FEI Executive Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 8th, 2005
The Executive Board, accompanied by the Head of the Olympic Department and the Head of the Veterinary Department, met on 21 and 22 January 2005 in Beijing (CHN). On this occasion several meetings with BOCOG representatives were organised to discuss the 2008 Olympic Games.The main topics discussed and decisions taken by the Executive Board are the following:
The Executive Board reviewed the Independent Footing Committee's report of 17 January 2005 on the Jumping competitions of the Athens Olympic Games. The Board members expressed appreciation to the Committee for their work and the preparation of the report.
The Executive Board concludes that the possible causes for the injuries are a combination of factors. Therefore, not one party is to be held responsible or has failed.
The recommendations resulting from the findings are taken very seriously by the Executive Board. The welfare of the horses in the FEI competitions is a leading principle of the FEI. The cost/benefit factors will also be taken into account.
Accordingly, the Executive Board has decided to provide for footing expertise within the organisation in the near future. The Jumping Committee already agreed to organise a seminar for footing specialists early 2005 with a view of establishing specifications for production of outdoor (sand and grass) and indoor footing, following which a list of footing experts will be created.
The recommendations regarding the veterinary measures are to be considered by the Veterinary Committee as to their practicality and effect.
The recommendations regarding the rules of the competition and the course building are to be considered by the Jumping Committee.
Through these measures the FEI hopes to attain the safest conditions possible for all future Championships and Games.
The Report from the Independent Footing Committee will be available shortly from the FEI website.
The President decided to retain Mr Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) in his position as 2nd Vice President for a further year and to propose his election to the Bureau.
2008 Olympic Games
The discussions between the FEI Executive Board and the Organising Committee of the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG) mainly focused on the consideration of the choice of venue and the potential risks from an equine health point of view relating to temporary importation and return of horses to and from China. The FEI is now in communication with the IOC in relation to future decisions on these matters.
The FEI Special Recognition Award will be presented to Mr Ron Southern (CAN) and Mr Paul Weier (SUI), and the FEI Fair Play Award will be presented to Mr David Lee Pearson (GBR), 2004 Paralympic Champion, at the FEI Prize Giving ceremony to be held during the 2005 General Assembly in London (GBR).
The FEI will make a contribution of CHF 10'000 to the Equestrian Tsunami Fund.
Allocations
- The 2005 Reining Masters Final was allocated to Manerbio (ITA).
- The 2005 Children's Final was allocated to Simi Valley CA (USA).
The work of the Task Force on Medication and Doping Policy will be closely
monitored by the Executive Board.
