The organizing foundation of the Global Dressage Forum (GDF) in Hooge Mierde, the Netherlands, regrets the way Mr. Andreas Stano, organiser of the Global Dressage Forum North America (NA Forum) has caused confusion and misunderstandings by copying the title and wording of the ‘original’ GDF without permission.
The GDF was recently approached by several clinicians, trainers, journalists, judges and Federations questioning if the GDF is behind Mr. Stano’s project. Mr. Stano’s project. The GDF has stated that this is not the case.
Since 2001 the GDF is a well established event by the Global Dressage Foundation (Foundation), the ‘umbrella-organisation’ presided by Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte of Denmark. On Saturday 21 January 2012 this foundation was initiated by the stakeholders of the GDF, including the FEI, International Dressage Trainers Club, International Riders Club and the International Society for Equitation Science. In its meetings at the World Cup Final in s’ Hertogenbosch and the CHIO in Aachen the Foundation decided that it would be possible to move the GDF to different countries in the future but it was decided to organise the GDF in the Netherlands in 2013. The Foundation then informed Mr. Stano about its concern regarding his use of the name ‘Global Dressage Forum North America’ for a project in Florida in January 2013. The Foundation, represented by its board member Drs. Joep Bartels urgently asked to avoid confusion.
On 17 July 2012 Mr Stano confirmed in writing: “I understand that Mr. Bartels raised an important question in his email that the name "Global Dressage Forum North America" might be confused with the name of the "Global Dressage Forum" held in the Netherlands. At time of creation, we wanted to give our forum a name that clearly defines its geographical boundaries and by using "North America" we feel this clearly explains that this event is in North America and not connected to Europe. While I appreciate his concern, I would like to extend my reassurances that we will make it clear in our promotional campaign and marketing that the "Global Dressage Forum North America" is not related to, nor affiliated with, the "Global Dressage Forum" of the Netherlands. The clarity of maintaining “North America” in our title makes the forum unique in itself and in its purposes for the betterment of dressage education to our unique audience in North America”.
It is regretted that unfortunately Mr. Stano did not keep his promise. GDF wants to inform that the heading of the last mailing of the NA Forum did not even have the additional title ‘North America’, just ‘Global Dressage Forum Captures International Dressage World’ and the text on the website of Mr. Stano is almost literally copied from the original GDF website. No clarity was created in promoting his Forum. On the contrary, by copying the title and promotional text, confusion and misunderstanding has been created.
Please be informed that the official 13th Global Dressage Forum will take place in the Netherlands on 28-29 October 2013.
Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2012 Global Dressage Forum
2011 Global Dressage Forum: Harmony and Discord
2010 Global Dressage Forum: Making Progress