Development: A Dialogue
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Development: A Dialogue
The key to development is perceived by too many people to be copying what has been done in developed nations. It is my belief that this is the reason why all kinds of development projects have failed. In particular, a great number of European countries have approached the issues in the developing world with the idea that what has been good for Europe will be good for the rest of the world. That is of course not true, but a very persistent conviction with many.
If we recognize that as the case then what that means for the development of equestrian sport, is that each country and National Federation should analyze its needs and opportunities in line with its own unique equestrian and cultural heritage. And develop those points where success is most probable.
If there is a small nucleus of enthusiasts in a particular discipline, grab the opportunity those people offer. Don’t start a program in another discipline before bringing the nucleus to the next stage. Success breeds success.
If there is a natural affiliation between two countries (e.g. neighbouring countries, economical ties, historical relations etc.), use those ties to stimulate both sides to work on development.
Small countries or small NFs also need different structural solutions to bigger federations in order to create the environment for long term development. ‘One size fits all’ does not apply, and it is time that these different solutions were formulated and executed.
The role of the Lausanne HQ should be molded around this concept.
This approach will all add to the development of the entire FEI as a multidiscipline, multifaceted organization enriched by the different backgrounds and cultural heritages equestrian sport enjoys in nearly every part of the world. Only by taking these steps will we create a truly global FEI, not one molded and encased by the form it created in the 20th Century.
Henk Rottinghuis
Dear Mr. Rottinghuis,
I would first of all like to commend you on taking the initiative to conduct a 100 days listening campaign. I believe this information shared among all our National Federations and Bureau Members will lead us to rethink how we would like the future of this sport to be perceived, and what we need to do to make the sport better. Most importantly, it provides everyone with a clear view that we are all different.
It is on the last matter that I would like to give you my personal opinion: My Federation is from a region “Asia”, which stretches from the Pacific, all the way to the Red Sea. It is the largest and most populous continent in the world filled with rich and diversified cultures. As a volunteer in the regional affairs of this sport through the Asian Equestrian Federation, I’ve observed also that NFs in our region disagree on many things due to our diversity. However, one thing which all of us have agreed on over the years, and would perhaps need to address to the “dominant Europe” (as you stated in your findings), are 2 points:
1. The number of riders will continue to naturally grow in numbers due to the fast economic growth of BRIC countries and its neighbors. This is regardless of any policies or decisions made by the Bureau members or by us at the FEI General Assemblies. Furthermore, this means that the horse industry in Europe will continue to benefit from this growth, with or without the World Cup or the Olympics.
2. But most of Asian NFs feel that Equestrian’s future as an Olympic sport is at risk due to the “dominance” by certain region(s). If we want to keep Equestrian as an Olympic Sport, we have to recognize the need to effectively develop “The Universality” of this sport. Until now, many Asian NFs feel that this term has been abused and used as a “lip service” to us, and works only as a one-way street to benefit the horse industry.
I think there is no doubt that in our mind that Europe dominates this sport (and will for the years to come). But if we want the see our sport in future Olympics, the dominant Europe and the fast growing Asia will have to help each other. Otherwise, we won’t have a future altogether! To put it bluntly, if we don’t work together, this sport will be perceived in my region as an exclusive sport and for some to “flaunt their wealth”. We will then need to ask ourselves: “Is this what we want and what the FEI is all about?”
I hope my comments will provide you with additional support on your findings and to provide you with a foundation in developing an effective agenda for the FEI.
Good Luck!
Henk Rottinghuis responds:
What the comment from Asia says is very clear. I heard the same comments in other parts of the world. Europe must understand that it has the biggest interest in developing the equestrian sport worldwide. But it seems Europe is too much pre-occupied with it’s own problems.
It is my conviction that Europe’s economy will be the nr. 5 economy of the world in 2020. That shows the focus of the world is changing fast, and our sport better follows this shift in the balance of power if it wants to stay relevant in this new world order.
Europe should take the lead in this process. It is after all also best positioned to benefit from a growing worldwide sport economically.
The new leadership of the FEI has to convince Europe to do just that. To urge all established Federations to develop a policy on development and the role they want to play. Very few have a clear picture what they want to do. Without the help of Europe development will take too long. Europe should be open for every new federation with the ambition to join the world stage with its teams. With two clear targets:
1. Olympic Games in 2020 with riders from 5 continents competing successfully for medals in all disciplines.
2. Equestrian sport is well established throughout the world as a sport accessible to millions.
That is what it takes to be a worldwide sport. Too little progress has been made so far, because the urge to incorporate the development targets in all its other policies is lacking and no high placed body is accountable for it. The present Taskforce Development also lacks a representative of the established Federations. But most off all it begins with missionary work in Europe, which I am prepared and I feel well placed to do.