South Africa to host horse sport’s biggest meeting of the year

The FEI is heading to the Southern Hemisphere for its upcoming General Assembly, with South Africa finally getting the nod following two cancellations because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest and second-largest city, will host the assembly at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from November 9 to 13, 2022. The decision was taken by the FEI Board at its monthly teleconference on March 22. It will be a hybrid event, as was last year’s assembly in Antwerp, Belgium.

It is the first time that the FEI’s biggest annual meeting has been hosted in southern Africa. The event has been held on the African continent only once before, in Morocco’s capital Rabat in 2002.

FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said the organisation was delighted to be going to Africa this year. “The South African Equestrian Federation had generously invited us in 2020 but the event had to be cancelled twice due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Africa is a vibrant continent with a huge potential for equestrian sport. The countries of the region have been involved in many FEI Solidarity projects and it is a fantastic opportunity for our community to gather in South Africa and learn more of their progress over the years,” Ibáñez said.

She said the online and in-person hybrid General Assembly format used last year permitted wide participation, especially for the National Federation representatives who were unable to travel.

South African Equestrian Federation President Professor Ian Sanne said the federation was excited to play host to the FEI General Assembly 2022 and to showcase the achievements of the country and the continent.

“We have waited patiently for this opportunity, and we are determined to provide the very best backdrop for the important decisions that will be made. Cape Town is a vibrant city, and we are already working hard and are excitedly planning for a week of hard work and unforgettable African celebration.”

This article originally came from Horse Talk

Photo: Horse Talk