Henk Rottinghuis and the FEI

FEI shortcomings outlined by presidential hopeful



Dutchman Henk Rottinghuis has outlined a series of shortcomings in the International Equestrian Federation as he ramps up his campaign for the world body's presidency.

Rottinghuis is one of three people seeking the top job at the FEI. He and Swede Sven Holmberg are standing against the incumbent, Princess Haya.

Rottinghuis, whose campaign has involved a 100-day listening programme in which he has sought input on the future of equestrian sport, has published his analysis of the information gathered, including the feedback from an independent survey of equestrian nations.

Rottinghuis said the feedback he received highlighted unrest over the performance of the FEI and signalled the need for a fresh approach

It indicates the FEI is not meeting the needs of national federations and there is unrest over the way in which a range of issues are currently handled.

His analysis, which lays out the most forthright criticism of the FEI in the campaign so far, indicated the FEI had lost its image and authority due to "self-inflicted incidents" - a clear reference to the handling of the anti-inflammatory drug debate last year and the disqualification of Sapphire from the World Cup jumping final competition.

He said his analysis showed the FEI was not meeting the professional standards organisers and riders required from it, and some non-Olympic disciplines questioned the support of the body in developing their discipline.

A proper structure, including the assistance of established federations, was lacking in the organisation.

It lacked the urge to globalise the sport quickly.

The analysis also highlighted criticism over its handling of horse welfare, with the FEI's discussion on the issue confined to clean sport issues.

"The FEI does not gather enough scientific and conclusive evidence before announcing key decisions."

The world body needed to re-evaluate its relationship with volunteers in order to get maximum benefit from them, citing a fourfold growth in international events over the past 10 years.

"The FEI lacks transparency and is not held fully accountable for the decisions it makes. The organisation needs a new board structure that effectively represents and is answerable to all its members," Rottinghuis found.

"There are too many rules and too many new initiatives being introduced into the sport, without having had a chance to implement the existing ones."

As well as consulting national federations, Rottinghuis also sought the views of a wide range of people within the sport, through face-to-face meetings, emails and phone calls.

"There is a huge passion and enthusiasm for our sport that transcends disciplines, regions and countries," Rottinghuis said.

"My analysis is in no way intended to be a direct criticism of those who have worked so hard to make our sport a growing success. They should be proud of their contribution. But any analysis of this kind has to be critical if it is going to produce improvements in the way things are done.

"I believe we have to listen to what is being said and then actually act on that feedback, so we create the momentum that our fast-pace sport demands.

"That's why I hope people will feel free to comment on the findings of my analysis - whether they agree with them or not."

Rottinghuis said he would publish his agenda late in September "on which I will stand for the presidency.

"This agenda will set out the actions and approach I will take if elected president."