(Pictured left to right) Christian Baillet, President of the Jumping Owners Club, and FEI President Ingmar De Vos at the FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI)

Lausanne (SUI), 27 July 2016 – The Jumping Owners Club (JOC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FEI, the world governing body for equestrian sport.

The Jumping Owners Club (JOC), formed in 2004, provides a communication link between horse owners and the FEI, as well as providing a platform for owners worldwide to share their common passion of equestrianism.

The JOC focuses on growing the popularity of the sport around the world and is the sole body representing the views and opinions of the owners.

The JOC and the FEI presents the Owner of the Year Award to the owner of the most successful horse in Jumping annually.

This partnership agreement will see these two organisations continue to work closely together to support the development of equestrian sport internationally.

“It is really good to be able to formalise the partnership between the FEI and the Jumping Owners Club through this Memorandum of Understanding,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “We believe it’s important to recognise the fundamental role of the horse owners, highlighting their dedication and contributions to our sport. We are delighted to welcome Christian Baillet, President of the Jumping Owners Club, today to the FEI Headquarters to sign the MOU in order to further cement our relationship and continue to support the development of equestrian sport.

“With a mutual commitment to enrich the relationship between our two organisations, we look forward to a greater sharing of information and best practice across our sport. Both organisations have a reputation for the delivery of high standards, through the exchanging of expertise.  From our experience in these fields we can not only learn from each other, but further develop our strong and sustainable collaboration.”

“As the president of the International Jumping Owners Club, I am glad to see that owners are being recognised by the Sport’s Governing Body, allowing the JOC to become the official voice of horses owners in the world,” Christian Baillet, President of the Jumping Owners Club said.

“This memorandum of understanding will enable us to take a more active part in the development of the sport we are all so passionate about, while always putting our horses’ welfare in absolute priority.”

“I would like to thank FEI President, Mr Ingmar De Vos, and his team for their support over the years. We look forward to a continued and successful collaboration.”

MOU overview:

The FEI decided in 2012 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 WHW, 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.

Jumping Owners Club (JOC): www.jumpingownersclub.com

FEI Media Contacts:

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