Stronger together

THE damning report following an investigation into the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and some of its member bodies found “self-interest, bullying and elitism” (news, p4). This is saddening, if not entirely surprising.

The report suggests a deadline of Tokyo 2020 for changes to be made, after which UK Sport (UKS) and Sport England (SE) could block funding. Motivation enough for self-interest to be put aside, you would hope.

The structure of our governing bodies is largely to blame for the current, untenable culture. The BEF, umbrella organisation for horse sports, ought to hold a degree of leadership over its member bodies, as happens in the vast majority of other sports, many of whom just have one governing body. However, it is the longer-established member bodies that have control and the BEF little influence, despite being the body UKS and SE deal with.

It was part of outgoing BEF CEO turned-whistle-blower Clare Salmon’s brief to affect change in this area, and as she fought to do so — arguably not always quite the right way — certain member bodies pushed her out. If that mentality does not change, history will repeat itself. The commercial benefit of more open and united governance is obvious. So too the benefit for everyone in the UK who rides horses.

“We are stronger together,” Jeanette Allen said at the National Equine Forum this month. Certain member bodies found themselves able to unify to oust Clare Salmon. Perhaps new BEF CEO Nick Fellows can unify them for the greater good.