The IDRC is trying to ensure that the member appointed to represent riders on the Dressage Committee carries a mandate from the IDRC membership because it is the only way truly to ensure democratic representation. 

Candidates from two National Federations

Two National Federations have nominated riders to stand against the IDRC candidate.  The riders they have nominated were not IDRC members at the time of their nomination but only joined to be able to meet the FEI requirements to be on the Dressage Committee.

The IDRC concerns are very strong that if a rider is appointed to the Dressage Committee that does not carry the mandate of the IDRC then the voice and opinions of a large group of FEI registered dressage riders will not be represented on the Dressage Committee.

No individual, no matter how talented, can claim to represent riders unless they have a clear mandate from riders and the ability to clearly communicate to and receive input from riders - this is democracy, it is the way the world works.

Dressage committee support

The Dressage Committee has had a representative appointed by the IDRC since the inclusion of riders.  In 2009 when no Dressage Committee was in place, IDRC Board Member  Richard Davison served on the FEI Dressage Task Force. The current member representing the IDRC, is Mrs Margit Otto-Crépin (FRA). 

We understand that the Dressage Committee is not supporting our candidate based on the argument that they do not wish there to be more than one member from one NF (GBR) on the Committee. However Athletes and Organizers representatives do not represent a National Federation but an FEI recognised stakeholder group/Associate member with world-wide representation.  In addition, other Technical Committees also hold and have held two or more members of the same nationality without causing any national dominance within their Committees

The Dressage Task Force's own recommendation was:

"The Committee members should all be of different nationalities i.e. maximum one per NF.  Gender and geographical spread is recommended, however having the right people is seen as more important."

Implications to other FEI disciplines

The implications of not taking the IDRC recommended candidate has reach far beyond dressage, organisers' and athletes’ for all of the FEI disciplines will no longer have the right to a voice on any Standing Committee for their discipline.