Lexington, Ky. – The Pan American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC) is pleased to announce the election and appointment of Eric L. Straus (USA) as Secretary General. Straus brings more than 45 years of equestrian experience with significant international and national achievements, coupled with his proven business expertise.

Straus served as the Secretary General of the United States Equestrian Federation when it was known as the American Horse Shows Association (AHSA), as Chief Executive Officer of the Washington International Horse Show, and most recently as Senior Vice President of HITS, Inc., which hosted the 2015 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Ocala, Fla. Straus has a multi-discipline background which includes show jumping, eventing, dressage, and reining. He is a Level Three FEI Steward in Jumping and Reining, has served as Chief Steward at three World Equestrian Games, and is an active FEI Course Director for Reining Stewards.

“The appointment of Mr. Straus speaks to the growth of PAEC as we prepare for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto and for continuing the development of equestrian sport in the Americas and the Caribbean,” said Carmen Barrera (ESA), President of PAEC.

The Pan American Equestrian Confederation, whose initials are PAEC, is a not-for-profit organization recognized by the FEI and is a member of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO). PAEC is composed of the National Equestrian Federations of the American continents and is headquartered in Lexington, Ky.

On behalf of the Pan American Equestrian Confederation