The FEI is to host a meeting with stakeholders on 1 October, to kick off discussions on addressing the challenges currently impacting the discipline of dressage. This meeting, which will bring together representatives from national federations, athletes, officials, organisers, trainers, and veterinary experts, marks the beginning of work to develop a long-term strategy for dressage, to ensure the sustainability and growth of the discipline.
“While the FEI fully recognises the challenges currently facing the discipline of dressage and has worked to address issues as they have arisen, the primary focus in recent months has been on delivering key events, as well as a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, which has required considerable attention and resources,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos explained.
“Our goal now is to collaborate closely with all our stakeholders to address the challenges facing dressage. While many in our community recognise the urgency of the situation, others may not yet fully grasp the critical juncture at which equestrian sport currently stands.
“While the FEI is committed to seeking collective solutions and fostering consensus wherever possible, the safety and well-being of our horses remain our top priority. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that dressage is a discipline where the sport is conducted in a manner that focuses on the horse’s comfort.
“As the governing body, the FEI is prepared to take the necessary decisions to ensure that we are living up to our promise to ‘Be a Guardian’ for our equine partners, and to improve the standards of safety and care in our sport. We have shown in recent months that the FEI is ready to step in and take decisive action when the need arises.
“As the sport evolves, we must adapt and find effective solutions to current challenges. Our success depends on the community’s willingness to approach these issues with an open mind and work together toward common ground.”
The FEI introduced the Be a Guardian initiative in July (see video above), which calls upon members of the community to commit to their duties as ‘guardians’ of horses. To find out more, click here.
Lead image by FEI/ Richard Juilliart
