The Swedish Equestrian Federation has nominated Sven Holmberg to run for FEI presidency at the 2010 FEI General Assembly in November. Holmberg is currently the FEI vice-president since 2006 and chair of the show jumping committee.
"I am honoured to be asked and trusted for this position," Holmberg stated.
Holmberg has been active as judge and show organizer of national and international competitions.
"I've gathered much experience and now have several things on the agenda that I want to change and improve within the International Equestrian Federation. Riders need to unite by sharing comming values, with the welfare of the horse as central point. There has to be an exchange of experience and more co-operation between countries to improve the image of the sport."
Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein is the current FEI president but has not yet announced that she will run for another four years. 2009 was a year of controversy in the international horse, especially when the progressive list was accepted at the General Assembly in Copenhagen. It divided equestrian nations world wide. Some wanted to pertain a no-doping/no-medication policy while others wanted their riders to be allowed to treat their horses with low levels of NSAIDs even at competitions.
"The debate in Copenhagen was the determining factor to me. It made me decide to run for president," said Holmberg. At the 2009 General Assembly in Copenhagen Holmberg said "I support 100% the clean sport programme but the progressive list cuts the legs off that. It allows treatment of horses in competition, and it will be rejected by the social media."
Bo Helander, chair of the Swedish Equestrian Federation, commented that "Sven Holmberg enjoys a strong confidence in the equestrian world. His experience makes him an outstanding president of the FEI."
Photo © Dirk Caremans - www.caremans.be
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