-- FFE press release
On 27 - 28 February 27 2024, twenty-six French stewards took part in a training session to prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, benefiting at the same time to maintain their international status.
This training, organized at the Federal Equestrian Park in Lamotte-Beuvron (41) was orchestrated by the 4 chief stewards appointed to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. By allowing them to continue their ongoing training, the French Equestrian Federation (FFE) places its officials in the best possible conditions for the Olympic events.
The final list of stewards for the Paris Olympic Games will be established at the end of these meetings.
A “Refresher” for Stewards Expected to Officiate at Paris 2024
Officials involved in competitions held under the auspices of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) are required to attend a course to maintain their knowledge of FEI regulations, also called a “refresher”, every three years. A session was organized on 27 - 28 February for stewards expected to join the list of officials for the Paris 2024 Games. It took place entirely in English and twenty-six French stewards for show jumping, eventing and dressage took part, which led to the maintenance of their FEI steward status.
This FEI course was led by four high-level speakers, who were complementary in their interventions and who will officiate at the next Olympic Games: the Venezuelan Cesar Hirsch, general chief steward, the Swedish Maria Hernek, chief steward for show jumping , the British Dan Chapman, chief steward for dressage, and the Hungarian György Bázár, chief steward for eventing.
The gathering allowed for the creation of a strong team of officials who know each other and who are therefore placed in the best possible conditions to work with their foreign counterparts during the Olympic events next July and August in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles (78).
“For two days, there was an excellent atmosphere and good cohesion. The officials showed seriousness, great motivation and commitment. And the four speakers highly appreciated the conditions in which they were received as well as the federal site, which is positive,” said Clémentine Puret, national technical advisor for competition officials.
Next meeting in Fontainebleau in April
Representatives of GL events Equestrian Sport, the company responsible for the operational implementation of equestrian events during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, were present: Sylvie Robert, president, Jean Morel, sport manager (and French dressage team trainer), Geoffroy de Thoisy, manager for show jumping obstacles, Didier Ferrer, manager for dressage, and Jean-Marc Varillon, manager for eventing.
The next meeting for these stewards to continue the collective work started will be in Fontainebleau on 22 - 28 April, which will serve as a real technical test a few months before the Games. For the many French officials who will officiate in Versailles this constitutes recognition of their long-standing commitment to equestrian sports in France and a unique experience for the rest of their careers, creating a human legacy.
The role of FEI stewards
The stewards are the custodians of compliance with the regulations, fairness in sport, and safeguarding the well-being of the horses, outside the competition area and in the training ring. They help organizers, riders and grooms to prevent violations or irregularities of the regulations published by the FEI.
Photo © FFE
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the Olympic Games