The youth of today on the world stage
YOUTH will be the main focus of the 2018 FEI Sports Forum.
Cross-country safety and concussion will be among the other key points at the forum, which will take place in Lausanne, Switzerland, from 26 to 27 March.
This is the seventh time the forum has been held — historically discussions at the forum have led to consultations and rule changes later in the year.
“We have a lot to learn from the youth, and the FEI Sports Forum is the perfect platform in guiding the development and excellence of our sport for future generations,” FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez told H&H.
“Eight young and talented athletes from around the world, representing FEI disciplines, will take part and share their experiences, openly conversing about how they see the future, the challenges they face, and the impact on their careers.
“We are truly fortunate to have so many talented young people who, despite busy schedules are willing to contribute at this level.”
The young athletes come from each of the FEI’s eight disciplines: showjumping, dressage, para dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting and reining.
Athlete welfare, including discussions on concussion and return to play, harassment and abuse, and medication and recreational drugs, will also be discussed.
David O’Connor, chair of the FEI eventing committee, will chair the session on eventing risk management. This will include updates on the work the FEI is doing to improve safety as well as the statistics from last season.
Dr David Marlin and Dr Martha Misheff will give a presentation on managing horses and riders in hot and humid conditions, in light of the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina this year and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The FEI officials working group will put forward recommendations on improving appointment, education and evaluation of FEI officials.
The final session will hear the dressage judging working group’s proposal for a “code of points” judging system.
A full report from the forum will be published in Horse & Hound’s 5 April issue.