FEI FOCUS by EQUESTRIO magazine

March 2013

Shaping Tomorrow

FEI Solidarity

Here is the Challenge! – Page 30

FEI Insight

FEI Sports Forum – Page 38

Editorial

Note from the FEI President HRH Princess Haya Dear Focus readers, Last year’s inaugural FEI Sports Forum modernised our decision-making process by inviting you all to play a role. On the agenda was the remodelling of the FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping series and, thanks to the Saudi Equestrian Fund, February saw the restructured series take off in Al Ain under the name Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping. April’s FEI Sports Forum will be equally constructive. Proposals for Jumping, Dressage and Driving rule changes will be discussed, as well as Olympic Games and Paralympics qualification. Also on the agenda are the international movement of competition horses and “dual career” – two topics you can read about in this edition of FEI Focus. Other subjects in this magazine include an update on the British Equestrian Federation’s Olympic legacy programme, the importance of keeping in shape to ride, and an FEI Solidarity-supported project for multiple sclerosis sufferers in Sardinia that combines riding therapy, competition training and research. February’s FEI World Cup™ Driving Final in Bordeaux (shown in images in this Focus) were followed by the FEI World Cup™ Vaulting Final in Braunschweig (GER). April will see the HSBC FEI Classics™ series resume in the USA, while Gothenburg (SWE) will host the exciting Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping™ and Reem Acra World Cup™ Dressage Finals.

Our sport is in good shape and there are many fabulous events on our calendar. Enjoy them.

Table of Contents

04 Globetrotter

16 London 2012 Hoof Legacy

09 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping

20 Postcard from

Thailand

A new format for a historic series

12 FEI World Cup Driving Final TM

Olympic equestrian leagacy

22 Introducing...

Chrystine Jones Tauber

Pure Adrenaline

Impressum - Focus N° 12 - April 2013 Circulation 2,500 Frequency Quarterly Editor in Chief Marianne Burkhardt Design / Art Equestrio SA - S.Rochat Printing Grafiche SIZ - Italy Cover Appaloosa Equine Creative Agency

Contact / Advertising FEI - Fédération Equestre Internationale richard.johnson@fei.org HM King Hussein I Building Chemin de la Joliette 8 1006 Lausanne T. +41 21 310 47 47 F. +41 21 310 47 60 www.fei.org

24 A life in a day

38 FEI Insight

26 Improving performance

48 New FEI TV website

30 FEI Solidarity

50 FEI TV

Laurent Cellier

Getting fit to ride

Here is the challenge!

The second FEI Sports Forum

Live broadcast schedule 2013

FOCUS 03

TO GO DIGITAL ONLY !

ÂŠ Sandro Campado/FEI

Exciting video content and photos galore are just two of the major advantages of the new digital-only FEI Focus magazine that will replace the print editions. From July 2013, you will be able to choose between a desktop version for Apple or PC, downloadable from www.fei.org, or an iPad version, free of charge from The Apple Store.

LONGINES FORMALISES RECORD 10-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FEI FEI President HRH Princess Haya and Mrs Nayla Hayek, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Swatch Group, celebrating the signing of the historic multi-million Euro partnership between the FEI and the Swiss watchmaker Longines in Lausanne (SUI) on 15 January.

TREASURE-HUNTING FOR SWITZERLAND

The FEI is seeking individuals and organisations willing to loan interesting objects to exhibit in the state-of-the-art gallery housed at FEI HQ, the HM King Hussein I Building, in Lausanne. Please contact Richard Johnson, FEI Director of Corporate Communications, (richard.johnson@fei.org) for more information.

FEI TO SHOWCASE OUR SPORT IN RUSSIA SportAccord, the umbrella organisation for all international sports federations, organisers of multi-sport games and sports-related international associations, is holding its annual international convention in St Petersburg from 26 to 31 May. The FEI will once again seize this opportunity to present the multiple facets of our sport to leading representatives from the sports industry.

TEAM OF VAULTING TUTORS TRAINED IN FRANCE A new team of Vaulting tutors is now ready to start work worldwide following the successful FEI course organised at the Ecole Nationale dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Equitation in Saumur (FRA) in December. NFs interested in hosting a Level 1 course for coaches in Vaulting in 2013 canÂ find the syllabus and application form on www.fei.org.

LY EXPLORES BEST TR CONFERENCE IN ITA

AINING METHODS

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Nominations for the FEI Awards 2013 will open in early June. Now is the time to start thinking about who deserves to be rewarded in one of the five categories: Reem Acra Best Athlete, HSBC Rising Star, Development, Best Groom and Against All Odds. Information about the categories and past winners can be found at www.feiawards.org

FACEBOOK CAMPAIGN HELPS SWEDEN’S “SILVER SARA”

The power of social media and the generosity of horselovers have enabled Swedish Eventing individual silver medallist Sara Algotsson Ostholt to buy Mrs Medicott, the horse she hopes to ride at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. When former Eventing rider Tina Lundin heard that the owner of Sara’s potential Rio ride intended to sell the horse, she set up a Facebook group and raised approximately 80,000 euros within a few weeks. This money and a donation from a sponsor have enabled Sara to become the proud owner of Mrs Medicott. She was able to thank Tina in person when they met for the first time at the Swedish Equestrian Federation’s Centenary gala, where Tina’s solidarity was rewarded with the NF’s Initiative of the Year Award.

©Peter Nixon/FEI

HSBC FEI CLASSICS™ SERIES RESUMES IN THE USA The third leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ series will take place at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event (USA) from 25 – 28 April. Craig Barrett’s classy performance with Sandhills Brillaire clinched him the title at the second event of the series in Adelaide (AUS). The New South Wales rider was also awarded the HSBC Training Bursary, which at each leg of the series goes to highest placed rider who has never previously completed a 4* event. Craig is now second in the HSBC FEI Classics™ standings, behind New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson (pictured left). After Kentucky, the HSBC FEI Classics™ series will continue at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR), Luhmülen (GER) and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR). The cross country and jumping phases of most of the events will be broadcast on FEI TV.

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) was honoured as the Equestrian Social Media Awards (ESMA) World Award winner. The new FEI Solidarity category of the ESMA was won by the Wilson sisters (NZL) for showing social media followers how New Zealand’s beautiful wild horses, the Kaimanawas, can be domesticated and adjust to their new lives as sports horses. See all winners at www.youtube.com.esmatv

BRINGING EQUESTRIAN SPORTS TO SCREENS EVERYWHERE

+41 22 717 20 20 www.eurovision.net

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping

A NEW FORMAT FOR A HISTORIC SERIES A 16 million Euro four-year sponsorship package from the Saudi Equestrian Fund has enabled the historic FEI Nations Cup™ series to be transformed and modernised. The remodelled Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2013 began in Al Ain (UAE) in February and will end with the Final in Barcelona (ESP) from 26 to 29 September.

At the Final, all qualified teams from six regions will start in the first of three competitions. This one-round competition will decide the eight teams that will go through to the third competition. Teams placed ninth and lower will compete in a consolation competition (competition two).

Pictured above: The Dutch team, winners of the first leg of the inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping series at Al Ain, UAE. Left to right: Frank Schuttert, Eric van der Vleuten, Chef d’Equipe Rob Ehrens, Aniek Poels and Maikel van der Vleuten.

FOCUS 09

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping TM

The Start of a New Era

NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS 2 CSIOs 2 slots for the Final

FINAL

18 NFs (+ home team if not qualified)

SOUTH AMERICA 2 slots for the Final through the Longines Rankings

A total of 37 countries will compete for the Final of the restructured Furusiyya FEI Nations CupTM Jumping 2013.

EUROPE Division 1 8 CSIOs 6 slots for the Final

Division 2 11 CSIOs 3 slots for the Final

ASIA AND AUSTRALASIA 2 slots for the Final through the Longines Rankings

MIDDLE EAST 1 CSIO 2 slots for the Final

AFRICA 1 slot for the Final through the Longines Rankings

FOCUS 11

FEI World Cup Driving Final TM

Pure Adrenaline FEI World Cup Driving Final 2013 ™

Skill, determination, courage, incredible pace, communication, team work and nerves of steel were all on display in Bordeaux for the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final where the world’s best drivers met for their final FEI World Cup™ 2012/2013 encounter to determine who would take home the annual prize. All eyes were on four-time winner, Australia’s Boyd Exell and his perfectly tuned team, but they could not match the picture perfect, fault free rounds by the Netherlands Koos de Ronde on the final day, and had to settle for second place behind the flying Dutchman. Despite just

missing out on the five World Cup titles in a row, Exell was satisfied with his performance: “At this level, you have to have all your ducks in a row, everything has to be spot on. I threatened Koos and my team tried their hardest, but it is usually easier for them. I still put down the fastest time in the winning round. But to come second with one ball down and a difference of just two seconds to Koos is nothing to be ashamed of.” Koos de Ronde (NED), All photos © FEI/David Sinclair

FOCUS 13

József Dobrovitz (HUN)

Ijsbrand Chardon (NED)

Boyd Exell (AUS)

Thibault Coudry (FRA)

For Koos De Ronde , the victory was a long time coming,“It is just a great feeling that I finally did it! I had finished just behind Boyd so many times and it is amazing that it all came together for me here in Bordeaux. In indoor Driving, everybody can win, but the jigsaw puzzle has to fit together. I started this indoor season with the same team of horses with which I had finished third in the Final last year, but it was not working anymore. I am really pleased that I found the right shape in time so I could qualify for the Final. To win this gives me a real boost!” Third place went to Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) and his team of Lipizzaner horses. Also driving a team of Lipizzaner horses, József Dobrovitz was unlucky in the final, having to hold back when a trace

Theo Timmerman (NED) and Tomas Eriksson (SWE)

carrier broke down halfway through the course and to prevent the horses from tripping on the loose harness, lost valuable time to take fourth place. The third Dutchman competing in the final, Theo Timmerman put on a good performance but following a tough round on the first day could not make up the lost time and had to settle for fifth place. Wild card driver Thibault Coudry (FRA) defended his fifth place bravely, but made too many mistakes in the second half of the course and finished sixth. Bordeaux was not Tomas Eriksson’s (SWE) competition. The double world champion and multiple Swedish champion could not find his usual fast rhythm and finished last in seventh place.

Tomas Eriksson (SWE)

TWO FABULOUS FINALS

©FEI/Kit Houghton

©FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst

GOTHENBURG (SWE) 24 - 28 APRIL 2013

RICH FELLERS, defending champion of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping, with Flexible.

ADELINDE CORNELISSEN, defending champion of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage, with Jerich Parzival.

All competitions from both finals will be broadcast live on FEI TV

www.feitv.org

London 2012 Hoof Legacy

Equestrian Olympic Legacy is getting Involved Article Ellie Hughes Picture FEI/Arnd Bronkhurst

The Games have now been and gone. There were medals galore, records smashed and history books rewritten. All this ensured that equestrianism enjoyed a higher profile than ever before. Recent figures released by Sport England show that equestrianism is among the top 10 participation sports in England, with around 331,000 people aged 16 or over riding, driving or vaulting for more than 30 minutes a week (October 2012). There is plenty more evidence that riding is on the up and the London 2012 Hoof Legacy is delivering results.

Central to the Hoof Legacy campaign has been the launch of Hoofride.co.uk, the online portal launched in April 2012 that is designed to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for visitors to find out how, where and why they should pick up the reins and become involved in riding, driving or vaulting.

The Hoof portal, which received nearly 50,000 page views during August - at the height of the Olympics, continues to be an invaluable resource for new and existing riders. Its interactive nature allows users to select their own horse riding path – be it a beginner finding out where to go or what to wear – or a seasoned Sixty-eight riding schools in England have so far competitor looking for advice on horse passports, signed up for Take Back the Reins (TBTR), funding opportunities and apprenticeship an initiative that targets lapsed and schemes. The Hoof portal houses a new riders, giving them the skills library of information that can and confidence to reignite their assist riders of all abilities to In December 2011, passion for horses. Among locate – in just a few clicks the British Equestrian the schools participating – equestrian retailers, Federation (BEF) unveiled bridleways information, in TBTR is Grove House Stables Equestrian Centre volunteering opportunities, its London 2012 Olympic in Yorkshire. Its proprietor and more. and Paralympic Hoof Legacy Andrew Stennett reported that the weekly course has Andrew Finding, Chief plans at the London proved very popular. He Executive of the BEF International Horse Show, commented: “The success commented: “We have found Olympia. that there are a lot of parents of our Olympic and out there, who might be keen to get Paralympic teams in back in the saddle but who might not Greenwich Park be as brave and confident as they once were. has inspired TBTR gives them the opportunity to take up riding many more again in a controlled environment, where everybody p e o ple to is in the same boat.” become involved in There have been queues forming up and down the riding. I am country in shopping centres, schools and at country delighted that events, to have a ride on one of the three mechanical the BEF Hoof horses, which have been touring the country – the Legacy Project is 2013 tour dates will confirmed shortly thanks to a joint allowing us to initiative between the BEF and the British Equestrian capitalise on this, and Trade Association, again on a mission to recruit new through the various initiatives, we are able to continue riders to the sport. to promote the sport and provide pathways for those who have been inspired to give riding a go.”

Photo: Young Briton rides one of the three mechanical horses touring the UK © BEF

Taking back the reins Grandmother Jo Shuker, 49, took up riding again last August after a break of 32 years Jo (pictured right on the grey horse) enrolled on the Olympic Hoof Legacy initiative Take Back the Reins programme at Radway, a riding school near Banbury. A few months down the line and she is fitter than she’s ever been, four stones lighter – and has her own horse. “After a couple of lessons everything started to click into place,” she says. “The trainers at Radway are brilliant and you leave every session full of confidence. I have met so many people the same age as me, too. It’s been a very social few months.” Jo struck up a special bond with a seven-year-old black cob called Talkie and bought him. She rides him three or four times a week. “I’ve been cantering and hacking and have just started jumping,” she says. “Even if I never reach the dizzy heights of competing, I have achieved more in the last few months than I’d have thought possible – and my health has benefited hugely.” Recent research carried out by The British Horse Society (BHS) proved that riding can expend sufficient energy to be classed as moderate-intensity exercise. This is the level of activity that, when achieved for 150 minutes a week, is said to keep you healthy. In terms of hard statistics, hacking out burns approximately 240 calories per hour, schooling

a horse burns up to 360 calories per hour, while mucking out burns up 80 calories per 10 minutes. But it is not only the physical benefits that make riding such a healthy pastime. Evidence has long suggested that physical exercise promotes wellbeing benefits linked to changes in mood, anxiety levels and self-esteem. The BHS research demonstrated quantitatively that riding a horse stimulates positive mental feelings – 80 per cent of respondents said that riding made them feel “quite a lot” or “extremely” cheerful, relaxed, happy or active.

Follow Hoofride FOCUS 19

Interview with Mr Harald Link President of the Thailand Equestrian Federation Is equestrian sport concentrated in certain areas of Thailand? If so, where? There are more than 50 clubs throughout all of Thailand, including the south, east coast and the north. Equestrian sport is mostly concentrated around Bangkok because of the ease of communications, transportation and a large population of riders and spectators. The Thai Equestrian Federation joined the FEI in 1983. How has the sport developed since then in terms of participation, diversity and the disciplines practised? In the beginning, the TEF had only three disciplines â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing. Eventing is a core discipline that has continuously us earned medals and is still thriving today. In the TEF, the number of riders has increased as well as the number of riding clubs. New disciplines have been introduced, which are Endurance and the newest addition, Reining. The TEF has participated in national and international events such as SEA Games, Asian Games and the Olympic Games. Are you particularly proud of any projects that the Thai Equestrian Federation has developed? There are so many things that we have done and are proud of. Here are a few:

a. TEF Coaching Course Training Programme because we believe that the instructors should be well qualified so that our riders can progress to their full potential. We asked international experts to educate our local instructors to raise the standards of training in Thailand. b. FEI Coaching Course Training Programme because we want to maintain an international standard for our FEI coaches. Some of our instructors have now reached level 2. c. Apart from earning a double gold medal from the SEA Games Eventing in 2007 and 2011, and a silver medal at the Guang Zhou Asian Games, we also have a second Olympian rider who joined in the London Olympic Games. d. The Federation is run transparently. It is open to riders, parents, spectators and clubs for input on all decision-making. This allows for an open and constructive environment, thereby bettering the TEF. Does the Thai Equestrian Federation make any particular efforts to promote the sport? TEF makes significant efforts to promote horse riding in Thailand. Specifically, the Horse-riding TV programme, which is aired three to four times per week. The production team joined in events and visited clubs to show and introduce the sport to keen Thais. Sometimes, we focus on the rising star riders

ÂŠHarald Link

FACTS & FIGURES President: Mr Harald Link (since 2009) Secretary General: Colonel Fuangvich Aniruth-Deva 5 permanent members of staff work at the TEF 55 riding clubs / associations are members of the TEF 475 affiliated riders 9 international equestrian events took place in Thailand in 2012:

as inspiration to the younger generations. The TEF also promotes horse riding through the social media because it is easy to reach the younger generations and it is an easy channel for linking people to the sport. How are young people encouraged to take up equestrian sport? The younger generation is encouraged to take up the sport through exposure to events, specifically the Equestrian Ball and the University Games. The Equestrian Ball began two years ago as a gala to present awards to young riders for their achievements and to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best rider of the year. This can encourage young people to find a role model to follow in the sport and maintain interest. After high school, students tend to lack interest due to tough studies. Originally, university sports did not include horse-riding but we proposed initiating the sport into the University Sport Authority of Thailand to allow riders to maintain their work and demonstrate their hard-earned abilities. After just one year, the many universities in

Jumping - CSIW / CSI1* / FEI Children International / WJC Cat. A B and C Dressage - WDC Eventing - CCI* / CIC ** / CNC* Endurance - CEI* 5 equestrian disciplines are practised: Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Endurance and Reining. 1,085 registered sport horses More than 1,500 leisure riding horses and ponies

Thailand opened their sport quota to allow for scholarships in horse-riding. What is the Thai Equestrian Federation focusing its efforts on in 2013? In 2013, The TEF is focusing its efforts on the SEA Games in Myanmar to earn medals and also to support Myanmar and Cambodia. Our goal extends beyond Thailand and the Games will ultimately affect the development of horse-riding in Thailand as well. Once our fellow SEA Nations can raise their standards, there will be more competitions for Thailand to take part in and a higher standard to compete at. How would you like to see equestrian sport developing in Thailand over the next 20 years? We would like to expand the attractiveness and affordability of the Thai equestrian environment so that, by 2030, we have 100,000 enthusiastic riders. In terms of sports results, we would like Thailand to become one of the top three riding nations in Asia.

FOCUS 21

Introducing...

Chrystine Jones Tauber USEF President Chrystine Jones Tauber took on the role of President of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in January of this year following her unanimous election in August 2012. She succeeds Olympic Eventing gold medallist David O’Connor, who is now the U.S. Eventing team coach. The new USEF President has been active in most aspects of horse sports including U.S. Jumping team rider, judge, trainer, course designer, marketing and management. She rode on U.S. Jumping teams 19651968, winning the Grand Prix of Cologne and the President’s Cup in Washington, D.C., second in the Grand Prix of Lucerne and was a member of numerous winning FEI Nation’s Cup teams. Congratulations on your election. What inspired you to present yourself for the presidency of the USEF? I have been actively involved in all aspects of the sport for several decades, and through great mentorship was able to develop important leadership and business skills in this industry. After having ridden in international competition as a member of the U.S. Equestrian Team’s Jumping squad, I began judging horse shows and designing courses and earned my FEI licences in 1977. I served as Director of Show Jumping at the USET and managed all the Olympic Disciplines at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games, the 1983 and 1987 Pan Am Games and the FEI World Championships and European tours. Subsequent positions included Executive Director of the American Horse Shows Association, and the National Horse Show in New York. More recently I served as Secretary of the USEF and Vice President of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association. I felt I could 22

bring that invaluable experience and insight, as well as a passion for horse sports, to this position. I guess one could say I have been in training for this for most of my life. What objectives have you set for the USEF over the next four years? The USEF is now nine years old and is in a position to launch several new initiatives to grow and improve our sport. Firstly, we must grow and retain our membership and we have started several new programmes on our website to allow our members to create their own page and dictate how they want to receive information. Our website is the portal to all 27 breeds and disciplines making up the USEF family, so it needs to be fully interactive. We are also in a position to increase our marketing efforts for our horse sports and are particularly excited about the tremendous success of the USEF Network and the greater visibility and sponsorship opportunities it will provide. Of great importance is the restructuring of the organisation that we are about to undergo which will reduce the size of the Board of Directors and create three new Councils under the Board where all our breeds and disciplines will be working together to create programmes and develop budgets to support those endeavours. This will greatly improve our communications and operations with our affiliate organisations and the overall effectiveness of the Federation. In addition, we would like to increase the number of FEI International events in the United States and create more high level competitive opportunities for our FEI International Disciplines. What programmes/initiatives have been put in place to achieve those objectives? We have been working with consulting companies and have instituted the “MyUSEFMyWay” on the Federation website to improve our member experience and interaction with the Federation. Our Marketing Committee is developing a strategic plan to market the sport and further develop sponsorship opportunities. The Planning Committee has just finished work on the restructuring of the Federation and is now working on several short term strategic issues regarding our office facilities, service capabilities and efficiency. We will be working with the Compe-

tition Management Committee to explore ways to raise the standards of our events at all levels, and to provide opportunity for new top level events to fit in to the calendar. How does USEF inspire youth and compete against other sports for their attention? Many of our affiliates have good youth programmes and we will be working together to develop new initiatives for our junior and young riders programmes. One very successful new initiative is that of the World Cup program for Saddle Seat Equitation. The FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships is a top class international event and we look to develop more competitions along this level for our youth. Plans are underway to create a Young Rider division for Jumping and to create more opportunity for those riders to compete outside the United States. This will become an important part of our pipeline for riders to make it to the top elite level in international competition, and ultimately similar concepts will apply to all the FEI disciplines. We also have good programmes for high school riding credits and for college students we work with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and National Collegiate Equestrian Association on their events and championships. In the future, we are also looking to increase our communications with our youth through digital technology and social media. There is no question that there are many sports available to todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth but only equestrian has the allure of the horse.

If you could change/improve one thing in the U.S. equestrian landscape, what would it be? We are very excited about the opportunities we have in using technology to improve education on all fronts. Through greater education we will be able to provide better qualified and informed officials, improved care of our equine partners, increase the opportunities in the equestrian job market, elevate the skills of our riders and trainers, develop an educated public, ultimately raising the sport to exciting and new levels.

Chrystine Jones on the Irish â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bred mare FRU, loaned to the USET by Mr & Mrs Patrick Butler. Aachen, 1966.

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ÂŠMarie-Christine Chantrait

A life in a day

Laurent Cellier Laurent Cellier officially took on the role of Sports Director of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Gamesâ&#x201E;˘ 2014 in January 2012. This former riding instructor was technical director for the French National Federation before working for a local authority, coordinating sport, education and training for young people. www.normandie2014.com

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 will bring together eight championships in one place for a global event, which means that my job is very diverse and challenging. It is important to me that we organise an event that arouses the enthusiasm and emotion of everyone who sees it. I started riding when I was eight and I’ll never be good enough to go to the Olympic Games, so for me, the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM are my “Olympic Games”! My day starts when I get up 6.30am. I often work out of office but if I’m in, I arrive at 8am. I live in a little village in Normandy, just eight kilometres from the office, which is very practical. I have an hour alone to plan the day and put on paper decisions that have to be made. I have a master plan to ensure that the Games to take place in the best possible conditions and I have to make two important decisions each day. I need to keep everyone informed about the decisions I make, as they may have an impact on other sectors of the overall organisation. Teamwork is very important to me. There are eight sports managers – one per discipline. I have three people on my team – one assistant, one person dealing with facilities for NFs and one for sports matters. In March, three more people will join us - one for veterinary matters, one for volunteers and one for horse facilities. At the moment we are working on the sports arenas, schedules, sanitation, stables and veterinary matters. The upcoming test event is a very important time for the team and will be devoted to Eventing, Endurance and Driving. We will test the volunteer team and find solutions to any issues that may arise. There will also be meetings with heads of the delegations from each country and we’ll give information to National Federations on the organisation of the Games. Lunch isn’t really important to me - I prefer to eat in the evening with my family. I have two sons aged six and eight and they mean a lot to me. I book a special day each month in my diary to do something special with them.

“ There is not a single moment when I don’t think about the Games ” In the afternoon, there are meetings with the discipline managers. I often visit the venues with all the team to validate my decisions. Every week, there is a big meeting with the whole team to decide our work schedule. Recently, I went to the Haras du Pin, because we are doing a lot of work on footing for the Eventing at the Games and I needed to see how it was progressing. The Technical Delegate came to France to confirm the training area and stables. We will do the same for Dressage – there is a lot of consultation at this stage. It’s important that I speak to different organising committees about competitions, so I try to go to one important event every month. I’ve been to Bordeaux, Lyon and Pau and last year I went to Aachen to see how everything is organised and to talk with the riders. I now have to present the organisation of the Games to riders because I am organising the event for them, the owners and the public and it’s essential to me to hear their opinions. I finish work at 7pm, unless I have a meeting in the evening. That happens one or two evenings a week, as many people involved have other jobs. At home, I eat and have a quiet moment with my wife and children. but there is not a single moment when I don’t think about the Games. It’s not a job, it’s my life at the moment. I don’t watch much TV in the evening but I read and try to decompress. Every weekend, when I’m at home, I help my children with their homework – it’s become a family ritual. I go to bed between 10.30 and 11pm. Do I dream about the Games? It’s funny, because the image that comes to my mind all the time is not the competitions but the closing ceremony. I know that it will be a moment of intense emotion. I will have been working towards it for nearly three years and, just like a rider who prepares for an event, the closing ceremony will, for me, be a mixture of relief and the satisfaction of having given the best of myself. FOCUS 25

Improving performance

Get

to ride

Equestrian competition requires specific physical qualities that a rider must develop and maintain in order to deal with the demands of training and the pressures of competition. Riders must be able to control and guide their equine partners through the varying equestrian sports course designs they will encounter together. Therefore, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to identify the tasks a rider must perform and the physical qualities to be developed that hold the key to performance.

BALANCE must be maintained during all

ÂŠKit Houghton

destabilising situations a rider may encounter. Suppleness and good muscle tone contribute to articular mobility, which is necessary for guaranteeing complete harmony between the horse and rider.

Since 2008, I have been exercising regularly. Every morning I do some gymnastics and three times a week I go jogging for 45 minutes. LUDGER BEERBAUM (GER) 26

©FEI/Gilly Wheeler

POSTURE

should be constantly corrected and riders should anticipate changes of position to effectively control their horses, regardless of pace or obstacles. Adapting the muscle tone and different positions of the leg segments through the use of body aids will enable the rider to communicate with the horse.

I swim three or four days a week and I also cycle three or four times a week. I go running, but only when I’m training for big events. MARÍA ALVAREZ PONTON (ESP)

NEUROMOTOR COORDINATION is synonymous with dexterity and is based on finely-tuned motion control and coordination. To be effective, it requires rapid response control in both predictable and unpredictable situations.

Riding horses keeps me fit ©FEI/Rinaldo de Craen but I also go ice-skating in the winter and cycling in the summer – at least three times a week. KOOS DE RONDE (NED)

FOCUS 27

This essential coordination can be optimised by practising physical activities other than riding, such as gymnastics, snow sports and ball sports. The duration of some equestrian events means that riders must acquire good endurance capabilities. This will help them to remain alert and continue to execute good neuromotor coordination when a horse starts to lose stamina. While this requirement is clearly necessary for Endurance events, it is also essential towards the end of crosscountry phases, high-level Dressage tests and Jumping competitions, especially those consisting of several rounds.

STAMINA

is a basic requirement for every sportsperson, as it increases resistance to muscular fatigue during training and competition. It can be developed through regular training sessions (three to four times a week) at an exercise intensity of 60 to 65 per cent of the maximum heart rate. Jogging, cycling and swimming are good examples.

SPEED of movements and fine control are also essential to equestrian sport performance, as they enable riders to achieve optimum reaction and movement responses.

©FEI/Karl-Heinz Frieler

Riders competing in events held at high speeds (for example, jump-offs, 570m/minute cross-country course and high-level Dressage test patterns in fast succession) must always be able to perform their movements at optimum speeds to instruct their horses effectively.

I’m constantly moving! I work with children in Vaulting, play soccer and do ladies’ gymnastics. I never stop! Whenever I can, I do Vaulting – my hobby and my life! ANNA CAVALLARO (ITA)

I really think my physical and therefore mental condition have to be perfect in order to get the best results. Therefore, I have a running schedule twice a week and, every Wednesday, I train in Heerenveen with Tjalling vd Berg. I do everything - boxing, ballet, trampoline, beam, core stability, etc. Moreover, I have a sports psychologist running along during my two-hour workout, so he can see what happens to me mentally and then work on that as well !

ÂŠFEI/Arnd Bronkhorst

ADELINDE CORNELISSEN (NED)

Speed can be developed through the practice of other sports requiring a combination of rapid movements, excellent motor skills and anticipation. In other words, sports such as fencing, tennis, table tennis or sports that involve driving a vehicle.

Physical preparation that is combined with a healthy lifestyle including a dietary and hydration programme will play a significant role in sports performance, particularly in stressful situations such as those experienced during competition.

Body preparation through warm-ups, stretching and specific muscular strengthening exercises prevents muscular and articular accidents.

In riding, as in any other sport, the more you train, the better you will perform!

Adapted from an article in French by Jean-Philippe Camboulives.

FOCUS 29

Here is â&#x20AC;&#x160;the Challenge! FEI Solidarity is supporting a project for multiple sclerosis sufferers in Sardinia that combines riding therapy, competition training and research. All photos ÂŠ FEI/Carlo Livi. From left to right: Elena, Daniele, Giovanna, Alberto

FOCUS 31

Alberto, 36, grins and raises a determined clenched fist when he is asked how he feels about competing in equestrian sport. He obviously enjoys a challenge, which is not surprising for a man who played football from an early age and refereed matches until two years ago. That was when the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) he was diagnosed with at the age of 33, took its grip and he began to tire very quickly. Severe fatigue is one of the symptoms of MS, which affects one in 708 people in Sardinia – 0.141 per cent of a population of 1,675,411. Alberto is one of six riders selected from five therapeutic equestrian centres in Sardinia to take part in a pilot project called Here is the challenge! The project, supported by FEI Solidarity, combines scientific research with riding therapy and competitive training. It aims to demonstrate that MS suffers can not only improve benefit physically from riding therapy but can also obtain good results in competition .

Here is the challenge! officially began in November 2012, after the riders underwent medical check-ups and a training programme was drawn up. “Riding gives me self-esteem, which is helping me to overcome some critical moments in my life,” says Alberto. “I like the mutual trust between me and the horses.”

WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS? Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which damages the myelin sheaths surrounding nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This impairs how well nerves conduct impulses, affecting a person’s motor, sensory and even cognitive functions. The causes of MS are unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are suspected of having some role. The impact of MS on a person’s ability to participate in everyday activities varies greatly.

After a six-month riding therapy programme, Alberto and his fellow project participants will be trained to compete. The organisers of the project hope they will be able to take part in a Level 1 international ParaDressage competition, which will be organised in Sardinia in June 2014 when the project ends. Alberto is enthusiastic about the training. “People who do sport want to win so having the sport gives me an aim,” he explains. “This type of project helps you to achieve the aim you’ve set yourself and in doing so, you feel you are fighting the disease.” Here is the challenge! is the brainchild of psychiatrist Stefania Cerino, who has studied and researched therapeutic riding since 1977 and is the editor of the Italian Equestrian Federation’s handbook on the subject.

In 2011, Stefania and Maria Grazia Sechi, president of the Sardinian Regional Committee of the Italian Equestrian Federation, brought together 120 neurologists, psychologists, sports medicine specialists and other scientists from universities in Sardinia to talk about the possibilities of riding therapy for MS sufferers. The idea of setting up a research project was born.

Riding gives me self-esteem, which is helping me to overcome some critical moments in my life Alberto

FOCUS 33

Nine researchers are involved, in addition to Barbara Ardu, technical coordinator of the FISE therapeutic riding department, who is also an FEI Dressage judge. FEI Para-Equestrian Dressage judge Katherine Ferguson Lucheschi, three trainers and a veterinarian will join them at workshops organised every six months throughout Here is the challenge!. These workshops, the first of which took place in November 2012, combine the medical and scientific aspects of the project with the technicalities of Para-equestrian Dressage, including FEI rules and competition judging. The riders’ cardiovascular control and physical capacities such as posture and balance (which can be severely affected by MS), will be monitored. A biomechanical experiment is being conducted, whereby the pressure between the riders and horses is measured at regular intervals. “The data will give a picture of what is happening and we will be able to see which muscles can be improved,” explains Stefania. “We can provide better training because we will know exactly what is happening to each muscle.” The horses ridden throughout the project will be regularly examined by the project’s veterinarian and will undergo stress measurements and behavioural evaluations.

“The promotion of the project means that other people will see me and think ‘If she can do it, so can I” Elena

Scientific data gathered during Here is the challenge! will be analysed and presented at a congress. It is hoped that the programme implemented during the project will be offered to other MS sufferers in the future. Here is the challenge!, which is budgeted at 80,000 euros, has been presented to potential sponsors but, to date, FEI Solidarity is the only organisation that has given any financial assistance. Stefania is optimistic. “The first donor is always the most difficult to find,” she says. “FEI Solidarity’s backing will help us to secure further support.” Elena is a vivacious 36-year-old who was selected for the project. She developed MS symptoms at the age of 22 and eventually had to give up her job. A long period of depression followed, during which she had no desire to do anything. She had ridden sporadically as a child because “everybody in Sardinia rides” and was recommended for riding therapy two years ago. The disease has now confined her to a wheelchair, which makes Here is the challenge! all the more meaningful to her. “I will be a pioneer,” she says. “I will be useful and it is important for me to help other people. The promotion of the project means that other people will see me and think ‘If she can do it, so can I’”. Elena’s eyes sparkle when she talks about the project. “When I ride, I am able-bodied again,” she says. “I use the horse like my legs, close my eyes and feel free.”

“This is an opportunity for me to enjoy the satisfaction of showing I am capable of something.

Giovanna

Horses have helped Daniele, 22, to “go back into the outside world”. He developed MS 13 years ago and, like Elena, went through a period of depression. He was “a little scared” when he started riding therapy two years ago but has gained confidence and is now determined to try to compete at the end of Here is the challenge! Forty-six-year-old Giovanna was diagnosed with MS when she was 22 and has had riding therapy since 2007. She finds the prospect of competing daunting but says it has given her an aim. “People who have a disease are set apart, excluded,” she says. “This is an opportunity for me to enjoy the satisfaction of showing I am capable of something. It is really important to me that the project is carried through.” 36

For more information about Here is the challenge!, please contact: riabilitazione@fise.it or info@fisesardegna.com

WOULD YOU TAKE THE RISK? On 1 January 2013 the new FEI Helmet Rule comes into effect. The welfare of athletes is paramount to the FEI and we urge all involved in equestrian sport to promote helmet safety and familiarise themselves with the general and sport specific rules.

Find out more and download free widgets at

www.fei.org/rules/general

The second FEI Sports Forum on 8 and 9 April will bring together individuals and organisations involved in our sport to discuss Jumping, Dressage and Driving rule change proposals and Olympic and Paralympic Games qualification. On the following pages, you can find out more about two of the FEI Sports Forum topics: “The international movement of competition horses” – an area in which National Federations can play an important role to bring about change – and “Dual career”, a topic that deserves serious attention to help equestrian athletes safeguard their futures.

IMD, Lausanne (SUI), venue of the FEI Sports Forum ©IMD

FOCUS 39

International Movement of Competition Horses: time for change The growth of our sport in the past two decades has not been concentrated just in traditional areas such as in North America and Europe, regions with a long traditions of equestrianism, but has occurred across all regions. Its expansion in areas such as Central and South America, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe has highlighted issues related to the international movement of competition horses. Different approaches to health requirements followed by governments are hindering the sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s further development and frequently putting athletes at a disadvantage simply because of their geographical location.

International equestrian events simply cannot take place without horses being moved across borders. In 2012, FEI events around the world totalled 3,379, compared to 295 in 1982.

Issues The international movement of horses is categorised as trade but is also subject to legislation designed to prevent the spread of disease from one country to another. The growth of equestrian sport in emerging regions has highlighted the absence of a harmonised approach and the fact that, in many of these countries, regulations are still based on the assumption that all types of equines carry the same risk. In other words, no difference is made between high-level equine athletes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which are closely monitored and therefore present a low risk of disease â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and slaughter or work horses that could represent a much higher risk. Horses that travel to international competitions usually enter a country temporarily and do not mix with the local equine population. But many countries have no regulatory provisions for the temporary import of animals. Consequently, high-level sport horses undergo the same, often more rigorous quarantine and customs procedures that apply to equines imported to a country permanently. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) was delegated responsibility for the international movement of animals for trade by the World Trade

Organisation. Although most countries in the world have signed up to OIE principles governing the trade of animals and associated health requirements, these principles do not expressly outline the lower risk associated with high level sports horses. In addition, many types of animal movements are subject to OIE-prescribed disease tests for the purpose of trade. As there are very few of these standardised disease tests, countries carry out different tests for the same disease, which can be very confusing and sometimes multiple testing for the same disease takes place. In certain regions of the world, governments are unaware of the significant impact of the horse industry and efforts made to protect the horses at the international high performance level. International equestrian events, such as the Asian Games, South East Asian Games, Bolovarian Games and Caribbean Games, not to mention the Olympic Games, are not only important sporting events, but also showcases for socio-political aspirations. When they take place, they often force governments to look at the FEI veterinary standards that are applied and to realise that performance horses should indeed be treated in a different way to other equines.

FOCUS 41

Recognising financial impact FEI events often last several days or even weeks and generate a lot of money, not only for the tourist industry but also for supporting professions such as saddlers, transporters, catering companies, event specialists and promoters.

The FEI has been working at the highest levels to explain the deficiencies in the current system and the socioeconomic advantages of moving horses internationally to competitions. We have also pointed out that the horse industry is an ideal â&#x20AC;&#x153;pilotâ&#x20AC;? animalrelated industry for demonstrating the benefits of creating a more standardised approach.

The FEI World Equestrian Gamesâ&#x201E;˘ in Kentucky (USA) had a total economic impact of 396 million US dollars (233 million in direct and an estimated 163 million in terms of indirect expenditure). The CHIO in Aachen (GER) brings at least 160 million Euros into the local economy.

We have explained the measures we take to protect horses in and out of competitions through veterinary regulations, officials devoted to welfare and high standards of stabling at events.

The entire horse industry generates a high level of employment. In the UK, the number of jobs associated with horse industry is thought to be equal to those in traditional agriculture. In some areas, such as Normandy in France, the horse industry is the major employer.

FEI takes action The horse industry had never properly described itself to authorities. the way it conducts itself and also the benefits that it brings which means that governments have not sought to adjust often longstanding legislation accordingly. 42

Precautions are necessary to stop the spread of disease among equines and, while we recognise that existing regulations protect our events, as well as the wider horse industry, we have shown government officials that the stringent measures the FEI has in place for events mean that our equine athletes present lower risks than any other horse category. In doing so, we have highlighted that the scientific approach that currently applies to the international movement of competition horses is often not based on a real assessment of the actual risk.

The OIE, a partner of the FEI since 2002, agrees that these areas require further attention and has worked with us to organise conferences to explore them in more detail.

The conference in Panama in December 2012 went further by seeking solutions to the problems identified. Again, it was attended by a large number of government officials and FEI member federations.

A first conference took place in Guadalajara (MEX), where the number of FEI events in the Americas has increased greatly in recent years and our sport is now one of the most predominant. The event was organised to coincide with the Pan-American Games and brought together the NFs attending the competitions, as well as government representatives. Recommendations that arose from the congress led to the creation of an OIE working group to define current constraints to the international movement of competition horses.

As a result of that conference, an official multigovernment recommendation was produced for the OIE to recognise what is becoming known as the high health, high performance horse (HHP). The conference emphasised that while the FEI and OIE needed to create an official category at the international level, this had to be accompanied by a partnership approach between National Federations and their governments.

Two more conferences have taken place in the Americas. One was devoted to animal quarantine and highlighted the difficulties for health officials to differentiate between top-level competition horses and higher risk horses. It also demonstrated the need to establish equal quarantine periods in the Americas, where a survey had shown differences of up to 20 days between countries.

Working together To consolidate the efforts of the FEI and OIE to produce international guidelines for the international movement of competition horses and for managing international events. National Federations must also start working in a consistent way to bring about change in the industry at the national level. The session devoted to the International Movement of Competition Horses at the FEI Sports Forum will outline a roadmap for National Federations, to enable them to take concrete steps to bring about change.

Working together... Develop guidelines and remove reasons for constraints

â&#x20AC;Śfor the temporary import and export of fei horses for international competition

FEI establishes rules / standards for FEI competitions

OIE recommends guidelines for member countries

Develop National Regulations National Federations

National Competitions

Work together to develop national regulations and educate the equestrian sport industry

Government Veterinary Department

Horse Industry FOCUS 43

Dual Career is there life after sports? The increasing professionalisation of sport means that athletes dedicate most of their time to training and competition. Particularly at an age where others are starting their professional education, they face the problem of combining intense sports training and competition with professional or academic education.

The question of a dual career often arises early in life. At school, children with great sport talent are faced with the combined pressures of education and sports training. In some countries, the introduction of sport boarding schools has helped to address this issue. But school is just the beginning. When compulsory education is behind them, most athletes juggle their sports training with education or employment. Frequently, they are forced to choose between the two. Governmental institutions and any responsible sports organisation should assist and guide athletes during their sports careers and provide them with opportunities to qualify for the job market so they can safeguard their futures.

Experience gained during a sports career is considered valuable but is no guarantee for finding a job. Athletes, like anyone else, need formal qualifications. Sport only provides a limited number of formal qualifications(eg coaching licences). It must initiate access to institutions in other sectors of the society so that athletes can obtain professional diplomas. For this, agreements must be made between the sport and the education sector or the labour market. Educational establishments need to be flexible with regard to study times, attendance and examinations. Such agreements would secure the future of equestrian competition sport by ensuring that new generations of athletes can compete at their peak performance age with the reassurance that they are not jeopardising their futures outside the arena.

Athletes’ support teams (coaches, agents, etc) need to be informed, trained and supported on dual career, as it is they who are closest to the athletes and responsible for their performance-related careers. Athletes who are juggling education and sport would benefit from support such as psychological services, education counselling or careers advice. The entire education sector has a significant influence on whether athletes can be enabled to obtain credits, participate in classes or sit examinations in coordination with their sport-dictated calendars. Schools (for younger athletes), entities offering vocational training and higher education institutions can significantly enhance opportunities for a dual career by offering flexible and accessible education programmes.

CHALLENGES The employment sector is not yet unified in its understanding of what athletes experience during their sports careers and of the skills that can be transferred to the workplace. Furthermore, national regulations relating to job requirements, education standards, social security and health insurance schemes differ from country to country, so there is no such thing as a dual career “model”. Different systems may be required to offer possibilities to athletes to make the smooth transition from the arena to employment. WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN DESIGNING DUAL CAREER PROGRAMMES? First, there is the sport itself. National sports authorities, national sports federations and sport clubs could adjust their policies from a pure competition focus and systemically incorporate dual career support for their athletes.

Higher education: example of good practice* Vrije Universiteit Brussel has developed an individualised study path, “Elite Sport Career”, within its Physical Education Master’s programme. Elite athletes learn how to apply theoretical knowledge and skills (eg sport psychology, biomechanics, anatomy, management) to the analysis, evaluation and development of different aspects of their own dual careers. They prepare for post-athletic careers (eg as coaches, sport managers, PE teachers or fitness managers) and use these skills to optimise their dual careers while still at university.

National sport-specific education institutions (sport boarding schools, sport universities, academies or training centres) need to cooperate closely with sports organisations and local governments. FOCUS 45

Combination of work and sport: examples of good practice* Increasingly, online education is considered to be an ideal tool, as it allows athletes to study wherever they are (competitions, training camps) and whenever they have time. Ideally, online education providers could share investments in content development with the relevant sports authorities.

In Germany, a pool of companies offers traineeships and employment that are compatible with full-time competitive sport. The Sports Aid Foundation provides financial compensation for loss of earnings to companies that employ athletes.

If athletes are already working, their employers play an important role in providing them with a flexible framework. Typical examples are the public sector (army or police), sport organisations and companies involved in sport as sponsors.

The Gaelic Athletic Association and Gaelic Players Association cooperate in a player welfare programme that allows Gaelic football players and hurdlers across Ireland to access to a career development programme that includes a “Career Start-up Package”, a “Career Development Package”, “Business Mentoring”, “Business Start-up & Development” and “Up Skilling”.

Team Denmark cooperates with a ‘golden network’ of companies that offer world-class athletes flexible jobs. In close cooperation with Olympic Committees in several Member States, Adecco offers athletes flexible part-time positions that take account of their schedules.

Thomas Batliner (LIE), Olympic Jumping riderturned-businessman, will share his experience at the FEI Sports Forum

Transition to a post-sport career: example of good practice* The Finnish “Sports Academy Network” informs athletes about the services available to them including additional advice on job placement services (www. huippu-urheilija.fi).

Retirement from sport is a critical phase, whether it is planned or forced, for example, by a serious injury. In the latter case, athletes frequently rely on the guidance and initiatives provided by the sports sector.

Financial Support: Examples of good practice* Elite athletes often benefit from access to complementary health services provided to national teams or squads. An athlete’s general health risks and the possibility of frequent chronic injuries (sportrelated back or knee injuries, etc) require adequate support systems. This particularly applies to very young athletes or those with disabilities. When opting for a sports career, athletes take risks that are not only health-related but also financial. Most athletes do not earn a living from sport. Scholarships, foundations or private sponsors are some of the financial support systems that exist to allow them to concentrate on training.

Social security, health protection and pension plans: examples of good practice* In Luxembourg, the State subscribes an insurance policy protecting all athletes who own a licence issued by a national sports association. This insurance covers injuries related to sports activity. The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) introduced the Provident Fund for Athlete Insurance SPORTASS, which provides insurance cover and welfare payments for sports injuries. SPORTASS applies to professional athletes who are members of the ‘Olympic Club’.

Sport Aid Austria supports 460 Olympic and non-Olympic athletes in five categories. In Germany, some 3,800 talented and elite athletes receive support from a Sport Aid budget totalling between 10 and 12 million euros per year (65 per cent from donations, events, funding; 20 per cent from lotteries and 15 per cent from a sport stamp). In Bulgaria, athletes on the national elite athletes programme in preparation for the Olympic Games receive monthly support (depending on medals won). Olympic medal winners receive sport pensions.

Many athletes don’t think about social security payments and pension plans. Competent advice from experts of the social sector helps former athletes who join the labour force from running into problems when they retire.

To summarise, the benefits of a dual career programme include athletes’ well-being, development of life skills in sport, the transfer of life skills to jobs, shorter transition periods from a career as an athlete to employment, and improved job prospects At the FEI Sports Forum, former Olympic Jumping rider Thomas Batliner and Claudia Bokel, Chair of the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission are among the speakers who will explore the topic “Dual Career: preparing athletes for the workplace”.

*Source, examples of good practice: Sport Unit of the Directorate-General for Education and Culture of the European Commission: EU Guidelines on Dual Careers of Athletes - Recommended Policy Actions in Support of Dual Careers in High-Performance Sport. Internet resource http://ec.europa.eu/sport/library/documents/c3/dual-career-guidelines-final.pdf

FOCUS 47

NEW FEI TV WEBSITE UPGRADES EQUESTRIAN VIEWING

www.feitv.org 48

A total revamp of the FEI’s official video website FEI TV (www.feitv.org) means its huge following of loyal users will benefit from a variety of exciting additional features and options. Thanks to what is known as “adaptive live streaming”, action from most of the equestrian events and competitions can be enjoyed in up to high definition (HD) quality, depending on visitors’ internet connections. The start of many of the live broadcasts from around the world will be displayed in viewers’ local times, while countdown clocks will indicate exactly when the live service will be available. Equestrian fans who miss the live streams, are in different time zones or simply want to experience the events again, can watch instant and full replays of most transmissions for up to seven days.

Live coverage to look forward to spans edge-ofseat action in all seven FEI disciplines and includes inspiring performances from the FEI’s most prestigious series and championships. For the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014, the FEI TV team is planning its biggest ever operation, with the aim of offering viewers more than 200 hours of live coverage from Normandy. A diversity of equestrian heroes are profiled on FEI TV’s magazine programmes, which also take viewers behind the scenes and explore fascinating topics related to our unique sport.

Additional content ranges from live streaming of the FEI General Assembly and different congresses linked to the organisation, to corporate clips and programmes related to FEI campaigns (for example, Clean Sport) or to initiatives such as FEI Solidarity. Access to FEI TV’s extensive video archive has been enhanced with much more user-friendly search and navigation functions. The new FEI TV website will integrate the FEI TV YouTube channel, which offers various dedicated playlists. Digital social media plug-ins will allow users to connect instantly to the many existing equestrian communities and share viewing experiences. A new App Centre groups the FEI’s popular smartphone applications, which can be downloaded to users’ devices. FEI apps range from the essential Equine

Prohibited Substances List app to those devoted to Dressage tests, Eventing and Para-Equestrian Dressage. The recently-launched “FEI TV on the Go” mobile app is, of course, listed too and incorporates many of the features of the new FEI TV website. The number of visitors to www.feitv.org has grown continuously since the website was launched in 2009. The new version is expected to go live in April and will enhance viewing and user experience considerably.

FOCUS 49

Live Broadcast Schedule * MARCH – JUNE 2013 1 March

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping

from Wellington (USA)

16 March

Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage

from s’Hertogenbosch (NED)

March

Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping

from s’Hertogenbosch (NED)

17 March

FEI World Cup Vaulting Final

from Braunschweig (GER)

April

Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping - Final 1

from Gothenburg (SWE)

April

Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage - Final 1

from Gothenburg (SWE)

April

Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping - Final 2

from Gothenburg (SWE)

April

Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage - Final 2

from Gothenburg (SWE)

April

HSBC FEI Classics™- Rolex-3-Day-Event-XCross Phase

from Lexington (USA)

April

Rolex FEI World Cup™- Jumping - Final 3

from Gothenburg (SWE)

April

HSBC FEI Classics™ - Rolex-3-Day-Event - Jumping Phase

from Lexington (USA)

5 May

HSBC FEI Classics - Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials - XCross Phase

from Badminton (GBR)

6 May 17 May

HSBC FEI Classics - Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials - Jumping Phase Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping

from Badminton (GBR)

24 May

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping

from Rome (ITA)

May

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping

from St. Gallen (SUI)

June

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping

from Spruce Meadows (CAN)

15 June

HSBC FEI Classics™ - XCross Phase

from Luhmuhlen (GER)

™

from La Baule (FRA)

June

HSBC FEI Classics - Jumping Phase

from Luhmuhlen (GER)

June

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping

Rotterdam (NED)

June

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping

Aachen (GER)

™

*all to be confirmed

on the Go The new “FEI TV on the Go” mobile application for iPads is now available for subscribers free of charge. Versions for iPhones and Android operating systems will be available later this year.

WATCH LIVE ! WATCH ONLINE !

www.feitv.org The official video website of the Fédération Equestre Internationale

FEI TV is the FEI’s new official video website and your ticket to the world’s most prestigious competitions. Sign-up to FEI TV (www.feitv.org) and get instant access to all the live broadcasts, the extensive video-on-demand library, all the highlights, the behind the scenes reports, the interviews and so much more. Be at the heart of horsesport. Join us ! 2823_1FEI_TV_Focus_165x226.indd 1

TV 17.05.10 11:24

HSBC FEI CLASSICS 2012/13 The series works on a system whereby riders gain points at each of the above events they compete in. The rider with the highest number of points at the end of the season is the HSBC FEI ClassicsTM Champion, recieving the biggest prize fund in the sport. (US $150,000) The five riders with the greatest number of points are awarded prize money: Congratulations to William Fox-Pitt (GBR) for clinching the 2012 HSBC FEI ClassicsTM Champion Title.

HSBC World Rankings Leader Armband

First introduced in 2008, the HSBC FEI ClassicsTM Series is the pinnacle of international Eventing. The 2012/13 season will include six 4 star Three Day Events taking place in Europe, USA and Australia: 24–28 OCTOBER 2012 – Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) 22–25 NOVEMBER 2012 – Australian International 3 Day Event (AUS) 25–28 APRIL 2013 – Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) 3–6 MAY 2013 – Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) 13–16 JUNE 2013 – Luhmühlen CCI 4*(GER) 5–8 SEPTEMBER 2013 – Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR)

www.fei.org/hsbc/hsbc-fei-classics

In 2011, HSBC, in partnership with the FEI, introduced a rider armband to help eventing fans identify the current leader in the HSBC World Rankings. The armband is worn by the leading rider at all ClassicsTM events, in addition to 3* and 2* competitions. New Zealander Andrew Nicholson (pictured) finished top of the 2012 Rankings and currently leads the way with 627 points.