The 2006 Danish Warmblood Stallion Licensing in Herning was honoured with the attendance of Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte of Denmark. Sister to the Queen of Denmark, HRH Princess Benedikte is an avid horse breeder and dressage fan herself.
She annually attends the Herning licensing to watch the grading and her own daughter Nathalie Zu Saeyn/Wittgenstein perform in the gala show and competition.
This year, however, Princess Benedikte's attendance was of bigger importance. Her Royal Highness is in the running for the FEI presidency and hopes she will be elected.
At a special press conference, Princess Benedikte revealed the programme she wants to carry out when she is elected president. "I want to be a bridge builder between breeding and sport," she stated. To her, the most important issues are transparency in the sport, horse welfare and a good image. "The FEI has to be more open, more see-through and it has to be quicker in its decision making for rider and horse." She accentuated that it is vital for national federations to be strong organizations in order for the FEI to be a effective umbrella operation. "Denmark was one of the eight founding countries of the FEI. We have great experience in organizing the equestrian sport and can help developing countries."
Princess Benedikte is currently patron of the Danish Warmblood Society and World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses. Both organizations are presided by the Danish Jan Pedersen.
Text and Photos by Astrid Appels/Eurodressage
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