At the 2005 FEI General Assembly in London, it has been decided for dressage that at the 2008 Olympic Games in Bejing only three riders will make a team and not four.
"After an intense debate during the Group Meetings and at the General Assembly, an overwhelming majority of delegates decided to propose to the IOC that, in principle, the Olympic Dressage teams would be reduced to three members, to allow more nations to participate and thus enhance the universality of the sport. Changes to the Dressage Rules as published in the FEI Bulletin were approved," reported the FEI.
More than 350 participants took part in the 2005 FEI General Assembly hosted by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) in London. The six days of meetings (5 through 10 April) were held in a cooperative and friendly atmosphere.
In connection with the General Assembly, both the Bureau and the Executive Board met three times. A total of 30 different meetings took place throughout the week, which represents the highest number of meetings ever organised in the framework of an FEI General Assembly.
At the General Assembly Mariette Whitages (BEL) was re-elected as Chairman of the Dressage. Dr Vincenzo Truppa (ITA) replaces Gotthilf Riexinger (GER) in the Dressage
Committee. The allocation of the 2007 Dressage Championship was differed to the Executive Board. The two candidates are Milan (ITA) and Falsterbo (SWE)
Concerning the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing (CHN), the Beijing Organising Committee (BOCOG) made a presentation to the FEI General Assembly. The delegation included representatives of BOCOG and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. BOCOG admitted that they underestimated the veterinary issue of temporary import of horses in China and presented an alternative plan for hosting the equestrian competitions in Hong Kong. A decision will be taken by the Executive Board of the IOC on 19 April.
The FEI General Assembly clearly stated its determination to adhere to the original concept of being located in Beijing, together with the other sports of the Olympic Programme.
The Bureau accepted the invitation of the Malaysian Federation to host the 2006 General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur (MAS) in conjunction with the FEI World Cup Jumping Final.
Photo copyrighted: Dirk Caremans
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