Battle for FEI Presidency -- Part One of Three

(ATR) Five candidates are vying for the FEI presidency, with the election taking place on Sunday.

The FEI General Assembly in Baku will elect a replacement for Princess Haya, who confirmed she would not stand for a third term in August.

Pierre Genecand from Switzerland, Ulf Helgstrand from Denmark and Briton John McEwen are joined by Pierre Durand of France and Ingmar De Vos of Belgium in the race for the top job in equestrian sport.

Around the Rings asked all the candidates to explain why they coveted the FEI presidency and what were their top objectives.

Pierre Genecand

The 64-year-old is a businessman, banker and insurance broker by profession.

Why are you running for FEI president?

I wanted to contribute to the sport which I have always been passionate about. I have many ideas and have a good know-how of both the business world and the equestrian world. I have been the president of the biggest indoor event in the World, CHI Geneva 5* for 15 years, and during those years we also had the opportunity to organise the FEI World Cup Final in 1996. I was also involved in the organization of the FEI World Equestrian Games 1998 and worked as a TV slotter for Equestrian Sports at the 2000 Olympics.

I have always lived in Switzerland and am used to dealing with our politicians and institutions which will prove useful to the FEI, whose headquarters are in Lausanne. I believe the FEI would benefit from a new style which would build on what had been achieved already with a renewed energy. I am a man of action. I am and intend to remain accessible for all – FEI staff, organizers, owners, breeders and riders.

What is your vision for FEI?

The governing body needs to ensure a clean sport, become sustainable notably through commercial activities and increase the visibility of the sport in the media if we want our sports to grow successfully. The FEI must be a leader and help equestrian sport to successfully adapt and evolve to remain attractive and competitive.

What are your key goals?

• To protect the Olympic status and to work towards a strong and sustainable development program;

• To reformat our series and championships to make them more attractive and better-fitting TV formats, with clear and easily understandable rules;

• To ensure the welfare of the horse and to apply sanctions to any sporting violation without exceptions;

• To develop the solidarity program to help smaller nations access the highest level of the sport.

How do you plan to improve relations between the FEI and IOC?

We need to start by being irreproachable. Sports must be an example especially for the young generations. It is one the best "barrier-breakers" between people regardless of their social status, religion or origin. I find the mission of Olympic Spirit is very inspiring. A clean sport is mandatory if we are to be trusted and respected. And this means that rules and regulations must be followed by everyone and any sporting violation must be sanctioned with no exceptions. Given the strong competition from other sports for a place in the Olympic family, we need to adapt our series and championships formats. We must grow our media coverage and TV visibility, as the costs linked to equestrian competitions are high for the Olympics.

We need to collaborate more closely [with the IOC] and adapt to the new situation. We need to evolve and work hand in hand with the IOC.

John McEwen

The 69-year-old FEI vice president, a qualified veterinary surgeon who served the British show jumping and dressage teams until the London 2012 Games, has chaired the FEI Veterinary Commission since 2006.

Why are you running for FEI president?

I believe this is a crucial time for the FEI and equestrian sport around the world – the landscape of international sport is shifting and it is imperative for our organization to respond positively to these changes. I have had the honor of serving international equestrian sport for more than 40 years. I wish to continue [Princess Haya’s] excellent work and ensure the FEI’s progress and momentum are not lost.

What is your vision for FEI?

I am committed to the global growth and commercial success of equestrian sport, and I want to further develop the FEI as a leading international federation. As a passionate supporter of horse sports, and as someone who has the privilege to serve the FEI Bureau for the past eight years and be on the FEI Executive Board for the last four years, I want to ensure the FEI operates with the highest standards of governance, transparency and integrity. My vision would be to develop equestrian sport globally with a new strategic plan in close collaboration with national federations and athletes – respecting good governance and high ethical and welfare standards whilst always celebrating the horse and horsemanship.

What are your key goals?

My plan includes working to grow horse sport in existing markets and spreading the passion for horse sport to new territories and communities. By helping to make our sport more understandable to the outside world, we can also increase its accessibility and engage young people to create more equestrian participants, fans and viewers.

Additionally, I will ensure our FEI Solidarity Program provides effective support to help national federations develop horse sports nationally. My plan also involves improving the image of equestrian sport further and promoting our events more effectively. I believe we need to enhance the overall integrity and ethics of horse sport – developing a clean sport policy which is rigorously enforced. I also think it is important that our broadcast and sponsor partners always have a quality product to promote. My aim is to build on our current commercial successes, consolidate and grow our future revenues.

How do you plan to improve relations between the FEI and IOC?

We are in a positive position but we must continue to work hard to showcase our disciplines, grow equestrianism internationally and sustain the development of our national federations to strengthen our Olympic status. I want to grow Equestrian sport’s profile at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and I will work closely with the IOC and IPC to implement new development programs.

Reported by Mark Bisson

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