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Update on Situation in Ukraine and Support to Ukrainian Equestrian Community

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A webinar was held 30 March for the European Equestrian National Federations and associated European Equestrian Federation (EEF) members to provide a comprehensive update on the situation in Ukraine.

Jointly hosted by the European Equestrian Federation (EEF), Ukrainian Equestrian Federation (UEF), UEF Charity Foundation, and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the meeting included a thorough overview of the current actions and priorities in Ukraine, as well as an interactive discussion to establish the most efficient processes required to support the equestrian community (including the horses) in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighbouring nations.

The meeting also highlighted the strong collaborative spirit between the National Federations and the willingness from the equestrian community to provide both financial and logistical support through donations of supplies and materials, offers to host individuals, and/or horses and employment opportunities.

Since the onset of the war, the FEI, EEF, and UEF have worked together and tirelessly to provide support and aid through the UEF Charity Foundation and the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund.

Current situation in Ukraine

The UEF Charity Foundation, which was set up at the start of the conflict and has the full support of the FEI and EEF, manages the logistics and coordination of humanitarian aid, the evacuation of horses, and the general information flow to/from the community and those externally wishing to help. Through the website www.helpukrainehorses.eu, offers of material aid (feed, shavings, etc.), monetary donations, and accommodation have been received from across Europe and overseas. To date, over 375 tonnes of material aid have been received at their central hub in Poland and over €75,000 has been donated directly to the Charity Foundation.

Working hand in hand and funded by the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund, the Foundation has also managed the creation of a logistical hub in Granat, located between Lviv and the Polish border, able to accommodate up to 40 horses so they can be prepared for transfer into the European Union. Individuals should contact the UEF Charity Foundation for more information. It is expected this hub will be at full capacity in the coming days.

Whilst the achievements so far have been remarkable, the UEF Charity Foundation gave a stark warning that the requirement for aid is ongoing. Over the next month, an expected 2,000 horses will require support from the Foundation which would equate to triple the number of supplies currently held. As such, there is a need to continue working cooperatively across Europe in order to facilitate the supply of aid.

FEI Solidarity Director Jean-Phillippe Camboulives took this opportunity to urge all National Equestrian Federations “to designate an official representative to first coordinate the offers of support and supplies nationally, and then liaise with the FEI, EEF, and UEF to ensure logistical efficiency.”

Among other things, this would entail that offers for accommodation or employment be coordinated through National Federations, prior to reaching the UEF Charity Foundation and the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund.

Camboulives added that the “FEI Solidarity Relief Fund has been able to provide great support to individual members in the Ukrainian community through neighbouring and European member federations such as the Ukrainian Vaulting team which is currently training and living in Slovakia thanks to the efforts of the host National Federation and the determination of their Secretary General Zuzana Baciak. And there are many examples like this at the moment. We must continue to work together and to coordinate our efforts and use our resources effectively.”

EU Regulations on the movement of horses

FEI Veterinary Director Göran Åkerström provided an update on the situation regarding the transfer of horses from Ukraine into neighbouring EU countries, as well as the essential biosecurity protocols and sanitary requirements, which must be respected to safeguard horse welfare and horse populations both inside and outside of Ukraine. Among the topics covered, he also informed member nations of recent amendments to the existing Health Certificate published this week by the European Commission and taking effect on 29 March through to 15 December 2022 which could facilitate the transit of horses. Given the recent publication, the documents are currently under review by the FEI and clear guidance will be shared to all relevant stakeholders in the coming days.

Looking ahead and planning the future 

Reflecting on the complete collapse of the Ukrainian equestrian industry, the EEF and the FEI gave their full support to help rebuild the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation and the community.

To conclude the meeting, EEF President Theo Ploegmakers said, “The situation in Ukraine is devastating, but the collaboration we have seen across Europe through our members and the FEI is incredibly encouraging. There is still a huge amount of work to be done to help both the equines and the wider equestrian community in Ukraine and I believe through our network in Europe we can continue to provide the necessary support.”

FEI Solidarity Relief Fund:

The FEI set aside a CHF 1 Million Solidarity Relief Fund for the equestrian community in Ukraine, following the invasion by Russian military forces. The allocation was approved by the FEI Executive Board during a meeting convened on 28 February 2022, where members also unanimously condemned the invasion and agreed to remove all international equestrian events in Russia and Belarus from the 2022 FEI calendar. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has also joined forces with the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund, establishing the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund to Support Ukraine horses and equestrians, with 100% of funds raised going to the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund to be distributed by the FEI.

EEF:

Founded in 2009, the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) is the representative body for the European based National equestrian Federations. Working closely with the Federation Internationale Equestre (FEI) and the National Federations, the EEF works to maximise the potential and development of equestrianism throughout the continent. The EEF is committed to promoting the sport equestrianism and its good practices, developing the sport across Europe, and providing leadership for a collective European voice in the sport.

UEF Charity Foundation:

The Charity Foundation is registered in Belgium and its mission is to help the Ukrainian equestrian community during the crisis. The Foundation works closely with the FEI and national equestrian federations. For all the latest information and activities, visit https://helpukrainehorses.eu/

Media contacts:

FEI
Olivia Robinson
Director, Communications
olivia.robinson@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 35

EEF
Alice Ward
Communications Manager
alice.ward@euroequestrian.eu
+33 6 40 62 81 97

Competitions, Show Jumping

EEM & EEF Unveil European-American Equestrian Duel: The Masters Riders Cup

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December 1, 2016 (Paris, France) — At the Longines Masters of Paris opening gala, EEM and EEF announced a brand new American-European equestrian duel slated to premiere in 2017, The Masters Riders Cup presented by EEM and the European Equestrian Federation (EEF).

The United States and Europe have time and again proven their leadership on the international show jumping scene. Since the introduction of the World Team Championships in 1978, no nation other than these has been able to earn a place on the podium. In 37 World Cup finals, European and American riders have only failed to win the title six times. Team results in the Olympic Games are further proof of Europe and the United States’ domination: out of 72 team medals awarded since 1912, Europeans and Americans have only ceded 7 wins.

However, until now there has never been a direct, rules-based competition between Europe and the United States, an event like golf’s Ryder Cup in which equestrians compete individually against one another on behalf of their team. EEM and EEF are bringing this contest to life beginning with the inaugural Masters Riders Cup at the Longines Masters of Paris in December 2017. This unique event is set to be a spectacular clash between the best European and American riders, providing a ring for the two most dominant forces in the world of show jumping to battle it out in an innovative, exciting and strategic contest.

“Equestrianism is undergoing a revolution; it’s our duty to take part,” said Christophe Ameeuw, CEO and Founder of EEM which owns and operates the Longines Masters Series. “As an innovator in the sport, EEM is proud to work alongside EEF to bring this unique, thrilling, and entertaining competition to life at the Longines Masters Series events across both continents.”

Inspired by golf’s legendary Ryder Cup, created in 1927 in the United States by Samuel Ryder, this new show jumping competition will take place every year, alternating annually between Europe and the United States. Pitting a team of five European riders against a team of five American riders, the Masters Riders Cup will illustrate the stunning vitality of show jumping and inspire a patriotic spirit similar to that unleashed by sports fans for the Olympic Games and the World Championships.

“The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) is very fortunate to be able to partner up with EEM in bringing the Masters Riders Cup into the spotlight of equestrian sport. EEM is known all over the world for its highest degree of professionalism and courage for innovation, we are thrilled to go this exciting path together and benefit from each other’s expertise,” said Dr. Hanfried Haring, President of the European Equestrian Federation.

For the competition’s first season, it will be the ultimate battle as the teams will be composed by Robert Ridland, the current coach of the United States national team that claimed silver at the Rio Olympics, and Philippe Guerdat, selector of the French national team that took gold. The two team captains will serve as chief strategists. The competition will take place in two stages. Riders will contend in a series of five duels in each stage, and each duel will award points to the winning rider’s team. Depending on the results of the first stage, the winning coach can designate which rider will match up with each opponent. Prior to the second stage, the team captains will determine the starting order of their riders, while indicating any possible substitutions of the horses and explaining their strategy choices.

The story will be continued in 2018 when teams will compete for the Masters Riders Cup at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles.

By creating what is certain to become one of the most iconic events on the international show jumping circuit, EEM confirms its determination to delight audiences who are passionate about equestrian sports, as well as the world’s best riders, with new challenges that enhance the sport’s image while adding a new level of popularity and prestige, as in other sports like tennis and golf.

It will be a prestigious title on par with any of the greatest trophies in all spheres of sport. Ninety years exactly after the birth of golf’s Ryder Cup, the Masters Riders Cup is set to become a legendary competition.

ABOUT EEF

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) was founded in February 2010 with the mission to maximize the potential and development of equestrianism throughout the European continent. As a modern and progressive organization the EEF strives to lead equestrian sport in Europe, promote the values and contributions of equestrianism to society, provide education to its members and work closely with all independent member bodies for the development of the sport throughout Europe. With the majority of top equestrian sport taking place in Europe the EEF embodies the highest level of knowledge and experience in the equestrian industry and is working at the heartbeat of equestrian sport.

Information: www.euroequestrian.eu

ABOUT EEM

EEM CEO and Founder Christophe Ameeuw and his team have set no less a goal than to reinvent the sport of show jumping. For over ten years they have been dedicated to bringing equestrian sports to the international front stage. Inspired by the legendary tournaments of the tennis Grand Slam, EEM gathers under one roof the best of show jumping, entertainment and lifestyle experience. 2009 was a crucial milestone for EEM with its revival of the “Jumping de Paris” and the creation of the Paris Masters. EEM then set off to conquer new continents, with an Asian edition which took place in Hong Kong in 2013, followed in 2014 by the first American stage of the Longines Masters in Los Angeles. In 2015 the intercontinental trilogy of which EEM is the creator, owner and organizer, became the Longines Masters “Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping”. Additional information available at www.longinesmasters.com.

ABOUT THE LONGINES MASTERS

Established in three of the world’s most iconic cities — Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong — the Longines Masters Series, “Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping” is renowned as one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. Created by EEM and inspired by the Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the Series rapidly developed abroad, with the Longines Masters of Hong Kong in 2013 and the Longines Masters of Los Angeles in 2014. In 2015, the intercontinental trilogy became the Longines Masters. Presented by EEM and recognized by the FEI, the “Grand Slam of Indoor Show Jumping” is the ultimate challenge, with two levels of prizes:

The Super Grand Slam, a bonus of 2.25 million Euros for winning 3 consecutive Longines Grand Prix in the same season: Los Angeles, followed by Paris and then Hong Kong.

The Grand Slam: a bonus of 1 million Euros for three successive victories in the Longines Grand Prix from one season to the next (ex: Paris > Hong Kong > Los Angeles, or Hong Kong > Los Angeles > Paris).

These events are broadcast in more than 120 countries and reach up to 550 million households. Every edition of the Longines Masters is a must-attend event bringing together top-level athletes and amateurs alike, celebrities and corporate decision-makers from around the world, all who come to enjoy a unique experience created by exceptional moments in sport, entertainment, glamour, gastronomy and contemporary art.