FEI PRESS RELEASE Lausanne (SUI), 11 April 2013 International equestrians unite as FEI Solidarity Ambassadors to develop global sport The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has today unveiled the eight ambassadors of its global sport development programme, FEI Solidarity, in a specially commissioned composite portrait.

The FEI Solidarity Ambassadors, who include Olympic, Paralympic, world champions and national heroes, have formed a unique partnership to promote and develop the global equestrian disciplines governed by the FEI. The athletes are: The FEI Solidarity Ambassadors will help to raise awareness of the FEI Solidarity programme by attending media events and visiting equestrian development initiatives around the world. FEI Solidarity, launched in 2011 and inspired by the Olympic Solidarity model, is focused on providing opportunities for the next generation of athletes, as well as all those working in equestrian communities so that they can establish their own national structures for developing their sport.

The FEI Solidarity programme has so far supported 18 projects with funds as well as technical and consultancy services. These include horse-assisted therapy for seriously disadvantaged teenagers in South Africa, sports classes for multiple sclerosis sufferers in Sardinia, training of coaches to improve national sport development, and farrier and harness-making training in Cambodia with international charity World Horse Welfare. A further 15 initiatives will receive support from FEI Solidarity in 2013. “FEI Solidarity is an exciting journey towards creating a more equal equestrian community, and is about us pulling together to develop exciting new projects that will develop the sport we all cherish, so that it is truly universal,” explained FEI President HRH Princess Haya. “This is the first time that equestrians from across our disciplines have come together for one cause, and the calibre of our FEI Solidarity Ambassadors is exceptional, highlighting the true global reach of our development programme". “FEI Solidarity is changing lives, and this united front of extraordinary equestrian ambassadors will help us to build and nurture the future of equestrian sport, making it possible for many more development initiatives around the world to become a reality". “Our FEI Solidarity Ambassadors, and everyone working alongside us on this initiative, has a shared commitment and goal to amplify the voice of equestrian sport, guarantee its future worldwide, and to create future champions.” For further information on FEI Solidarity, please visit www.fei.org/solidarity.

The FEI Sol Photo caption: The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has today unveiled the eight faces of its global sport development programme, FEI Solidarity, in a specially commissioned composite portrait.

The FEI Solidarity Ambassadors from left to right are: Tomas Eriksson (SWE), Laurentia Tan (SIN), Ingrid Klimke (GER), Bongani Mvumvu (RSA), Maria Alvarez Ponton (SPA), Lior Raz (ISR), Jessica Springsteen (USA), Charlotte Dujardin OBE (GBR).

Photo: David Sinclair/FEI. Free images for editorial purposes available at www.feiphotos.org. Notes to editors To get involved in FEI Solidarity, please contact Richard Johnson, Director, Corporate Communications: richard.johnson@fei.org FEI Media contacts Ruth Grundy Manager Press Relations ruth.grundy@fei.org +41 78 750 61 45 Malina Gueorguiev Manager Press Relations malina.gueorguiev@fei.org +41 78 750 61 33