this Memorandum is a sign of confidence from the FEI to our Federation and we are honoured by this new collaboration, which creates a real synergy between our different equestrian actors”, FITE President Frédéric Bouix said.

“The Memorandum of Understanding is based on a mutual commitment to equestrian sport and fostering its growth as we work together to continue to enhance best practice and the development of equestrian sport.”

Notes to Editors:

MOU overview

In 2012 the FEI decided to use Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to better define its relationship with the different stakeholders. The MOUs cover universal issues such as FEI recognition, FEI Rules and Regulations, horse welfare, code of ethics, commitment to democratic processes, consultation, FEI General Assembly, FEI Sports Forum and meetings, governing law, dispute resolution, communication, and implementation.

MOUs have already been signed with the equine welfare charity World Horse Welfare, riders’ clubs, organisers and officials. Although recognition by the FEI does not entail voting rights at the FEI General Assembly, the MOUs formalise the relationship with the FEI, giving a voice to organisations working with the FEI in the development of equestrian sport.

About Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) www.fei.org

The FEI is the world governing body for horse sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and was founded in 1921. Equestrian sport has been part of the modern Olympic movement since the 1912 Games in Stockholm.

The FEI became one of the first international sports governing bodies to govern and regulate global para sport alongside its seven able-bodied disciplines when Para-Equestrian Dressage joined its ranks in 2006. The FEI now governs all international competitions for Para-Equestrian Dressage and Para-Equestrian Driving. 

The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in the Olympic sports of Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, as well as Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.

About Fédération Internationale de Tourisme Equestre (FITE) https://fite-net.org/