FEI signs MOU with Equestrian Tourism

Lausanne, July 17, 2017 – The Fédération Equestre Internationale, world governing body of equestrian sport, has moved towards a closer collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de Tourisme Equestre (FITE) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two bodies.

The Fédération Internationale de Tourisme Equestre (FITE), which was created in 1975, is a French initiative, with support from Belgium and Italy. Its objectives are to unite National Equestrian Tourism Organisations (NETOs) from all over the world, representing them and fostering the development of all tourism activities involving the use of horses.

“The FEI is very happy to be working even more closely with Equestrian Tourism and the signing of this MOU is an important part of that”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Our organisations have a very strong connection, sharing the same values of horse welfare and horsemanship, promoting equestrianism and encouraging its development.

“We are part of the same community, with the welfare of the horse being at the heart of all our activities. Equestrian sport is so diverse, with the remarkable relationship between equestrian athletes and their horses, which also translates across equestrian tourism. It’s that same bond, whether you are an elite athlete on the world stage or riding in a beautiful remote location, it’s the passion and diversity that are inherent to our sport which help spread the spirit of equestrian.”

“The signature of this Memorandum is a sign of confidence from the FEI to our Federation and we are honoured by this new collaboration, which creates a real synergy between our different equestrian actors”, FITE President Frédéric Bouix said.

“The Memorandum of Understanding is based on a mutual commitment to equestrian sport and fostering its growth as we work together to continue to enhance best practice and the development of equestrian sport.”