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 construc- tive. 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 compe- tition 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. Follow us on Table of Contents

04 Globetrotter 16 London 2012 Hoof Legacy Olympic equestrian leagacy

09 Furusiyya FEI 20 Postcard from Nations CupTM Thailand Jumping A new format for a historic series 12 FEI World CupTM 22 Introducing... Driving Final Chrystine Jones Tauber Pure Adrenaline

12

02 Impressum - Focus N° 12 - April 2013 Circulation 2,500 Contact / Advertising FEI - Fédération Equestre Internationale Frequency Quarterly [email protected] HM King Hussein I Building Editor in Chief Marianne Burkhardt Chemin de la Joliette 8 Design / Art Equestrio SA - S.Rochat 1006 Lausanne Printing Grafiche SIZ - Italy T. +41 21 310 47 47 Cover Appaloosa Equine F. +41 21 310 47 60 Creative Agency www.fei.org

24 A life in a day 38 FEI Insight Laurent Cellier The second FEI Sports Forum

26 Improving performance 48 New FEI TV website Getting fit to ride

30 FEI Solidarity 50 FEI TV Here is the challenge! Live broadcast schedule 2013

30 38

FOCUS 03 04 FEI President HRH Princess Haya and Mrs Nayla Hayek, Chair of the of the Chair Hayek, Nayla Mrs and Haya Princess HRH President FEI the historic multi-million Euro partnership between the FEI and the the and FEI the between partnership Euro multi-million historic the Board of Directors of the Swatch Group, celebrating the signing of signing the celebrating Group, Swatch of the of Directors Board Swiss watchmaker Longines in Lausanne (SUI) on 15 January. January. 15 on (SUI) Lausanne in Longines watchmaker Swiss LONGINES FORMALISES RECORD 10-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FEI Exciting video content and photos galore galore photos and content video Exciting TO GO DIGITAL ONLY ! sion, free of charge from The Apple Store. Apple The from charge of free sion, ver iPad an or www.fei.org, from loadable down PC, or Apple for version a desktop between to choose able be will you 2013, July From editions. print the replace will that magazine Focus FEI digital-only new the of advantages major the of two just are

© Sandro Campado/FEI - - 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, ([email protected]) 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 d’Equitation in Saumur (FRA) in December. NFs interested in hosting a Level 1 course for coaches in Vaulting in 2013 can find the syllabus and application form on www.fei.org.

05 CONFERENCE IN ITALY EXPLORES BEST TRAINING METHODS

Medical, physiological and physical aspects of equine and human athletes were identified and explored at a conference organised by the Italian Equestrian Federation in Verona on 11 and 12 March. The conference followed the success of a similar event in Rome last year. It aimed to raise awareness among riders, instructors and other equestrian stakeholders of the importance of prioritising training methods and physical preparation for horses and riders to enhance sports performance, while respecting and protecting the physical well-being of both.

© V.Unt

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 horse- lovers 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 © Swedish Equestrian Federation Initiative of the Year Award. 06 HSBC FEI CLASSICS™ SERIES RESUMES IN THE USA

©Peter Nixon/FEI ©Peter 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

Follow us on

FOCUS 07 BRINGING EQUESTRIAN SPORTS TO SCREENS EVERYWHERE © AFP

+41 22 717 20 20 www.eurovision.net

__OK_NEW_EV_165x226mm_FEI_2012.indd 1 18.10.2012 11:48:10 Furusiyya FEI Nations CupTM Jumping BRINGING EQUESTRIAN SPORTS TO SCREENS EVERYWHERE © AFP © FEI/Neville Hopwood FEI/Neville ©

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 Pictured above: The Dutch team, winners of the first leg of the inaugural and lower will compete in a consolation competition 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 (competition two). Poels and Maikel van der Vleuten.

+41 22 717 20 20 www.eurovision.net FOCUS 09

__OK_NEW_EV_165x226mm_FEI_2012.indd 1 18.10.2012 11:48:10 Furusiyya FEI Nations CupTM Jumping

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

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

EUROPE Division 1 Division 2 8 CSIOs 11 CSIOs 6 slots for the Final 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 CupTM Driving Final Pure Adrenaline FEI World Cup™ Driving Final 2013

Skill, determination, courage, incredible pace, missing out on the five World Cup titles in a communication, team work and nerves of row, Exell was satisfied with his performance: steel were all on display in Bordeaux for the “At this level, you have to have all your FEI World Cup™ Driving Final where the world’s ducks in a row, everything has to be spot on. best drivers met for their final FEI World I threatened Koos and my team tried their Cup™ 2012/2013 encounter to determine who hardest, but it is usually easier for them. would take home the annual prize. All eyes I still put down the fastest time in the were on four-time winner, Australia’s Boyd winning round. But to come second with Exell and his perfectly tuned team, but they one ball down and a difference of just could not match the picture perfect, fault free two seconds to Koos is nothing to be rounds by the Netherlands Koos de Ronde on ashamed of.” the final day, and had to settle for second place behind the flying Dutchman. Despite just Koos de Ronde (NED), All photos © FEI/David Sinclair

FOCUS 13 József Dobrovitz (HUN) Boyd Exell (AUS)

Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) Thibault Coudry (FRA)

For Koos De Ronde , the victory was a long time carrier broke down halfway through the course coming,“It is just a great feeling that I finally did it! and to prevent the horses from tripping on the I had finished just behind Boyd so many times and loose harness, lost valuable time to take fourth it is amazing that it all came together for me here in place. The third Dutchman competing in the final, Bordeaux. In indoor Driving, everybody can win, but Theo Timmerman put on a good performance but the jigsaw puzzle has to fit together. I started this following a tough round on the first day could not indoor season with the same team of horses with make up the lost time and had to settle for fifth which I had finished third in the Final last year, but place. it was not working anymore. I am really pleased that I found the right shape in time so I could qualify for Wild card driver Thibault Coudry (FRA) defended the Final. To win this gives me a real boost!” his fifth place bravely, but made too many mistakes in the second half of the course and finished Third place went to Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) and sixth. Bordeaux was not Tomas Eriksson’s (SWE) his team of Lipizzaner horses. Also driving a team competition. The double world champion and of Lipizzaner horses, József Dobrovitz was unlucky multiple Swedish champion could not find his usual in the final, having to hold back when a trace fast rhythm and finished last in seventh place.

Theo Timmerman (NED) and Tomas Eriksson (SWE) Tomas Eriksson (SWE) TWO FABULOUS FINALS

GOTHENBURG (SWE) 24 - 28 APRIL 2013 ©FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst ©FEI/Arnd ©FEI/Kit Houghton ©FEI/Kit

Rich Fellers, defending champion of Adelinde Cornelissen, defending the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping, with champion of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Flexible. 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 Equestrian Olympic Legacy is getting

Involved The Games have now been and gone. There were Central to the Hoof Legacy campaign has been the medals galore, records smashed and history books launch of Hoofride.co.uk, the online portal launched rewritten. All this ensured that equestrianism enjoyed in April 2012 that is designed to provide a ‘one-stop a higher profile than ever before. shop’ for visitors to find out how, where and why they should pick up the reins and become involved in riding, Recent figures released by Sport England show that driving or vaulting. equestrianism is among the top 10 participation sports in England, with around 331,000 people aged The Hoof portal, which received nearly 50,000 page 16 or over riding, driving or vaulting for more than 30 views during August - at the height of the Olympics, minutes a week (October 2012). There is plenty more continues to be an invaluable resource for new and evidence that riding is on the up and the London 2012 existing riders. Its interactive nature allows users to Hoof Legacy is delivering results. 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 In December 2011, assist riders of all abilities to passion for horses. Among the British Equestrian locate – in just a few clicks the schools participating – equestrian retailers, in TBTR is Grove House Federation (BEF) unveiled bridleways information, Stables Equestrian Centre its London 2012 Olympic volunteering opportunities, in Yorkshire. Its proprietor and more. Andrew Stennett reported and Paralympic Hoof Legacy that the weekly course has plans at the London Andrew Finding, Chief proved very popular. He International Horse Show, Executive of the BEF commented: “We have found commented: “The success that there are a lot of parents Olympia. 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 people 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 18 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 a horse burns up to 360 calories per hour, while jumping,” she says. “Even if I never reach the dizzy mucking out burns up 80 calories per 10 minutes. heights of competing, I have achieved more in the last few months than I’d have thought possible – and But it is not only the physical benefits that make my health has benefited hugely.” riding such a healthy pastime. Evidence has long suggested that physical exercise promotes well- Recent research carried out by The British Horse being benefits linked to changes in mood, anxiety Society (BHS) proved that riding can expend sufficient levels and self-esteem. energy to be classed as moderate-intensity exercise. This is the level of activity that, when achieved for 150 The BHS research demonstrated quantitatively that minutes a week, is said to keep you healthy. riding a horse stimulates positive mental feelings – 80 per cent of respondents said that riding made them In terms of hard statistics, hacking out burns feel “quite a lot” or “extremely” cheerful, relaxed, approximately 240 calories per hour, schooling happy or active.

Follow Hoofride FOCUS 19 POSTCARD FROM THAÏLAND

Interview with Mr Harald Link President of the Thailand Equestrian Federation

Is equestrian sport concentrated in cer- a. TEF Coaching Course Training Programme because tain areas of Thailand? If so, where? we believe that the instructors should be well quali- There are more than 50 clubs throughout all of Thai- fied so that our riders can progress to their full poten- land, including the south, east coast and the north. tial. We asked international experts to educate our Equestrian sport is mostly concentrated around Bang- local instructors to raise the standards of training kok because of the ease of communications, transpor- in Thailand. tation and a large population of riders and spectators. b. FEI Coaching Course Training Programme because we want to maintain an international standard for The Thai Equestrian Federation joined the our FEI coaches. Some of our instructors have now FEI in 1983. How has the sport developed reached level 2. since then in terms of participation, c. Apart from earning a double gold medal from the diversity and the disciplines practised? SEA Games Eventing in 2007 and 2011, and a silver In the beginning, the TEF had only three disciplines – medal at the Guang Zhou Asian Games, we also have Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing. Eventing is a core a second Olympian rider who joined in the London discipline that has continuously us earned medals Olympic Games. and is still thriving today. In the TEF, the number of d. The Federation is run transparently. It is open to riders has increased as well as the number of riding riders, parents, spectators and clubs for input on all clubs. New disciplines have been introduced, which decision-making. This allows for an open and con- are Endurance and the newest addition, Reining. The structive environment, thereby bettering the TEF. TEF has participated in national and international events such as SEA Games, Asian Games and the Does the Thai Equestrian Federation make Olympic Games. any particular efforts to promote the sport? TEF makes significant efforts to promote horse Are you particularly proud of any pro- riding in Thailand. Specifically, the Horse-riding TV jects that the Thai Equestrian Federa- programme, which is aired three to four times per tion has developed? week. The production team joined in events and visited There are so many things that we have done and are clubs to show and introduce the sport to keen Thais. proud of. Here are a few: Sometimes, we focus on the rising star riders

20 ©Harald Link

FACTS & FIGURES Jumping - CSIW / CSI1* / FEI Children International President: Mr Harald Link (since 2009) / WJC Cat. A B and C Secretary General: Colonel Fuangvich Dressage - WDC Aniruth-Deva Eventing - CCI* / CIC ** / CNC* 5 permanent members of staff work at the TEF Endurance - CEI* 55 riding clubs / associations are members of 5 equestrian disciplines are practised: the TEF Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Endurance and 475 affiliated riders Reining. 9 international equestrian events took place 1,085 registered sport horses in Thailand in 2012: More than 1,500 leisure riding horses and ponies

as inspiration to the younger generations. Thailand opened their sport quota to allow for schol- The TEF also promotes horse riding through the arships in horse-riding. social media because it is easy to reach the younger generations and it is an easy channel for linking What is the Thai Equestrian Federation people to the sport. focusing its efforts on in 2013? In 2013, The TEF is focusing its efforts on the SEA How are young people encouraged to take Games in Myanmar to earn medals and also to support up equestrian sport? Myanmar and Cambodia. Our goal extends beyond The younger generation is encouraged to take up the Thailand and the Games will ultimately affect the sport through exposure to events, specifically the development of horse-riding in Thailand as well. Once Equestrian Ball and the University Games. The Eques- our fellow SEA Nations can raise their standards, there trian Ball began two years ago as a gala to present will be more competitions for Thailand to take part in awards to young riders for their achievements and to and a higher standard to compete at. the country’s best rider of the year. This can encour- age young people to find a role model to follow in the How would you like to see equestrian sport and maintain interest. After high school, stu- sport developing in Thailand over the dents tend to lack interest due to tough studies. Origi- next 20 years? nally, university sports did not include horse-riding but We would like to expand the attractiveness and afford- we proposed initiating the sport into the University ability of the Thai equestrian environment so that, by Sport Authority of Thailand to allow riders to main- 2030, we have 100,000 enthusiastic riders. In terms tain their work and demonstrate their hard-earned of sports results, we would like Thailand to become abilities. After just one year, the many universities in one of the top three riding nations in Asia.

FOCUS 21 Introducing... 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.

Chrystine What objectives have you set for the USEF over the next four years? Jones Tauber The USEF is now nine years old and is in a position to launch several new initiatives to grow and improve USEF President our sport. Firstly, we must grow and retain our mem- bership and we have started several new programmes Chrystine Jones Tauber took on the role of President on our website to allow our members to create their of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in own page and dictate how they want to receive infor- January of this year following her unanimous elec- mation. Our website is the portal to all 27 breeds and tion in August 2012. She succeeds Olympic Eventing disciplines making up the USEF family, so it needs gold medallist David O’Connor, who is now the U.S. to be fully interactive. We are also in a position to Eventing team coach. increase our marketing efforts for our horse sports and are particularly excited about the tremendous The new USEF President has been active in most success of the USEF Network and the greater visi- aspects of horse sports including U.S. Jumping team bility and sponsorship opportunities it will provide. rider, judge, trainer, course designer, marketing and Of great importance is the restructuring of the organi- management. She rode on U.S. Jumping teams 1965- sation that we are about to undergo which will reduce 1968, winning the Grand Prix of Cologne and the the size of the Board of Directors and create three President’s Cup in Washington, D.C., second in the new Councils under the Board where all our breeds Grand Prix of Lucerne and was a member of numer- and disciplines will be working together to create ous winning FEI Nation’s Cup teams. programmes and develop budgets to support those endeavours. This will greatly improve our commu- Congratulations on your election. What inspired nications and operations with our affiliate organisa- you to present yourself for the presidency of the tions and the overall effectiveness of the Federation. USEF? In addition, we would like to increase the number of I have been actively involved in all aspects of the FEI International events in the United States and cre- sport for several decades, and through great men- ate more high level competitive opportunities for our torship was able to develop important leadership FEI International Disciplines. and business skills in this industry. After having rid- den in international competition as a member of the What programmes/initiatives have been put in U.S. Equestrian Team’s Jumping squad, I began judg- place to achieve those objectives? ing horse shows and designing courses and earned We have been working with consulting companies my FEI licences in 1977. I served as Director of Show and have instituted the “MyUSEFMyWay” on the Fed- Jumping at the USET and managed all the Olympic eration website to improve our member experience Disciplines at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games, and interaction with the Federation. Our Marketing the 1983 and 1987 Pan Am Games and the FEI World Committee is developing a strategic plan to market Championships and European tours. the sport and further develop sponsorship oppor- Subsequent positions included Executive Director tunities. The Planning Committee has just finished of the American Horse Shows Association, and the work on the restructuring of the Federation and is National Horse Show in New York. More recently I now working on several short term strategic issues served as Secretary of the USEF and Vice President regarding our office facilities, service capabilities of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association. I felt I could and efficiency. We will be working with the Compe-

22 tition Management Committee to explore ways to If you could change/improve one thing in the U.S. raise the standards of our events at all levels, and to equestrian landscape, what would it be? provide opportunity for new top level events to fit We are very excited about the opportunities we in to the calendar. have in using technology to improve education on all fronts. Through greater education we will be able How does USEF inspire youth and compete against to provide better qualified and informed officials, other sports for their attention? improved care of our equine partners, increase the Many of our affiliates have good youth programmes opportunities in the equestrian job market, elevate and we will be working together to develop new ini- the skills of our riders and trainers, develop an edu- tiatives for our junior and young riders programmes. cated public, ultimately raising the sport to exciting One very successful new initiative is that of the and new levels. World Cup program for Saddle Seat Equitation. The FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Champion- ships 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 interna- tional 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 today’s youth but only equestrian has the allure of the horse.

Chrystine Jones on the Irish – bred mare FRU, loaned to the USET by Mr & Mrs Patrick Butler. Aachen, 1966. FOCUS 23 ©Marie-Christine Chantrait A lifeina day coordinating sport,education andtrainingforyoungpeople. French NationalFederation beforeworkingforalocalauthority, This formerridinginstructor wastechnicaldirectorforthe the AlltechFEIWorld EquestrianGames Laurent Cellierofficiallytookontherole ofSportsDirector Laurent Cellier www.normandie2014.com ™ 2014inJanuary2012. “ There is not a single The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 will moment when I don’t bring together eight championships in one place for a global event, which means that my job is very think about the Games ” diverse and challenging. It is important to me that we organise an event that arouses the enthusiasm and emotion of everyone who sees it. In the afternoon, there are meetings with the discipline managers. I often visit the venues with all the team to I started riding when I was eight and I’ll never be good validate my decisions. Every week, there is a big meet- enough to go to the Olympic Games, so for me, the FEI ing with the whole team to decide our work schedule. World Equestrian GamesTM are my “Olympic Games”! Recently, I went to the Haras du Pin, because we are My day starts when I get up 6.30am. I often work out doing a lot of work on footing for the Eventing at the of office but if I’m in, I arrive at 8am. I live in a little Games and I needed to see how it was progressing. village in Normandy, just eight kilometres from the The Technical Delegate came to France to confirm office, which is very practical. I have an hour alone the training area and stables. We will do the same for to plan the day and put on paper decisions that have Dressage – there is a lot of consultation at this stage. to be made. I have a master plan to ensure that the It’s important that I speak to different organising Games to take place in the best possible conditions committees about competitions, so I try to go to one and I have to make two important decisions each day. important event every month. I’ve been to Bordeaux, I need to keep everyone informed about the decisions Lyon and Pau and last year I went to Aachen to see I make, as they may have an impact on other sectors how everything is organised and to talk with the riders. of the overall organisation. I now have to present the organisation of the Games to riders because I am organising the event for them, Teamwork is very important to me. There are eight the owners and the public and it’s essential to me to sports managers – one per discipline. I have three hear their opinions. people on my team – one assistant, one person dealing with facilities for NFs and one for sports I finish work at 7pm, unless I have a meeting in the matters. In March, three more people will join us - one evening. That happens one or two evenings a week, for veterinary matters, one for volunteers and one for as many people involved have other jobs. At home, horse facilities. At the moment we are working on I eat and have a quiet moment with my wife and the sports arenas, schedules, sanitation, stables and children. but there is not a single moment when I don’t veterinary matters. 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 The upcoming test event is a very important time for I read and try to decompress. Every weekend, when the team and will be devoted to Eventing, Endurance I’m at home, I help my children with their homework and Driving. We will test the volunteer team and find – it’s become a family ritual. solutions to any issues that may arise. There will also be meetings with heads of the delegations from each I go to bed between 10.30 and 11pm. Do I dream about country and we’ll give information to National Feder- the Games? It’s funny, because the image that comes ations on the organisation of the Games. to my mind all the time is not the competitions but the closing ceremony. I know that it will be a moment Lunch isn’t really important to me - I prefer to eat of intense emotion. I will have been working towards in the evening with my family. I have two sons aged it for nearly three years and, just like a rider who pre- six and eight and they mean a lot to me. I book a pares for an event, the closing ceremony will, for me, special day each month in my diary to do something be a mixture of relief and the satisfaction of having special with them. 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, it’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 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. ©Kit Houghton

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 Get to ride 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 cross- country 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.

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! ©FEI/Karl-Heinz Frieler ©FEI/Karl-Heinz 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)

28 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, ©FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst etc. Moreover, I have a sports psy- chologist running along during my two-hour workout, so he can see what happens to me mentally and then work on that as well ! Adelinde Cornelissen (NED)

Speed can be developed through the practice of other Physical preparation that is combined with a healthy sports requiring a combination of rapid movements, lifestyle including a dietary and hydration programme excellent motor skills and anticipation. In other words, will play a significant role in sports performance, sports such as fencing, tennis, table tennis or sports particularly in stressful situations such as those that involve driving a vehicle. 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 30 Here is the Challenge!

FEI Solidarity is supporting a project for multiple sclerosis sufferers in Sardinia that combines riding therapy, competition training and research.

All photos © FEI/Carlo Livi. From left to right: Elena, Daniele, Giovanna, Alberto

FOCUS 31 Alberto, 36, grins and raises a determined clenched Here is the challenge! officially began in November fist when he is asked how he feels about competing 2012, after the riders underwent medical check-ups in equestrian sport. He obviously enjoys a challenge, and a training programme was drawn up. which is not surprising for a man who played foot- ball from an early age and refereed matches until two “Riding gives me self-esteem, which is helping me years ago. That was when the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to overcome some critical moments in my life,” he was diagnosed with at the age of 33, took its grip says Alberto. “I like the mutual trust between me and he began to tire very quickly. and the horses.”

Severe fatigue is one of the symptoms of MS, which affects one in 708 people in Sardinia – 0.141 per cent WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS? of a population of 1,675,411. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic dis- Alberto is one of six riders selected from five thera- ease of the central nervous system, which peutic equestrian centres in Sardinia to take part in damages the myelin sheaths surrounding a pilot project called Here is the challenge! The pro- nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This ject, supported by FEI Solidarity, combines scientific impairs how well nerves conduct impulses, research with riding therapy and competitive train- affecting a person’s motor, sensory and ing. It aims to demonstrate that MS suffers can not even cognitive functions. The causes of only improve benefit physically from riding therapy MS are unknown, but genetic and envi- but can also obtain good results in competition . ronmental factors are suspected of hav- ing some role. The impact of MS on a per- son’s ability to participate in everyday activities varies greatly. After a six-month riding therapy programme, Alberto In 2011, Stefania and Maria Grazia Sechi, president and his fellow project participants will be trained to of the Sardinian Regional Committee of the compete. The organisers of the project hope they will Italian Equestrian Federation, brought together be able to take part in a Level 1 international Para- 120 neurologists, psychologists, sports medicine Dressage competition, which will be organised in specialists and other scientists from universities Sardinia in June 2014 when the project ends. in Sardinia to talk about the possibilities of riding therapy for MS sufferers. The idea of setting up a Alberto is enthusiastic about the training. “People research project was born. 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.” Riding gives me Here is the challenge! is the brainchild of psychiatrist Stefania Cerino, who has studied and researched self-esteem, which therapeutic riding since 1977 and is the editor of is helping me to the Italian Equestrian Federation’s handbook on the subject. 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 Scientific data gathered during Here is the challenge! the project with the technicalities of Para-equestrian will be analysed and presented at a congress. It is Dressage, including FEI rules and competition judging. hoped that the programme implemented during the project will be offered to other MS sufferers in The riders’ cardiovascular control and physical the future. capacities such as posture and balance (which can be severely affected by MS), will be monitored. Here is the challenge!, which is budgeted at 80,000 A biomechanical experiment is being conducted, euros, has been presented to potential sponsors but, whereby the pressure between the riders and horses to date, FEI Solidarity is the only organisation that has is measured at regular intervals. given any financial assistance. Stefania is optimistic. “The first donor is always the most difficult to find,” “The data will give a picture of what is happening she says. “FEI Solidarity’s backing will help us to and we will be able to see which muscles can be secure further support.” improved,” explains Stefania. “We can provide better training because we will know exactly what Elena is a vivacious 36-year-old who was selected for is happening to each muscle.” the project. She developed MS symptoms at the age of 22 and eventually had to give up her job. A long The horses ridden throughout the project will be period of depression followed, during which she had regularly examined by the project’s veterinarian and no desire to do anything. She had ridden sporadically will undergo stress measurements and behavioural as a child because “everybody in Sardinia rides” and evaluations. 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 “The promotion of meaningful to her. “I will be a pioneer,” she says. “I will be useful and it is important for me to help the project means other people. The promotion of the project means that other people will see me and think ‘If she can that other people do it, so can I’”.

will see me and think Elena’s eyes sparkle when she talks about the project. ‘If she can do it, “When I ride, I am able-bodied again,” she says. “I use the horse like my legs, close my eyes and feel free.” so can I” Elena

34

“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! For more information about

Forty-six-year-old Giovanna was diagnosed with MS Here is the challenge!, please when she was 22 and has had riding therapy since contact: [email protected] 2007. She finds the prospect of competing daunting but says it has given her an aim. “People who have a or [email protected] 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 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 specifi c rules.

Find out more and download free widgets at www.fei.org/rules/general

WYTTR_Ice_format_165x226.indd 1 14/12/2012 13:15 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.

38 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 International equestrian has not been concentrated just in traditional areas such as in North America and Europe, regions events simply cannot with a long traditions of equestrianism, but has take place without horses occurred across all regions. Its expansion in areas such as Central and South America, Asia, Africa being moved across borders. and Eastern Europe has highlighted issues related In 2012, FEI events to the international movement of competition horses. Different approaches to health requirements around the world totalled followed by governments are hindering the sport’s 3,379, compared to further development and frequently putting athletes at a disadvantage simply because of their 295 in 1982. geographical location.

40 Issues Organisation. Although most countries in the world The international movement of horses is categorised have signed up to OIE principles governing the trade as trade but is also subject to legislation designed to of animals and associated health requirements, these prevent the spread of disease from one country to principles do not expressly outline the lower risk another. The growth of equestrian sport in emerging associated with high level sports horses. regions has highlighted the absence of a harmonised approach and the fact that, in many of these countries, In addition, many types of animal movements are regulations are still based on the assumption that all subject to OIE-prescribed disease tests for the purpose types of equines carry the same risk. In other words, no of trade. As there are very few of these standardised difference is made between high-level equine athletes disease tests, countries carry out different tests for – which are closely monitored and therefore present a the same disease, which can be very confusing and low risk of disease – and slaughter or work horses that sometimes multiple testing for the same disease takes could represent a much higher risk. place. In certain regions of the world, governments are unaware of the significant impact of the horse Horses that travel to international competitions usually industry and efforts made to protect the horses at enter a country temporarily and do not mix with the the international high performance level. local equine population. But many countries have no regulatory provisions for the temporary import International equestrian events, such as the Asian of animals. Consequently, high-level sport horses Games, South East Asian Games, Bolovarian Games undergo the same, often more rigorous quarantine and and Caribbean Games, not to mention the Olympic customs procedures that apply to equines imported Games, are not only important sporting events, but to a country permanently. also showcases for socio-political aspirations. When they take place, they often force governments to look The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) at the FEI veterinary standards that are applied and was delegated responsibility for the international to realise that performance horses should indeed be movement of animals for trade by the World Trade treated in a different way to other equines.

FOCUS 41 Recognising financial impact The FEI has been working at the highest levels to FEI events often last several days or even weeks and explain the deficiencies in the current system and generate a lot of money, not only for the tourist the socioeconomic advantages of moving horses industry but also for supporting professions such as internationally to competitions. We have also pointed saddlers, transporters, catering companies, event out that the horse industry is an ideal “pilot” animal- specialists and promoters. related industry for demonstrating the benefits of creating a more standardised approach. The FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) had a total economic impact of 396 million US dollars We have explained the measures we take to protect (233 million in direct and an estimated 163 million in horses in and out of competitions through veterinary terms of indirect expenditure). The CHIO in Aachen regulations, officials devoted to welfare and high (GER) brings at least 160 million Euros into the local standards of stabling at events. economy. Precautions are necessary to stop the spread of disease The entire horse industry generates a high level of among equines and, while we recognise that existing employment. In the UK, the number of jobs associated regulations protect our events, as well as the wider with horse industry is thought to be equal to those horse industry, we have shown government officials in traditional agriculture. In some areas, such as that the stringent measures the FEI has in place for Normandy in France, the horse industry is the major events mean that our equine athletes present lower employer. risks than any other horse category. In doing so, we have highlighted that the scientific approach that FEI takes action currently applies to the international movement The horse industry had never properly described itself of competition horses is often not based on a real to authorities. the way it conducts itself and also the assessment of the actual risk. benefits that it brings which means that governments have not sought to adjust often longstanding legislation accordingly.

42 The OIE, a partner of the FEI since 2002, agrees that The conference in Panama in December 2012 went these areas require further attention and has worked further by seeking solutions to the problems identified. with us to organise conferences to explore them in Again, it was attended by a large number of government more detail. officials and FEI member federations.

A first conference took place in Guadalajara (MEX), As a result of that conference, an official multi- where the number of FEI events in the Americas has government recommendation was produced for the increased greatly in recent years and our sport is now OIE to recognise what is becoming known as the high one of the most predominant. The event was organised health, high performance horse (HHP). The conference to coincide with the Pan-American Games and brought emphasised that while the FEI and OIE needed to create together the NFs attending the competitions, as well an official category at the international level, this had as government representatives. Recommendations to be accompanied by a partnership approach between that arose from the congress led to the creation of an National Federations and their governments. OIE working group to define current constraints to the international movement of competition horses. Working together To consolidate the efforts of the FEI and OIE to Two more conferences have taken place in the produce international guidelines for the international Americas. One was devoted to animal quarantine movement of competition horses and for managing and highlighted the difficulties for health officials to international events. National Federations must also differentiate between top-level competition horses start working in a consistent way to bring about change and higher risk horses. It also demonstrated the need in the industry at the national level. to establish equal quarantine periods in the Americas, where a survey had shown differences of up to 20 days The session devoted to the International Movement between countries. 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

…for the temporary import and export of fei horses for international competition OIE FEI establishes recommends rules / standards guidelines for FEI for member competitions countries Develop National Regulations

National Government Federations Work together to develop national Veterinary regulations and educate Department the equestrian sport industry

National Horse Competitions Industry FOCUS 43 Dual Career is there life after sports?

The increasing professionalisation of sport means that athletes dedicate The question of a dual career often arises early in life. most of their time to training and At school, children with great sport talent are faced with the combined pressures of education and sports competition. Particularly at an training. In some countries, the introduction of sport age where others are starting their boarding schools has helped to address this issue. professional education, they face But school is just the beginning. When compulsory education is behind them, most athletes juggle their the problem of combining intense sports training with education or employment. sports training and competition Frequently, they are forced to choose between the with professional or academic two. education. 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.

44 Experience gained during a sports career is considered Athletes’ support teams (coaches, agents, etc) valuable but is no guarantee for finding a job. Athletes, need to be informed, trained and supported on dual like anyone else, need formal qualifications. career, as it is they who are closest to the athletes and responsible for their performance-related careers. Sport only provides a limited number of formal qualifications(eg coaching licences). It must initiate Athletes who are juggling education and sport would access to institutions in other sectors of the society benefit from support such as psychological services, so that athletes can obtain professional diplomas. education counselling or careers advice. For this, agreements must be made between the sport and the education sector or the labour market. The entire education sector has a significant Educational establishments need to be flexible with influence on whether athletes can be enabled to regard to study times, attendance and examinations. obtain credits, participate in classes or sit examinations in coordination with their sport-dictated calendars. Such agreements would secure the future of equestrian competition sport by ensuring that new Schools (for younger athletes), entities offering generations of athletes can compete at their peak vocational training and higher education performance age with the reassurance that they institutions can significantly enhance opportunities are not jeopardising their futures outside the arena. 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. Higher education: Furthermore, national regulations relating to job example of good practice* requirements, education standards, social security and health insurance schemes differ from country Vrije Universiteit Brussel has developed an individ- to country, so there is no such thing as a dual career ualised study path, “Elite Sport Career”, within its “model”. Different systems may be required to offer Physical Education Master’s programme. Elite ath- possibilities to athletes to make the smooth transition letes learn how to apply theoretical knowledge and from the arena to employment. skills (eg sport psychology, biomechanics, anat- omy, management) to the analysis, evaluation and development of different aspects of their own dual Who should be involved in designing careers. They prepare for post-athletic careers (eg dual career programmes? as coaches, sport managers, PE teachers or fitness First, there is the sport itself. National sports managers) and use these skills to optimise their authorities, national sports federations and sport clubs dual careers while still at university. could adjust their policies from a pure competition focus and systemically incorporate dual career support for their athletes.

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 In Germany, a pool of companies offers train- ideal tool, as it allows athletes to study wherever they eeships and employment that are compatible are (competitions, training camps) and whenever they with full-time competitive sport. The Sports have time. Ideally, online education providers could Aid Foundation provides financial compen- share investments in content development with the sation for loss of earnings to companies that relevant sports authorities. employ athletes.

If athletes are already working, their employers play The Gaelic Athletic Association and Gaelic Play- an important role in providing them with a flexible ers Association cooperate in a player welfare framework. Typical examples are the public sector programme that allows Gaelic football players (army or police), sport organisations and companies and hurdlers across Ireland to access to a career involved in sport as sponsors. development programme that includes a “Career Start-up Package”, a “Career Development Pack- age”, “Business Mentoring”, “Business Start-up & Development” and “Up Skilling”.

Team Denmark cooperates with a ‘golden net- work’ of companies that offer world-class ath- letes flexible jobs.

In close cooperation with Olympic Commit- tees in several Member States, Adecco offers athletes flexible part-time positions that take

© Manfred© Leitgeb account of their schedules.

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

Transition to a post-sport career: example of good practice* Retirement from sport is a critical phase, whether it is planned or forced, for example, by a serious The Finnish “Sports Academy Network” informs ath- injury. In the latter case, athletes frequently rely letes about the services available to them including on the guidance and initiatives provided by the additional advice on job placement services (www. sports sector. huippu-urheilija.fi).

46 Financial Support: Examples of good practice*

Elite athletes often benefit from access to Sport Aid Austria supports 460 Olympic and complementary health services provided to national non-Olympic athletes in five categories. teams or squads. An athlete’s general health risks and the possibility of frequent chronic injuries (sport- In Germany, some 3,800 talented and elite ath- related back or knee injuries, etc) require adequate letes receive support from a Sport Aid budget support systems. This particularly applies to very totalling between 10 and 12 million euros per young athletes or those with disabilities. year (65 per cent from donations, events, fund- ing; 20 per cent from lotteries and 15 per cent from a sport stamp). When opting for a sports career, athletes take risks that are not only health-related but also financial. In Bulgaria, athletes on the national elite ath- Most athletes do not earn a living from sport. letes programme in preparation for the Olym- Scholarships, foundations or private sponsors are pic Games receive monthly support (depend- some of the financial support systems that exist to ing on medals won). Olympic medal winners allow them to concentrate on training. receive sport pensions.

Social security, health protection and pension plans: examples of good practice* Many athletes don’t think about social security payments and pension plans. Competent advice In Luxembourg, the State subscribes an insur- from experts of the social sector helps former athletes ance policy protecting all athletes who own who join the labour force from running into problems a licence issued by a national sports associa- when they retire. tion. This insurance covers injuries related to sports activity.

The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) intro- duced the Provident Fund for Athlete Insurance SPORTASS, which provides insurance cover and To summarise, the benefits of a dual career programme welfare payments for sports injuries. SPORTASS include athletes’ well-being, development of life skills applies to professional athletes who are mem- in sport, the transfer of life skills to jobs, shorter bers of the ‘Olympic Club’. 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 Additional content ranges from live streaming of the FEI TV (www.feitv.org) means its huge following FEI General Assembly and different congresses linked of loyal users will benefit from a variety of exciting to the organisation, to corporate clips and programmes additional features and options. related to FEI campaigns (for example, Clean Sport) or to initiatives such as FEI Solidarity. Thanks to what is known as “adaptive live streaming”, action from most of the equestrian events and Access to FEI TV’s extensive video archive has been competitions can be enjoyed in up to high definition enhanced with much more user-friendly search and (HD) quality, depending on visitors’ internet navigation functions. The new FEI TV website will connections. integrate the FEI TV YouTube channel, which offers various dedicated playlists. Digital social media The start of many of the live broadcasts from around plug-ins will allow users to connect instantly to the the world will be displayed in viewers’ local times, while many existing equestrian communities and share countdown clocks will indicate exactly when the live viewing experiences. service will be available. Equestrian fans who miss the live streams, are in different time zones or simply want A new App Centre groups the FEI’s popular smartphone to experience the events again, can watch instant and applications, which can be downloaded to users’ full replays of most transmissions for up to seven days. devices. FEI apps range from the essential Equine

Live coverage to look forward to spans edge-of- Prohibited Substances List app to those devoted seat action in all seven FEI disciplines and includes to Dressage tests, Eventing and Para-Equestrian inspiring performances from the FEI’s most prestigious Dressage. The recently-launched “FEI TV on the Go” series and championships. For the Alltech FEI World mobile app is, of course, listed too and incorporates Equestrian Games™ 2014, the FEI TV team is planning many of the features of the new FEI TV website. its biggest ever operation, with the aim of offering viewers more than 200 hours of live coverage from The number of visitors to www.feitv.org has grown Normandy. continuously since the website was launched in 2009. The new version is expected to go live in April and A diversity of equestrian heroes are profiled on FEI TV’s will enhance viewing and user experience considerably. magazine programmes, which also take viewers behind the scenes and explore fascinating topics related to our unique sport.

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) 17 March Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping from s’Hertogenbosch (NED) 17 March FEI World Cup™ Vaulting Final from Braunschweig (GER) 25 April Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping - Final 1 from Gothenburg (SWE) 27 April Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage - Final 1 from Gothenburg (SWE) 27 April Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping - Final 2 from Gothenburg (SWE) 28 April Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage - Final 2 from Gothenburg (SWE) 28 April HSBC FEI Classics™- Rolex-3-Day-Event-XCross Phase from Lexington (USA) 29 April Rolex FEI World Cup™- Jumping - Final 3 from Gothenburg (SWE) 29 April HSBC FEI Classics™ - Rolex-3-Day-Event - Jumping Phase from Lexington (USA) ™ 5 May HSBC FEI Classics - Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials from Badminton (GBR) - XCross Phase ™ 6 May HSBC FEI Classics - Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials from Badminton (GBR) - Jumping Phase 17 May Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping from La Baule (FRA) 24 May Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping from Rome (ITA) 31 May Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping from St. Gallen (SUI) 14 June Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping from Spruce Meadows (CAN) 15 June HSBC FEI Classics™ - XCross Phase from Luhmuhlen (GER) 16 June HSBC FEI Classics™ - Jumping Phase from Luhmuhlen (GER) 21 June Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Rotterdam (NED) 27 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.

50 WATCH LIVE ! WATCH ONLINE !

www.feitv.org

The offi cial video website of the Fédération Equestre Internationale

FEI TV is the FEI’s new offi cial 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. TV Be at the heart of horsesport. Join us !

2823_1FEI_TV_Focus_165x226.indd 1 17.05.10 11:24 HSBC FEI CLASSICSTM 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) In 2011, HSBC, in partnership with the FEI, 22–25 NOVEMBER 2012 – Australian introduced a rider armband to help eventing International 3 Day Event (AUS) fans identify the current leader in the HSBC 25–28 APRIL 2013 – Rolex Kentucky Three-Day World Rankings. The armband is worn by the TM Event (USA) leading rider at all Classics events, in addition to 3* and 2* competitions. 3–6 MAY 2013 – Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) New Zealander Andrew Nicholson (pictured) finished top of the 2012 Rankings and currently 13–16 JUNE 2013 – Luhmühlen CCI 4*(GER) leads the way with 627 points. 5–8 SEPTEMBER 2013 – Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) www.fei.org/hsbc/hsbc-fei-classics