Vicki Glynn, the Secretary General for Equestrian Sports New Zealand, recently attended the 2018 FEI General Assembly in Manama, Bahrain and has updated us on some of the issues of particular relevance to Australia and New Zealand
The annual FEI General Assembly acts as a platform for discussions and voting on the major decisions of the FEI and the governance of the sport and it determines the overall direction, development and management of the FEI’s disciplines worldwide. Elections are held at the General Assembly and decisions are taken, by vote, on changes to FEI Statutes, long-term strategies, FEI budgets and important equestrian matters.
Although many of the matters discussed are relevant to all National Federations (NFs) across the world, some decisions may have more impact for specific countries. At this year’s General Assembly there were a few issues of particular interest to Australia and New Zealand and Vicki kindly took the time at Puhinui International where we caught up with her, to explain the issues, the ramifications for this region and the outcomes
The main issues outlined by Vicki in this interview include;
- The impact of 5* status for the Australian International 3 Day Event in Adelaide including prize money requirements and number of riders participating
- The original proposal of 5* prize money for 2020/2021 to be €150,000; this has now been dropped to €125,000 (approximately $197,000) with a requirement for €150,000 (approximately $197,000) in 2022. In 2018 the Aus3DE prize money for the CCI4* equated to approximately $120,000
- The original proposal recommended a minimum number of 30 riders and a maximum of 75; there is now no minimum or maximum number of competitors stipulated
- Proposed veterinary regulations regarding Enclosures (or Yards, as they are called in Australia/New Zealand) which may impact the costs/requirements of housing horses at events
- The age limit for FEI officials “The good news is, if you’re currently about to turn 70, you will be able to seek an exemption from the FEI for this interim period so, people in Australia, if you’re about to turn 70 or have turned 70 in the last couple of years, you will be able to come back and we’ll be delighted to welcome people back into the sport”
Vicki Glynn
Vicki Glynn, Secretary General of Equestrian Sports New Zealand
