International Federation for Equestrian Sports facts for kids
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| Sport | Equestrian |
|---|---|
| Category | Sports |
| Jurisdiction | International |
| Abbreviation | FEI |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Affiliation | International Olympic Committee, ASOIF |
| Affiliation date | 1921, 1983 |
| Headquarters | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| President |  Ingmar De Vos |
| Vice president(s) |  Jack C. Huang,  Mark Samuel |
| Secretary |  Sabrina Ibáñez |
| Sponsor | Longines |
| Official website | |
The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (often called the FEI, from its French name Fédération Équestre Internationale) is the main international group that manages horse sports around the world. Think of it as the boss for all things related to competitive horse riding!
The FEI's main office is in Lausanne, Switzerland. A very important part of what they do is making sure horses are treated well. They have a special set of rules, called a code of conduct, to protect horses from any kind of harm or unfair treatment, like using banned substances.
Contents
What Does the FEI Do?
The FEI has many important jobs. They create the rules for different horse sports. They also make sure that competitions are fair and safe for both riders and horses. The FEI works hard to promote equestrian sports globally. They want more people to enjoy and participate in these amazing activities.
Governing Horse Sports Worldwide
The FEI is like the referee for international horse sports. They set the standards for how competitions should run. This includes everything from the size of the arenas to the types of jumps used. They also approve judges and officials for events. This helps keep everything consistent and fair.
Protecting Horse Welfare
One of the FEI's most important goals is to protect the well-being of horses. They have strict rules against animal abuse and doping. Doping means giving horses substances that unfairly improve their performance. The FEI regularly tests horses to make sure they are healthy and competing fairly. They believe that horses should always be treated with respect and care.
Equestrian Sports Under the FEI
The FEI governs many different types of horse sports. These sports are popular all over the world. Each sport tests different skills of both the rider and the horse.
Popular FEI Disciplines
Some of the most well-known sports managed by the FEI include:
- Show Jumping: Riders and horses jump over obstacles without knocking them down. It's all about precision and speed.
- Dressage: This is like ballet for horses. Riders guide their horses through a series of complex movements. It shows off the horse's training and elegance.
- Eventing: This sport combines three different phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. It's a true test of a horse's versatility and stamina.
- Driving: Horses pull a carriage with a driver and sometimes passengers. This can involve precision driving or racing.
- Endurance Riding: This is a long-distance race where horses and riders cover many miles. It tests the horse's fitness and the rider's ability to manage their horse's energy.
- Vaulting: This is like gymnastics on horseback. Athletes perform acrobatic moves on a cantering horse.
- Reining: This Western riding sport involves precise patterns of circles, spins, and slides.
FEI and the Olympic Games
The FEI is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This means that equestrian sports are part of the Olympic Games. Show jumping, dressage, and eventing are the three equestrian sports featured in the Olympics. The FEI works closely with the IOC to organize these events. They ensure that the highest standards are met for these prestigious competitions.
History of the FEI
The FEI was founded a long time ago, in 1921. It was created to bring together different national equestrian groups. Before the FEI, rules for horse sports could vary a lot between countries. This made international competitions difficult.
Why the FEI Was Formed
After World War I, there was a growing interest in international sports. People realized that a single organization was needed to create common rules for horse riding. This would make competitions fairer and more organized. So, the FEI was formed by eight national equestrian federations. Their goal was to unify the sport and promote its growth worldwide.
Images for kids
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FEI Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
See also
In Spanish: Federación Ecuestre Internacional para niños
