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FEI Representatives Visit United States Equestrian Federation, Kentucky Horse Park and World Equestrian Games Headquarters

Release: January 29 2009
Author: severs

By Joanie Morris

Five representatives from the FEI (the International Governing Body for Equestrian Sport) paid a visit to the USEF, the Kentucky Horse Park and the World Equestrian Games headquarters last week. Productive meetings were had on all sides and the USEF’s Joanie Morris caught up with a couple of the members of the delegation about their thoughts and opinions on the future, the legacy, the Games and the relationship between the USEF and the FEI.

Alex McLin, Secretary General of the FEI

How do you see people outside the disciplines getting involved and being part of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG)?

The WEG here in Lexington, KY, will really shine the spotlight on equestrian sport at large in a way that no other event can. It will bring international attention to the state of Kentucky and it will bring international attention to horse sport in a way has never occurred in the United States before. It is the first time these championships have taken place outside of Europe. Given not only the number of official disciplines competing, there are eight, this is really a festival of equestrian sport and has such has a profound meaning for anyone involved with horses, and anyone involved with competing with horses in particular.

What have you learned from your visit to the USEF office?

We’ve had a fabulous visit with the United States Equestrian Federation. We have a privileged relationship with them and it has been a really productive exchange of ideas to understanding what our members want from us as an international governing body. We are understanding how we can add value and build on each of our strengths especially in communicating our love of the sport both internationally and nationally.

How do you think construction at the Kentucky Horse Park is coming along for the WEG?

The work going on at the Kentucky Horse Park is clearly progressing at an impressive rate. Every time I come back I see new construction and new progress. Everything is clearly on track so that the facilities will be ready with plenty of time to spare and that’s encouraging. Every visit is a reminder of how privileged we are to be holding this event in this tremendous spot.

Richard Johnson, FEI Director of Communications

What are your impressions of the USEF and they way our organization works?

From the FEI’s perspective: if any country/any federation can pull off the World Equestrian Games, it’s going to be America. That’s what we’ve certainly found. The dedication of the staff here at the Federation and with the WEG team is quite amazing actually. It’s going to be one hell of a year for everyone. It’s not going to be easy but I’m sure that you’re going to pull it off big time.

You just toured the Kentucky Horse Park for the first time, what do you think?

I think the dedication from the people out there is fantastic. Literally there are people out there painting, building, designing. Just walking around, it’s been frantic and hectic but the nice thing is everyone knows it’s got to be done and it is going to be done. The main thing that we’ve learned is that this is not just a one-hit wonder. This is a legacy for Kentucky and for the Federation and most importantly for the equestrian world. This is going to be a legacy that people are going to look up to.


How do you think the WEG can draw more people into the equestrian world?

I think it is going to intrigue people; they’re going to want to see what’s happening here. They’re going to want to learn about what’s happening here and this is going to be a showcase which is hopefully going to showcase excellence around the world but is also going to reach and touch people who don’t know about the equestrian world and they are going to want to be part of this when they see it and feel it and know about it.

David Holmes, FEI Executive Direct
 
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