How would you describe the role and purpose of the Equestrian Organisers, and why is an international umbrella association for event organisers so important in today’s sport?

IV: The Equestrian Organisers exists first and foremost to support event organisers at all levels of the sport. Our role is to be a collective voice, a point of connection, and a source of knowledge and assistance for organisers who operate in very different contexts but face many shared challenges.

An international umbrella association is essential because organisers are often navigating complex demands, from regulations and costs to welfare expectations and sustainability, largely on their own. By bringing organisers closer to the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and other stakeholders, we help ensure that their perspectives are understood, taken seriously, and reflected in decision-making. At the same time, we raise awareness among organisers themselves about developments in the sport.


What are the core priorities and ambitions guiding the Equestrian Organisers at the moment, and how do you see the association evolving over the next few years?

IV: Our core priority is to remain supportive, accessible and relevant to organisers. We want to strengthen dialogue, not only with the FEI, but also with other key stakeholders, and to provide better background information on the challenges organisers face, as well as the opportunities they have.

We aim to grow our membership, because a broader base makes our collective voice stronger. At the same time, accessibility is crucial: even organisers who are not members should feel that Equestrian Organisers is open, approachable and willing to engage. Looking ahead, I see the association evolving into an even more proactive platform for discussion, collaboration and shared problem-solving across the international organiser community.


As Secretary General of the Equestrian Organisers, what does your role involve on a day-to-day basis, and where do you feel you can make the biggest impact for organisers and the wider sport?

IV: On a day-to-day basis, my role involves listening, connecting and representing. This includes staying in close contact with organisers, maintaining dialogue with the FEI and other stakeholders, and translating practical realities from the field into constructive input at an international level.

I believe my biggest impact lies in bridging gaps, between organisers and governing bodies, and between different parts of the sport. By clearly articulating the challenges organisers face, while also highlighting their contribution and professionalism, we can foster greater mutual understanding and create conditions in which organisers feel supported. 


How does the Equestrian Organisers engage with the FEI to represent the collective views of events, and what do you see as the biggest opportunities to strengthen this relationship?

IV: Our engagement with the FEI is based on open communication and ongoing dialogue. We aim to represent the collective views of organisers in a constructive way, acknowledging the diversity of events while identifying shared concerns and priorities.

The biggest opportunity to strengthen this relationship lies in deeper understanding. Organisers operate under very different circumstances depending on level, venue, discipline, and whether events are indoor or outdoor and it is not always easy to align these realities with regulations and expectations. By providing more context and background, we can help ensure that decisions are informed by the practical realities of organising events on the ground.


Many organisers face increasing pressures – from rising costs to sustainability demands and athlete and horse welfare considerations. Which issues do you believe most urgently need unified action?

IV: Rising costs are currently one of the most urgent challenges. For many organisers, it is increasingly difficult to balance budgets, especially when higher costs cannot simply be passed on to riders or spectators. This affects events at multiple levels and threatens long-term viability.

At the same time, sustainability and welfare expectations are rightly growing, but they require shared responsibility. These challenges cannot be solved by organisers alone. From within our own industry, different stakeholders must strengthen one another and work together on realistic, innovative solutions that safeguard both the sport’s values and its future.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of equestrian event organisation, and where do you hope Equestrian Organisers will lead meaningful change?

IV: What excites me most is the opportunity for organisers to play a key role in how our sport is presented to the world. Organisers shape the experience for athletes, horses, fans and partners, and they have real influence on how equestrian sport is perceived.

Even though this is a challenging industry, innovation is essential. I believe Equestrian Organisers can lead meaningful change by encouraging fresh thinking, sharing best practices and supporting organisers in telling stronger, more compelling stories about our sport. If we succeed in this, we can make a real difference in how equestrian sport is valued and understood in the future.