BEF’s John McEwen to run for FEI presidency

John McEwen MBE is running for FEI presidency, following Princess Haya’s decision not to run for a third term.

Wide experience

John is already the FEI’s first vice-president as well as its veterinary committee chairman. He has also served as the director for equine sports science and medicine on the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) World Class Performance programme.

Having worked as an equine vet for more than 42 years John has a wide experience of competition horses. He was team vet to the British Showjumping and British Dressage teams for over 30 years and has attended eight Olympic Games.

Hugelyelectable

According to BEF president and chairman Keith Taylor, John is “hugely experienced and electable”.

“He knows the FEI inside out and he knows what needs to be done to build on Princess Haya’s outstanding legacy,” he said.“He is very well respected throughout the international community as a man of integrity. We support him fully.”

John will go forward to the election at the FEI general assembly on 14 December as the BEF nomination.

Committed

“I have been delighted to play my part in support of the FEI and of our current president, HRH Princess Haya,” said John.“I have no illusions about the challenges for this election and the work that needs to be undertaken in the future.

“I run because I know I have the confidence and support of my own Federation and because I am committed to the direction our current president has forged.”

Other candiates

The five other candiates are:

Pierre Genecand,proposed by the Swiss Equestrian Federation. He served as president of the Geneva International Horse Show from 1989 to 2003 and is the current president of the Polo Club Gstaad and the Hublot Polo Gold Club.

Ulf Helgstrand, proposed by the Danish Equestrian Federation. The former dressage rider is the president of the Danish Equestrian Federation and vice president of the European Equestrian Federation.

Javier Revuelta del Peral, proposed by the Spanish Equestrian Federation. He competed internationally in eventing and showjumping, taking part in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the World Equestrian Games 1994. Revuelta is a member of the Spanish Olympic Committee.

Pierre Durand, proposed by the French Equestrian Federation. He was European showjumping champion in 1987 and Olympic champion in 1988. Durand is currently chairman of the board of directors of the French National Institute for Sport, Expertise, and Performance (INSEP).

Ingmar De Vos,proposed by the Belgian Equestrian Federation, which he joined as managing director in 1990. He was chef de mission for the Belgian equestrian team from 1990 to 2010 and is currently the FEI secretary general.