FEI General Assembly summary

London (GBR), 9-10 April 2005


More than 350 participants took part in the 2005 FEI General Assembly hosted by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). The six days of meetings (5 through 10 April) were held in a cooperative and friendly atmosphere.

In connection with the General Assembly, both the Bureau and the Executive Board met three times. A total of 30 different meetings took place throughout the week, which represents the highest number of meetings ever organised in the framework of an FEI General Assembly.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2005

In her welcome address, the FEI President emphasised the efforts in the field of development. She praised the work of the Task Force on Anti doping and Medication Policy. She asked the Delegates to welcome with open mind the new Strategic Plan and thanked the over 50 persons from 20 National federations who worked for half a year to elaborate the Strategic Plan, which is a vital step for the future of equestrian sport (refer to specific Press News on the Task Force and Strategic Plan).


Delegates representing 90 NFs (79 present, 11 by proxy) attended the General Assembly.

AFFILIATIONS

Cameroon Equestrian Federation was provisionally accepted as a new member bringing the number of National Federations part of the FEI to 134.

STATUTES
The General Assembly agreed to increase the number of members of the Judicial Committee to seven.

FINANCE

The Treasurer reported on the 2004 results, which were better than anticipated. The surplus of CHF 512’000 was allocated to Operating Funds.
The revised operating budget for 2005 and the operating budget for 2006 were approved. They already incorporate some provisions for the implementation of the Strategic Plan which was presented to the General Assembly this year.

The Financial Charges for 2006 were approved. They include a mandatory yearly registration for horses and riders in all disciplines.


ELECTIONS

Mariette Whitages (BEL) was re-elected as Chairman of the Dressage Committee.

Sven Holmberg (SWE) was elected as Chairman of the Jumping Committee, succeeding outgoing Bureau Member Olaf Petersen (GER), who was made Honorary Member by the FEI Bureau

Wayne Roycroft (AUS) was re-elected as Chairman of the Eventing Committee

The term of Freddy Serpieri (GRE) as Chairman of Group I was prolonged one year and he will consequently continue as 1st Vice President for one year.

Diana Ramos Baez (DOM) was elected as Chairman of Group V succeeding outgoing Chairman Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). The term of Leopoldo Palacios as 2nd Vice President and Executive Board Member was extended for one more year.

Simon Brooks-Ward (GBR) was elected Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, succeeding Dr Hanfried Haring (GER).

The General Assembly accepted to increase the number of members of the Judicial Committee from 5 to 7.To replace the late Jean Zlatiev (FRA) and outgoing Francis Michielsens (BEL), were elected: Jens Adolphsen (GER), Dr Felipe Amodeo (BRA), Leonidas Georgopoulos (GRE) and Helen Huggett (GBR).

Finance Committee: Martien van den Heuvel (NED) was re-elected for a new term 4 years, and Mr Philip Billington (GBR) was elected for a 2 year term to replace the late Mr Borup (FIN).

APPOINTMENTS
Dr Jack R. Snyder (USA) replaces Dr Michael Due (GER) and Dr Paul Farrington (GBR) replaced Prof Catherina Kohn (USA) in the Veterinary Committee.

Dr Vincenzo Truppa (ITA) replaces Gotthilf Riexinger (GER) as Organiser's representative in the Dressage Committee.

Samantha McIntosh (BUL) replaces Mr Sven Holmberg (SWE) in the Jumping Committee;

Jean-Michel Foucher (FRA) replaces William Gordon Hensen (GBR) as Organisers’ representative in the Eventing Committee.

Robert Norman Thompson (CAN) is appointed as new member of the Reining Committee. Alain Calbrix (FRA) replaces Johannes Orgeldinger (GER) in the same Committee.

Jean Scott Mitchell (IRL) replaces Anthony M. McPHerson (BEL)and Francis Verbeek von Rooy (NED) replaces Dr Barnabas Mandi (HUN) in the Pony Riders Committee.

Linda Southern (CAN) joined the Children Committee in replacement of outgoing member Bernardo Lopez (ESA), and Elaine Zander (BRA) is re-elected;

ALLOCATION OF CHAMPIONSHIPS

The following Championships were allocated:

2005
North American Junior Eventing Championship to Lexington (USA) on 26-31 July

2006
- South America – Senior, Young Riders, Juniors and Children Dressage Championship to Brazil, venue and date to be confirmed
- European Young Rider & Junior Jumping Championships to Markopoulo (GRE) on 7-9 July
- Eventing World Cup Final was allocated to Malmö (SWE)

The location and date of the 2006 European Young Rider and Junior Endurance Championships were confirmed to Zabreh na Morave (CZE) on 15-16 September

The date of the 2006 European Junior Eventing Championship in Necarne Castle (IRL) was changed to 14-17 September.


The 2007 World Driving Pairs and Driving Ponies are still open

The allocation of the 2007 Dressage Championship was differed to the Executive Board. The two candidates are Milan (ITA) and Falsterbo (SWE)

OLYMPIC GAMES

2004 Olympic Games, Athens (GRE)
Nikolas Karidis, Equestrian Competition Manager, presented a souvenir video.

2008 Olympic Games, Beijing (CHN)
The Beijing Organising Committee (BOCOG) made a presentation to the FEI General Assembly. The delegation included representatives of BOCOG and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. BOCOG admitted that they underestimated the veterinary issue of temporary import of horses in China and presented an alternative plan for hosting the equestrian competitions in Hong Kong.

A decision will be taken by the Executive Board of the IOC on 19 April.

The FEI General Assembly clearly stated its determination to adhere to the original concept of being located in Beijing, together with the other sports of the Olympic Programme.


FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES

The Organising Committee of the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen (GER) made a progress report before the FEI General Assembly. The building is processing well and the test event (CIC 2*) is scheduled for September 2005.

DEVELOPMENT

The 1st Vice President Freddy Serpieri presented the Development Activity report for 2004.

The FEI Jumping and Dressage Challenges attract more nations every year. 10% more riders participated in the Dressage competitions and the project is a major development tool for the FEI.

The FEI Coaching system, created in 2004, is already bearing fruits. In 2004, 6 Level 1 courses for coaches, financed by Olympic Solidarity, have been organised in Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, South Africa and Swaziland. All together coaches from 16 countries took part at their first Level I.

In order to help NFs build up their proper structure, the FEI Development Department has started an AUDIT in developing NFs.

The development programme for Eventing in Eastern Europe has shown promising results. A similar one has also started in South and Central America.

A circuit of Eventing competitions at 1* and 2* star level has been created and will develop towards 3* star level and further towards a participation at Continental Championships for Eastern Europe and Panamerican Games for South/Central America and finally should lead to the qualification of a team and Individuals for the Olympic Games 2008.

STRATEGIC PLAN

the FEI’s structure and working methods should evolve to reflect the needs of an increasingly professional environment. Further to the presentation of the FEI Business Plan at the 2002 General Assembly in Rabat (MAR), the creation of a 2006 – 2010 FEI Strategic Plan was agreed upon in 2004 and six working Groups were established the same year:

A. Structure
B. Development
C. General Marketing and communication
D. General Welfare and Veterinary
E. Information Technology
F. Olympic Games

In all, over 50 people representing 23 NFs were involved in the various Groups.

In the framework of the discussions, the General Assembly agreed that the FEI would make every effort to include a 4th equestrian discipline within the Olympic Programme.

The General Assembly agreed to the principles of the Strategic Plan 2006-2010 presented during the Forum and the Group Meetings.
(see FEI Press News 13/05 including a detailed presentation).


TASK FORCE ON ANTI DOPING AND MEDICATION POLICY

The FEI Task Force on Anti Doping and Medication Policy was established in November 2004 and was asked to look into the existing FEI system of medication control and the ensuing judicial procedure. The Task Force proposed a series of modification to improve the FEI system and make it more transparent and fair. It is important to note that the FEI has a more conservative and stricter approach than the one laid down by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).

The following items were discussed:
- Differentiation between doping and medication
- Definition of substances and tolerance levels, Medicine Box and withdrawal times
- Testing procedures and laboratories, recommended levels of detection
- Sanctions for doping, medication cases Class A and B and repeat offence
- Internal and external communication policy

The Introduction of the recommendations will begin after the 2005 General Assembly and the full system should be in place during 2006.

(See separate FEI Press News with detailed report)


COMMERCIAL DIVISION

The first objective of the Commercial Division – the development of a corporate brand – has been completed. The short term objective of this strategy is the rapid achievement of high brand recognition for the corporate brand as well as positioning the FEI “at the heart of horsesport”.

As far as sponsorship is concerned, the FEI is pleased to welcome Heritage, an independent financial institution specialising in asset management, to the FEI Partnership Programme.

The qualitative improvement of the FEI TV products is also a key area examined by the Commercial Division. Date and timing of events, formats, clear presentation with good graphics were the key elements mentioned in this presentation.

JUMPING

The General Assembly approved changes to the CSI Invitation system in order to allow the FEI Secretariat to have greater flexibility in dealing with special situations.

The number of riders that qualify for the Grand Prix through the 1stround of Super League competition was reduced from 24 to 18.


DRESSAGE

After an intense debate during the Group Meetings and at the General Assembly, an overwhelming majority of delegates decided to propose to the IOC that, in principle, the Olympic Dressage teams would be reduced to three members, to allow more nations to participate and thus enhance the universality of the sport.

Changes to the Dressage Rules as published in the FEI Bulletin and guidelines for judging Freestyle competitions were approved.

EVENTING

The Chairman of the Eventing Committee reported on the ongoing review of the discipline’s Strategic Plan and ask the National Federations to come up with ideas to rename the discipline.

The safety report which is available on the FEI website, provides a number of statistics on the discipline. The statistics, which are now collated by the FEI Secretariat in Lausanne will provide very useful information for the future development of safety measures for the sport.

DRIVING

The Chairman of the Driving Committee reported on the successful 2004 season. The FEI World Cup Driving is proving a successful Series and the FEI Top Driver Award shows growth in all divisions.

ENDURANCE
A total of 299 Endurance events took place in 2004, which represent an increase of 26% over the number of events organised in 2003. Since 2000, the number of events has increased by some 264%.

The Nations Cup Series introduced in 2004 with competitions in France, Great Britain and Italy, shall be extended into regions outside of Europe.

VAULTING
Clarifications to the Vaulting Rules were accepted.

REINING
The 2nd edition of the Rules for Reining Events, effective 1 January 2005, was accepted.

PONIES
The 8th edition of the Rules for Special Regulations for Pony Riders and Children was accepted and will become effective on 1 January 2006.

CHILDREN

Nearly 650 children from 41 countries took part in the 2004 FEI Children’s International Jumping Competition, which demonstrates the healthy level the series has reached.

PARA EQUESTRIAN
The proposed Generic Rules, covering all aspects of Para Equestrian Sport within the FEI has been circulated to all National Federations for comment and or suggestions. A finalised version of the rules for Para Equestrian Driving and Dressage will be submitted for approval by the Bureau at their 2005 November Bureau Meeting and presented for ratification at the 2006 General Assembly.

A full copy of the proposed Generic Rules are available for download at www.horsesport.org.


VETERINARY

The 2004 Medication Control Annual Report was reported to the Assembly. A total of 2237 horses worldwide was tested in 2004.

The Chairman of the Veterinary Committee underlined the work of the Task Force on Doping and Medication Policy.

During the FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Final in Las Vegas (USA) new methods to control and pursue the research on hypersensitisation will be carried out.

The General Assembly approved the following recommendations of the Veterinary Committee:
- Prohibited Substance List: two adaptions to the list of threshold substances were approved (Boldenone and CO2)
- The confirmatory analysis (B-sample) of positive samples will be carried out by the same laboratory that performed the A analysis
- In accordance with the Jumping discipline, a re-inspection in Dressage will permitted
- A Veterinary Research Working Group was established to review all proposals for research prior to deciding on their priority.
- The need to encourage the electronic identification of the horse (chip) and its integration to the FEI passport system was underlined.

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE FOR THE PROTECTION OF HORSES

ILPH complimented FEI’s work to enhance the welfare of the horse. A presentation illustrating the vision of the ILPH “A World where horses are used but never abused” was made before the Assembly. Brig. Smales gave an example of the training programmes that the ILPH is using and asked for FEI input on which countries to approach next.

JUDICIAL

The Chairman of the Judicial Committee outlined that as a result of the litigious environment, the Committee had been tackling a high caseload with insufficient resources.

Many positive changes are under way, notably the strengthening of the FEI Legal Department, the implementation of the “Fast Track” system for certain positive medication cases, and the enlargement of the Judicial Committee to seven members. The results of these initiatives should begin to be visible in the second half of 2005 in the form of increased efficiency in the handling and judging of cases.

Finally, information concerning the status of cases in the judicial process will soon be available on the FEI website.

OTHER MEETINGS

The nine FEI Geographical Groups met on the morning of 7 April. IN addition, Groups I and II held a joint session in the afternoon. The the Pan American Equestrian Confederation and the Asian Equestrian Federation also held meetings.

The day prior to the Assembly, a very successful Forum was organised with two main themes: report of the Task Force on Anti Doping and Medication Policy and presentation of the proposed FEI Strategic Plan 2006-2010

WORKSHOP
A extremely well attended Development workshop was organised on 9 April. Susan Macken (IRL). Gerry Mullins (IRL) and Andrew Griffiths (GBR) made presentations on the coaching programme and building up of National Federation sports structure The presentations were followed by lively discussions. (A detailed FEI Press News on that subject will be published next week).

PAEC
The Pan American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC) created in 2001 held its fourth General Assembly on 7 April.

The Assembly acknowledged a few changes in the composition of the PAEC Board of Directors.

The PAEC Chairman, Mr Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) came to the end of his term of office and Mr Bernardo Lopez Davidson (ESA) was appointed the new PAEC Chairman.

Mrs Diana Ramoz (DOM) having been elected by the FEI General Assembly as new Chairman of Group V became a new member of the PAEC Board of Directors and Mr Guilherme Samento (BRA) was appointed by the FEI the new FEI representative thus replacing Mr Patrizio Zambrano (MEX).


AWARDS
During the FEI Annual Award Ceremony, which was held in the Painted Hall of the Old Royal Naval College, the following individuals were honoured:

Lee Pearson (GBR) triple Paralympic Champion received the FEI Fair Play Certificate. After receiving his Gold Medal and flowers in the Paralympic Equestrian Medal Ceremony in Athens, Lee Pearson dismounted from his horse and presented his bouquet of lowers to Valerie Salles, a French rider, whose horse had tragically died entering the arena for the Individual Dressage Competition, in which he won his gold medal.

The Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Services was presented Ron & Marg Southern (CAN), who built up Spruce Meadows from ground to turn it into the largest equestrian venue on the international scene and are celebrating this year the 30 years anniversary of the famous show ground located in Calgary.

Max E. Ammann (SUI), creator and former Director of the FEI World Cup Jumping and outgoing Driving World Cup Director was honoured by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

On the occasion of the British Equestrian Federation Welcome Dinner in the Banqueting House, White Hall Palace, the FEI presented for the first time a FEI Owner of the Year Award to the most successful owner in Jumping for the year 2004. The Award is established from the FEI/Gandini Jumping Riders’ world ranking list based on points obtained by the most successful horse / rider combination.

Winners of this award in 2004 were John and Lisa Hales (GBR) with Arko III, ridden by British rider Nick Skelton. John and Lisa Hales are the first recipients of this award.



2006 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The Bureau accepted the invitation of the Malaysian Federation to host the 2006 General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur (MAS) in conjunction with the FEI World Cup Jumping Final.



The FEI would like to thank the British Equestrian Federation and its President, Mr Philip Billington for the excellent preparation of all the meetings and their generous hospitality.