Equine organisations enter constructive agreement

The International Equestrian Organisers Alliance (IEOA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).

Since FEI abolished Associate Member status in 2012, IEOA has become the first former associate member to enter into such an agreement with the organisation.

The MOU, signed by IEOA President Peter Bollen and FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos, formally acknowledges the IEOA as an organisation recognised by the FEI.

It covers a number of areas, including rules and regulations, horse welfare, codes of ethics, commitment to democratic processes and implementation.

Furthermore, the MOU addresses specific areas of interest unique to the IEOA and FEI, clearly establishing a relationship between the two.

IEOA is the organisation of international organisers in Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and Driving. It is the first of eight stakeholders that the FEI is negotiating MOUs with.

Mr De Vos said: "We are very happy to formalise our relationship with an important organisation such as the IEOA. We have entered this significant agreement in the spirit of cooperation, respect and transparency.

"Event organisers are essential to our sport and we are confident that the MOU is a good basis for a dynamic working relationship."

Meanwhile, Mr Bollen commented that, despite concerns over the removal of FEI Associate Member status, the MOU has given IEOA the chance to be heard and establish a more direct and constructive relationship with the organisation.

Image courtesy of FEI