(USDF) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to congratulate all of the winners of the 2012 GMO Awards, which will be presented during the Board of Governor’s General Assembly at the 2012 Adequan/USDF Annual Convention, presented by SmartPak, in New Orleans, LA. These awards are given annually to recognize outstanding achievement within USDF’s GMO community. Recognition is given in the following categories: GMO amateur photograph, website user experience, and newsletter first person experience and general interest articles. USDF also recognizes outstanding volunteers at the regional level along with the recipient of the Ruth Arvanette Memorial Fund grant.

This year’s winners are:

GMO Photography Awards:
Best Amateur Photograph

GMOs with less than 75 members: First Place: Columbia Dressage & Combined Training Association, Direct Rein, December 2011: Christmas Party Information, Photographer: Georgette Harrison

GMOs with 75 to 174 members: First Place: Tennessee Valley Dressage & Combined Training Association, TVDCTA Bits, March 2012: At Home with Horsewomen of the Bush Family, Photographer: Sara Groves

GMOs with 175 to 499 members: First Place: Southern Eventing & Dressage Association, Off Course, March/April 2012: Smile…You’re on Camera, Photographer: Nicole Landreneau

GMOs with 500 or more members: No nominations

GMO Newsletter Awards:
First Person Experience Article:

GMOs with less than 75 members: First Place: Lehigh Valley Dressage Association, Lehigh Valley Dressage Association Newsletter, April 2012: A Day with Hilary Clayton, Gait Mechanics Goddess by Stacey Kimmel-Smith
Honorable Mention: Northeast Florida Dressage Association, NFDA Newsletter, June/July 2012: Free Horse? by Julie Quintrall

GMOs with 75 to 174 members: First Place: Tennessee Valley Dressage & Combined Training Association, TVDCTA Bits, July 2012: Sportallero (Sport) by Linda Wilson
Honorable Mention: NEW Dressage Association, Inc., Forward, August 2012: My First Experience with Western Dressage by Jenny Schmitt

GMOs with 175 to 499 members: First Place: Northern Ohio Dressage Association, NODA News, July 2012: Niki Sackman, the USDF Region 2, 2011 Gifted Grant Recipient Shares Insights Gained through Intensive Training by Niki Sackman
Honorable Mention: Houston Dressage Society, Collective Remarks, July 2012: Festival of Champions 2012 USEF National Dressage Championships by Anna Campbell

GMOs with 500 or more members: First Place: Rocky Mountain Dressage Society, The Centaur, November 2011: Put Her on a Horse by Debbie Edmonson
Honorable Mention: Georgia Dressage & Combined Training Association, Collected Remarks, May 2012: Winter with Cesar Parra by Julie Shannon

General Interest/Informational Article:

GMOs with less than 75 members: First Place: Lehigh Valley Dressage Association, Lehigh Valley Dressage Association Newsletter, March 2012: Excerpts from “The Heritage Course for Classical Riding Concepts with Charles de Kunffy” by Gail Carpency
Honorable Mention: Northeast Florida Dressage Association, NFDA Newsletter, March 2012: Horses in Your Blood (Kate’s Corner) by Kate Johnson

GMOs with 75 to 174 members: First Place: NEW Dressage Association, Inc., Forward, September 2011: The Road to Pas de Deux by Paula Roberts
Honorable Mention: Tennessee Valley Dressage & Combined Training Association, TVDCTA Bits, August 2012: Debbie Hill Dressage by Lisa Conroy

GMOs with 175 to 499 members: First Place: Midwest Dressage Association, MDA News and Views, July/August 2012: Ann Arbor Rider, Dr. Dale Dedrick will Ride for the US on the 2012 London Paralympic Team by Jan Macafee
Honorable Mention: Northern Ohio Dressage Association, NODA News, April 2012: Saddle Fit – How Does a Rider Know? by Heather Soones-Booher

GMOs with 500 or more members: First Place: Rocky Mountain Dressage Society, The Centaur, June 2012: Conifer Fire Evacuation by Linda Gaber
Honorable Mention: Georgia Dressage & Combined Training Association, Collected Remarks, May 2012: GDCTA Dudzu Clinic w/Strength Trainer, Anna Anton: Groundwork Exercises for the Rider by Anna Anton

GMO Web Site Awards:
Best User Experience:

GMOs with less than 75 members: First Place: Lehigh Valley Dressage Association (www.lvda.org)
Honorable Mention: Long Island Dressage & Combined Training Association (www.lidcta.com)

GMOs with 75 to 174 members: First Place: NEW Dressage Association, Inc. (www.newdressage.org)
Honorable Mention: Oley Valley Combined Training Association (www.ovcta.org)

GMOs with 175 to 499 members: First Place: Equestrians’ Institute (www.einw.org)
Honorable Mention: Southern Eventing & Dressage Association (www.sedariders.org)

GMOs with 500 or more members: First Place: Georgia Dressage & Combined Training Association (gdcta.org)
Honorable Mention (Tie): Potomac Valley Dressage Association (www.pvda.org) and Rocky Mountain Dressage Society (www.rmds.org)

Regional GMO Volunteers of the Year:
Region 1: Michele Wellman (Union Bridge, MD – Potomac Valley Dressage Association)
Region 2: No Nominations
Region 3: May Lou Freil (Woodstock, GA – Georgia Dressage & Combined Training Association)
Region 4: No Nominations
Region 5: No Nominations
Region 6: Sharon Knowlton (Tigard, OR – Oregon Dressage Society)
Region 7: Paula K. Langan (Carmel Valley, CA – California Dressage Society)
Region 8: No Nominations
Region 9: Karen Peacock (Helotes, TX – Houston Dressage Society)

Ruth Arvanette Memorial Fund Grant
Linda A. Priddy (Billings, MT – Big Sky Equestrian Association)

For more information on GMOs in your area or GMO award programs, please visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF GMO Committee liaison at gmoliaison@usdf.org.

The FEI Bureau confirmed the following appointments to the FEI Technical Committees at its meeting held in Istanbul (TUR) yesterdday, 6 November:

FEI Medical Committee
Dr Peter Whitehead (GBR) was appointed as chairman for a term of three years (2012-2015) to replace Dr Craig Ferrell, who passed away earlier this year. Dr Allen Sills (USA) was appointed as member until 2013.

Chair of FEI Para-Equestrian Committee
Ulf Wilken (SWE) was re-elected for a second and final term of four years (2012-2016).

Members of the FEI Jumping Committee
Stephan Ellenbruch (GER) was appointed to replace outgoing member Jean-Maurice Bonneau (FRA), for a term of four years (2012-2016). Max Kühner (GER) was appointed as member replacing athletes’ representative Otto Becker (GER). In view of the changes proposed to FEI Statutes to the General Assembly 2012 that the election of athletes representatives on Technical Committees be performed online by the registered riders of each discipline, the Bureau decided that the term of Max Kühner, who is the rider representative on the Jumping Committee nominated by the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC), will be until the online voting by athletes is available.

Members of the FEI Dressage Committee
Hans-Christian Matthiesen (DEN) was appointed as member for a four-year term (2012-2016) replacing outgoing member Elisabet Lundholm (SWE). The term in office of the athletes’ representative Kyra Kyrklund (FIN), appointed by the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC), was extended until the online voting by athletes has been implemented.

Members of the FEI Eventing Committee
Rűdiger Schwarz (GER) was appointed as member for a four-year term (2012-2016) replacing outgoing member Pierre Michelet (FRA). The term in office of the athletes’ representative Clayton Fredericks (AUS) was extended until the online voting by athletes has been implemented.

Member of the FEI Driving Committee
Mark Wentein (BEL) was re-elected as member for a second term in office (2012-2016).

Members of the FEI Endurance Committee
Khalid Ahmed Hasan (BRN) and John Robertson (GBR) were appointed as members to replace outgoing members Brian Sheahan (AUS) and Elizabeth van Schelle (BRA).

In order to ensure continuity on the Committee by avoiding staggered terms, one of the newly elected members will serve a three-year (2012-2015) and the other a four-year-term (2012-2016). The terms will be determined by a draw and communicated to the General Assembly on 8 November.

Member of the FEI Vaulting Committee
John Eccles (GBR) was appointed as member for a four-year term (2012-2016) replacing outgoing member Pricilla Botton (BRA).

Members of the FEI Para-Equestrian Committee
Amanda Bond (GBR) and Joop Stokkel (NED) were appointed as members replacing outgoing member Hanneke Gerritsen (NED), and Jane M. Goldsmith (GBR), who passed away earlier this year.

As with the members of the FEI Endurance Committee, in order to ensure continuity on the Committee by avoiding staggered terms, one of the newly elected members will serve a three-year (2012-2015) and the other a four-year-term (2012-2016). The terms will be determined by a draw and communicated to the General Assembly on 8 November.

The venues for the 2013 and 2014 FEI Championships & Finals were also allocated as follows:

2013 allocations
FEI Central Asia Jumping Championships Astana (KAZ), 2-5 July
FEI World Jumping Challenge Final Caracas (VEN), 11-16 June
FEI Central Asia Dressage Championships Almaty (KAZ), 14-16 June
FEI World Cup™ Driving Final Bordeaux (FRA), 8-10 February
FEI Pan American Endurance Championships for Seniors & Young Riders Costa Azul (URU), 3-6 September
FEI European Vaulting Championships for Seniors & Juniors Magna Racino (AUT), 30 July-4 August
FEI European Reining Championships for Seniors Augsburg (GER), 29 August-1 September
FEI European Jumping, Dressage & Eventing Championships for Ponies Arezzo (ITA), 16-21 July

2014 allocations
FEI European Jumping Championships for Young Riders, Juniors & Children Arezzo (ITA), 25-31 August
FEI European Jumping Championships for Veterans Zandhoven/Antwerp (BEL), August
FEI European Championships for Young Riders Vale Sabroso (POR), 10-14 September
FEI World Driving Championships for Singles Lühmühlen (GER). Mid-September

JUMPING
In addition to the new rules for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ series, the FEI Bureau approved the modifications to the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Rules 2013/2014 and the Children’s International Classics Rules 2013. The rules for the 2013 Global Champions Tour were presented to the Bureau.

The qualification procedures for the Pan American Games 2015 and the Central American and Caribbean Games 2013 were also signed off.

The deadlines for entries for the FEI Jumping European Championships, which will take place from 19 to 25 August 2013 in Herning (DEN), were set at six weeks before the start of the event for the nominated entries and at four weeks before the start of the event for the definite entries.

The National Federation of San Marino was authorised to organise a CSIO outside of its territory: CSIO 3* will take place from 5 to 8 September 2013 in Arezzo (ITA).

DRESSAGE
The FEI Bureau approved the creation of an FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage series on a trial basis beginning in 2013.

The provisional calendar is as follows:
CDIO 3* Vidauban (FRA), 17-20 May 2013
CDIO 3* Rotterdam (NED), 20-24 June 2013
CDIO 5* Aachen (GER), 3-8 July 2013
CDIO 5* Hickstead (GBR), 1-4 August 2013 (to be confirmed)
Any other CDIO outdoor competitions, with the exception of CDIO Wellington, FL (USA) which is of Small Tour level, will be included in the FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage series.

FEI Rules for Dressage relating to Team competitions (CDIO3*, 4*, 5*) will apply. The rules regarding the point system and participation will be available on the FEI website.

EVENTING
The Bureau approved the recommendation of the Eventing Committee to suspend the FEI World Cup™ Eventing until a better concept could be defined for this series according to the needs of the sport.

The FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing will continue on a trial basis in 2013. A consultation process with the National Federations will be launched in order to improve the series.

Derek Di Grazia (USA), Mark Phillips (GBR), Pierre Michelet (FRA), and Rűdiger Schwartz (GER) have been shortlisted to tender as Eventing course designer for the Rio Organising Committee for the 2016 Olympic Games.

VETERINARY
In order to support the FEI’s efforts to have FEI horses acknowledged at as high-health high-performance horses by national authorities and to ensure they are granted special travel privileges, the Bureau
• Endorsed the production of an FEI Biosecurity Guide in 2013.
• Supported the wider promotion of the use of horse passports for sporting needs. A passport is a means of identifying ownership and basic breeding. It is a record of event attendance, vaccination, past disease and anti-doping testing. It is also a place to keep a microchip number. The FEI has consolidated the agreement with the European Union which now accepts FEI horse passports as valid EU approved passports as long as they are continuously validated. However there is a need for more National Federations to have passports of a suitable standard.
• Endorsed having a closer working relationship with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as a way for the FEI to better promote the principles and objectives of the OIE.

MULTI-SPORTS GAMES
The Bureau reviewed the various multi-sports games taking place in the next few years.

Note to Editors:
The 2012 FEI General Assembly is taking place in Istanbul (TUR) on 8 November.

The FEI General Assembly will be broadcast live and free of charge on FEI TV: morning session 09.00-12.30 EET (local time in Istanbul) and afternoon session 14.00-16.30 EET.

(USEF) – The second and final USEF Elite Youth Dressage Training Session for 2012 concluded Sunday in Chino Hills, California. The two-day intensive training session was made possible by a generous donation from Kristen McDonald and the Marquis George MacDonald Foundation. The gracious hosts of the Western U.S. session were David and Alisa Wilson, owners of W Farms.

The invitation-only training session served as an opportunity for top youth riders from the Western U.S. to work directly with USEF Youth Dressage Coach Jeremy Steinberg to fine-tune their riding skills and also discuss long term strategic planning, media training, championship selection procedures and rules. Each rider’s personal trainer attended the session, as well.

“With the donation from Kristen McDonald and the Marquis George MacDonald Foundation and the generous support offered by our host sites, Shannondale Farm (site of the Eastern and Central training session) and W Farms, I was able to spend a weekend concentrating on aspects of training and planning with some of our country’s most promising youth riders,” said Steinberg. “It was wonderful to have the majority of the trainers, parents and support systems present for the sessions. Their involvement, along with rider dedication, is a key to the transition to high performance.”

Riders in the Western U.S. training session included:

Morgan Heinrichs (Longmont, CO) riding Karen Drown’s Natasha
Genay Vaughn (Elk Grove, CA) riding Starr Vaughn Equestrian’s Donarweiss GGF
Amelia Child (Westlake Village, CA) riding Stahl Child Dressage LLC’s Rembrand and Veto
Jamie Pestana (Livermore, CA) riding her own Winzalot
Lindsey Brewin (San Ramon, CA) riding her own Vaillant
Cassidy Gallman (Poway, CA) riding her own Woden

Invitations to the training session was based on average scores from the 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North and the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions. Additionally, several discretionary spots were awarded to riders who were scouted through the USDF Youth Clinic Series or by USEF Coaches. The first USEF Elite Youth Dressage Training Session was held for the rising youth dressage stars in the East and Central U.S. at Shannondale Farm, owned by David and Julie Shannon, in Alpharetta, Georgia.

For more information please contact Hallye Griffin, USEF Director of National Dressage at hgriffin@usef.org.

Photo Courtesy of USEF

Lexington, KY (November 6, 2012) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to congratulate all of the winners …

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is now accepting letters of intent from competition managers to …

(FEI by Louise Parkes) – Defending champions, Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival, once again stamped their authority all over the opposition when racking up their second successive victory in the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Western European League qualifier at Lyon in France tonight. The Dutch partnership scored a massive 89.375 to leave them well clear of runners-up Valentina Truppa and Eremo del Castegno from Italy, while it was a very satisfying day for Kristina Sprehe who slotted into third with Desperados FRH.

In yesterday’s Grand Prix the 26 year old German rider endured an uncomfortable time as her 11 year old stallion bubbled over with excitement to finish well down the line in eighth place. Tonight however they produced a much more focused performance to edge ahead of Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic HBC in the final line-up.

Asked tonight if competing with Jerich Parzival is a more enjoyable enjoyable experience these days, Cornelissen, who was described as “The First Lady” during the press conference, referred to the change in the character of her 15 year old gelding. “Yes, he’s not nearly as spooky as he used to be, he doesn’t worry and he’s much more relaxed so I can work on his self-carriage and suppleness – and it’s nice that everyone is noticing the difference and that they are liking it!” she pointed out.

Continuing Form

She gave notice of her continuing form with victory in yesterday’s Grand Prix in which her Dutch colleague, Edward Gal, lined up second with Glock’s Undercover. Gal’s performance today however was only good enough for fifth place with a mark of 79.125.

Sweden’s Minna Telde set the standard in the first half of the competition with a lovely Freestyle from the eye-catching and exciting 11 year old black stallion Santana who showed a lot of elevation in extended trot for a score of 76.350. French rider, Jessica Michel, followed her into the ring, and, on her debut at Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ level competition, the 30 year old did herself proud with an expressive test from the 11 year old mare Riwere de Hus whose easy way of going was complemented by power, particularly in the pirouettes, and lovely moments of suspension for a score of 73.350. But Sprehe and her Olympic ride, Desperados, were the show-stealers as the second tranche took their turn.

After registering a mark of 82.250, which temporarily took over the lead, the German rider explained, “yesterday was the first competition for my horse for a long time. He was breeding after competing in London, and he is a stallion so he couldn’t find his concentration yesterday. Today though, he was much more relaxed” she said.

Re-set the Parameters

Sprehe was still out in front with just three left to go, but this group would re-set the parameters, led by Cornelissen who was third-last into the arena. Parzival is oozing confidence these days, and as he breezed through the test that he now knows so well it was clear that the new signals he is getting from his rider are being better understood. After their victory in the first leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage series in Odense two weeks ago, Cornelissen explained that her effort to lighten her riding style so that she can produce an even more pleasing picture for the panel of judges had led to some moments of confusion for the big chestnut horse. But this time the transitions were seamless, and there was little doubt about who would come out on top as their big result lit up the scoreboard.

Second-last to go, Sweden’s Patrik Kittle and Watermill Scandic HBC earned 81.025 for their rhythmic test, and then it was left to Italy’s Valentina Truppa and Eremo del Castegno to lay down the final challenge. And it was good enough for runner-up position when they put 83.350 on the board.

Artistic Flair

When asked to analyse the performances of the top three finishers, Ground Jury member, Mrs Isabelle Judet from France, said Truppa’s test showed “a great sense of artistic flair”. Talking about Sprehe’s Freestyle, Mrs Judet pointed out “that for me, it was technically very nice. Maybe she could gain some more points by improving the choreography, the artistic part could maybe be more solid”.

“Her Kur is like a perfect piece of work!” Mrs Judet said of Cornelissen’s winning ride. “All the transitions were fitting very well and the music was according to the movements. It is a real masterpiece when this horse is good on a day like today” she added. Commenting on improvements that Cornelissen could make, “because it is the role of the judge to help her”, Mrs Judet pointed out that Parzival could hold his head “a little more steady” in the pirouette, and that his mouth could be more closed – “but I know you are working on this” she said to the winning rider.

Port of Call

Cornelissen’s next port of call is Stockholm, Sweden at the end of the month, but before that, the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage series moves to Stuttgart, Germany on 16/17 November.

The defending champion has already shown that she and her great gelding are in a class of their own again this season, and that the possibility of mirroring the horse-and-rider hat-tricks recorded by her fellow-countrywoman, Anky Van Grunsven, who steered Bonfire to victory from 1995 to 1997 and Salinero to three-time success between 2004 and 2006, is far from a distant dream. It is a very strong possibility for the 2011 and 2012 series champions.

For further information on the second leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2012/2013 series in Lyon, France on Friday 2 November 2012 check out website www.equitalyon.com or contact Press Officer Pascal Renauldon, Email p.renauldon@rbpresse.com or Tel +33 (0) 608 759407. The next leg takes place in Stuttgart, Germany on Saturday 17 November 2012. For all information on the German fixture go to website stuttgart-german-masters.de or contact Press Officer Jorg Klopfer, Email joerg.klopfer@in.stuttgart.de Tel +49 711 955 43128.

Result: 1, Jerich Parzival (Adelinde Cornelissen) NED 89.375; 2, Eremo del Castagno (Valentina Truppa) ITA 83.350; 3, Desperados FRH (Kristina Sprehe) GER 82.250; 4, Watermill Scandic (Patrik Kittel) SWE 81.025; 5, Glock’s Undercover (Edward Gal) NED 79.125; 6, Santana (Minna Telde) SWE 76.350; 7, Dablino FRH (Anabel Balkenhol) GER 74.850; 8, Smeyers Molberg (Marcela Krinke Susmelj) SUI 74.775; 9, Riwera de Hus (Jessica Michel) FRA 73.350; 10, Glock’s Tango (Hans Peter Minderhoud) NED 72.075; 11, World Performance Washington (Luis Principe) POR 71.150; 12, Fideramber (Daniel Watson) GER 67.600; 13, Rokoko N (Elisabeth Eversfield-Koch) SUI 67.575; 14, Donnerbube 2 (Silvia Rizzo) ITA 66.125; 15, Karamel de Lauture (Claire Gosselin) FRA 66.050.

Full results at www.scgvisual.com

Facts and Figures:

The Ground Jury panel for the second leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2012/2013 series at Lyon, France tonight was:
At E: Wotjek Markowski (POL); At H, Leif Tornblad (DEN); At C, Isabelle Judet (FRA); At M, Katrina Wust (GER); At B, Ghislain Fouarge (NED).
Today’s result was a back-to-back double of successes for defending series champions Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival from The Netherlands who also came out on top at the opening leg in Odense, Denmark two weeks ago.
Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival also won yesterday’s Grand Prix with a score of 82.766. Runner-up spot in the Grand Prix went to Dutchman Edward Gal and Glock’s Undercover (78.511).
The next leg of the series takes place in Stuttgart, Germany on Saturday 17 November.

Quotes:

FEI Dressage Director, Trond Asmyr, talking about the decision taken by New York fashion designer, Reem Acra, to extend her sponsorship of FEI World Cup™ Dressage for a further three years as confirmed recently – “the feedback we have been getting is that Ms Acra is very happy with her involvement in the sport of dressage. It is a good fit with the world of fashion and a good return for her investment. Her kind sponsorship also means that we can concentrate on developing the sport”.

French rider Jessica Michel – “I have no experience at this level of Freestyle to Music so I couldn’t be as relaxed as the other more experienced riders but I’m very grateful to the public who really supported me today!”.

Adelinde Cornelissen, when asked if she is looking for a replacement for Jerich Parzival – “no, Parzival feels like he’s a seven year old, not 15! He’s still quick and sharp and as long as he feels like this he will keep on showing!”

Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2012/2013 – Standings after Round 2 at Lyon (FRA):

1. Marcela Krinke Susmelj SUI - 40
2. Valentina Truppa ITA - 37
3. Edward Gal NED - 33
4. Pia Fortmuller CAN - 25
5. Anabel Balkenhol GER - 22
Karin Kosak AUT - 22
7. Lyndal Oatley AUS - 20
Marlies van Baalen NED - 20
Stefan Peter AUT - 20
10. Anette Christensson SWE - 17
Anna Kasprzak DEN - 17
Kristina Sprehe GER - 17
Sebastien Duperdu FRA - 17
14. Arnaud Serre FRA - 15
Nathalie Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein DEN- 15
Patrik Kittel SWE - 15
Yassine Rahmount MAR - 15

(FEI) – The FEI joined the IOC as one of five co-sponsors of the Fourth International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport in Zurich (SUI) this week. The two-day conference, which was held at the FIFA headquarters on 1 and 2 November, was also sponsored by FIFA, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the International Rugby Board (IRB).

IOC President Jacques Rogge welcomed delegates to the conference via a video message, before the official opening by FIFA Executive Committee member Michel D’Hooghe and IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

Delegates attending the conference represented a number of sports, including football, rugby, ice hockey, American football, Australian football and boxing, as well as equestrian sports.

Allen Sills, a US neurologist representing the FEI, was amongst the speakers at this week’s conference as part of a panel discussion on how professional team sports and Federations have responded to guidelines produced at the previous conference in Zurich four years ago.

“A presentation today by Paul McCrory from Australian football demonstrated that the order of magnitude of concussions in equestrian sport is higher than the incidents in soccer and American football, which tend to receive most of the focus in these injuries,” Dr Sills said after the conference. “It illustrates the great opportunities, and the challenges, for the FEI to continue to educate athletes and to continue to improve our rules and medical oversight for competitions.”

Dr Sills has been put forward as a candidate to the FEI Medical Committee. His appointment is expected to be ratified by the FEI Bureau next week and he will assist the FEI Medical Committee in drawing up guidelines for concussion management in equestrian sport.

FIFA’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jiri Dvorak said: “What we are expecting is to develop very practical, simple, easy to use tools. With such powerful partners like FIFA, the IIHF, the IRB, the International Equestrian Federation and the IOC we can make a big impact.”

Professor Dvorak called for a minute’s silence in memory of Craig Ferrell, the former Chair of the FEI Medical Committee who died tragically earlier this year. Dr Ferrell was instrumental in introducing changes to the FEI rules on mandatory protective headgear which will come into force on 1 January 2013.

“Dr Ferrell was a true visionary in recognising how important the issue of concussion is on equestrian athletes,” Dr Sills said, “and also in making sure that we apply the same techniques and standards to the management of concussion in equestrian sport as we do to athletes in other sports.”

“Concussion is common in many sports, including equestrian competition,” said Peter Whitehead, Acting Chair of the FEI Medical Committee, who also attended the conference. “It is so very important that the FEI is helping with the sponsorship of this meeting, a gathering of the world’s recognised experts in the field of head injuries in sport. The conference will issue up to date guidelines for recognition and management of concussion in sport.”

Dr Whitehead, who addressed last month’s International Olympic Sports Federations’ Medical Commission Chairpersons conference held at the IOC Headquarters in Lausanne, is totally committed to the cause championed by Dr Ferrell and is determined that his work will be continued.

Also representing the FEI at the conference were the FEI’s General Counsel Lisa Lazarus and Catherine Bollon, FEI Legal Department Coordinator, with responsibility for Athlete Legal Services and Human Anti-Doping.

Lars Engebretsen, IOC Head of Science and Research chaired today’s second session on the management of concussion. “Many of the sports that the IOC is involved with have issues with head injuries and that’s why we are really trying to put funding into research in this area because we are trying to plug this lack of knowledge – that’s why we’re having these meetings,” he said.