The International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC), which represents the world’s top dressage athletes, has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the FEI.
The organisation, formerly an FEI Associate Member, will work closely with the FEI to expand the Olympic disciplines Dressage. The number of Dressage events has grown by 28% in the same period, with over 450 Dressage events taking place in over 70 countries last year alone.
The IDRC, founded in 1986, is the voice of almost 600 Dressage athletes around the world, with President Kyra Kyrklund (FIN) and six active Olympic Dressage athletes on its board.
“This is an exciting new chapter for the IDRC as we represent more and more Dressage athletes thanks to the rapid growth of the sport,” IDRC President Kyra Kyrklund said. “We now have a formal agreement with the FEI that recognises the IDRC as the sole international organisation representing the views and interests of international Dressage riders, and our athletes fully understand the weight of this agreement.”
“Our athletes are the lifeblood of our sport, and the FEI’s collaboration with the International Jumping and Dressage Riders Clubs helps to ensure that we all have our fingers on the pulse of the sport and fully understand the views of our athletes on the future of two of our most popular disciplines,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said. “These new relationships underline the importance of collaborating with our athletes and represent a very important step as Jumping and Dressage continue to grow in all four corners of the world.”
According to the FEI, the federation decided in 2012 to use Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to better define its relationship with the different stakeholders. The MOUs cover universal issues such as FEI recognition, FEI Rules and Regulations, horse welfare, code of ethics, commitment to democratic processes, consultation, FEI General Assembly, FEI Sports Forum and meetings, governing law, dispute resolution, communication, and implementation. MOUs have already been signed with WHW, organisers and officials. Although recognition by the FEI does not entail voting rights at the FEI General Assembly, the MOUs formalise the relationship with the FEI, giving a voice to organisations working with the FEI in the development of equestrian sport.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
FEI Abolishes Associate Membership
FEI Threatens to Expel IDRC as FEI Associate Member Representing Riders
IDRC Prepares for FEI Hearing on Rider Representation and Associate Membership
International Dressage Trainers Club and FEI Sign Memorandum of Understanding