FEI President Ingmar De Vos (left) receives horseball from FIHB President Frederico Cannas (right) to commemorate the signing of the MOU at FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) today. (FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 25 November 2015 – The International Horseball Federation (FIHB) and the International University Sports Federation (FISU) have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with the FEI.

The MOUs are based on a mutual commitment to equestrian sport and fostering its growth, and the FEI will increase collaboration with the FIHB and the FISU as part of these new agreements. The two organisations will work in close cooperation with the FEI, continuing to enhance best practice and the development of equestrian sport.

Founded in 1999, the FIHB was created to govern the sport of horseball worldwide, and maintain contact with the FEI. Horseball, a mix of “basketball and rugby on horseback,” is now played on five continents.

“As the sport of horseball becomes more widely known, the FIHB are delighted to be officially associated with the FEI, which raises our profile worldwide,” FIHB President Frederico Cannas said. “We believe our partnership with the FEI, together with their back-up and support, is key to bringing our sport to a higher level.”

The International University Sports Federation, FISU, was founded in 1949 and, developed within university institutions to effectively communicate sports values and uphold best sports practice through the university spirit. The FISU’s main responsibility is the supervision of both the Summer and Winter Universiades, as well as the World University Championships.

“Recognising our formal agreement with the FEI, and working in close association with them, will ensure our sport has a stronger future on a global scale,” FISU President, Claude-Louis Gallien, said. “As an international organisation, we uphold the same principles and interests, enabling the development and excellence of university sport worldwide.”

“We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration with both the FIHB and FISU, and to broaden the appeal of equestrian sport by working alongside like-minded organisations which share our core values,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

International Horseball Federation (FIHB): www.fihb.net

The International University Sports Federation (FISU): www.fisu.net

MOU overview

In 2012 the FEI decided to use Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to better define its relationship with the different stakeholders. The MOUs cover universal issues such as FEI recognition, FEI Rules and Regulations, horse welfare, code of ethics, commitment to democratic processes, consultation, FEI General Assembly, FEI Sports Forum and meetings, governing law, dispute resolution, communication, and implementation. MOUs have already been signed with the equine welfare charity World Horse Welfare, riders’ clubs, organisers and officials. Although recognition by the FEI does not entail voting rights at the FEI General Assembly, the MOUs formalise the relationship with the FEI, giving a voice to organisations working with the FEI in the development of equestrian sport.

FEI Media Contacts:

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145