HRH Princess Benedikte Steps Down as Patron of Danish Equestrian Federation

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 13:42
Denmark
HRH Princess Benedikte cheering for Team Denmark at the 2024 Olympics in paris :: Photo © Astrid Appels

HRH Princess Benedikte of Denmark has stepped down as the patron of the Danish Equestrian Federation. 

Pending Conflict

As a result of the pending conflict in the Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF) she has chosen to stop as patron, a role she fulfilled since 1992.

After a tumultuous year in 2023 which led to the resignation of president Ulf Helgsrand and vice-chair Jakob Ravnsbo,  Benedikte's daughter, Princess Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, became a member of the new DRF board with the most votes. The newly appointed chair is Dan Boyter. 

Unfortunately, Boyter has been struggling to captain the DRF ship through very rocky weather. More animal welfare and management issues have unfolded, e.g. the Carina Cassoe Kruth case and money being allocated to host the CDI-W Herning. 

Patron

HRH Princess Benedikte is the patron of the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses (WBFSH), the Danish Warmblood society, and the Danish horse welfare organisation Hestens Værn. She also presided the Global Dressage Foundation.

Since 1992 she was also patron of  the Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF). She recently celebrated her 80th birthday.

Photo © Astrid Appels

Related Links
Princess Benedikte Celebrates 80th Birthday
New Board Elected for Danish Equestrian Federation, Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein Get Most Votes
Danish NF President Dan Boyter: "We Act Matter-of-Factly, Promptly and Resolutely"