Chance of 2021 European Championships takes a step forward
The European Championships could be held as well as the delayed Olympic Games
THE chance of the 2021 European Championships’ running has taken another step forward.
The FEI board asked the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) to bring a “realistic proposal” for a reinstated showjumping championships to the board meeting on 21 July (news, 2 July). This followed a push from owners and riders in showjumping, and support from national federations, for the Europeans to run next year.
“The FEI board decided to provide the bids/expressions of interest received through the EEF for these championships to the relevant technical committees and calendar task forces to understand if they want the FEI board to reconsider its decision to cancel these championships,” states the minutes from the meeting.
While the showjumpers were first out of the gates in terms of lobbying for the championships, the decision applies to dressage, para dressage and eventing.
There is also support across the disciplines.
Wayne Channon, secretary general of the International Dressage Riders’ Club, told H&H the organisation is “definitively supportive” of a European Championships in 2021 “even in the light of the Olympic Games being held in the same year”.
“There are several factors that influence this view; with the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, it is not guaranteed that travel to the other side of the world will be possible,” he said.
“Even if the Olympics is possible, a back-up of the Europeans is a sensible alternative and could be earlier in the year.
“The welfare of the horse is above all else; the time between the two needs to be enough for team horses to do both.
“This is particularly the case in dressage where not all riders have more than one horse at international level. For some riders, it may mean their top horse does not travel to the Olympics having competed at the Europeans, which introduces an interesting dynamic.”
Bruce Haskell, president of the Eventing Riders Association (ERA), told H&H the association has had “a lot of requests” from European riders and owners to support this, which have been passed to the FEI.
“It is pretty clear the European riders want this to go ahead if it is at all possible,” he said, adding this will come down to cost, logistics and financial viability if there is a question mark over whether spectators are allowed to attend.
Mr Haskell said there is “absolutely” strength in depth in the sport to field competitors for two championships in one year, adding it could also serve as an opportunity for up-and-coming nations as well as riders with less championship experience.
“[Reinstating the Europeans] sends the message that our sport is important and these championships are important within it,” he said, adding that results here play a part in many nations’ funding models which “should not be overlooked”.
“We are living in a time where technology such as livestreaming and online scoring are becoming part of out sport, with a focus on fans being able to follow while not having to be there, and there is commercial value in that.”
He added that other sports are capitalising on this technology and equestrianism should do the same if it is to compete for fan interest and new supporters.
“There is also the question over whether the Olympics will happen next year, so let’s get planning on getting our championships up and running,” he said.