Frenchman Pierre Durand, Great Britain's John McEwen, Belgium's Ingmar De Vos, Switzerland's Pierre Genecand and Denmark's Ulf Helgstrand shared their ideas to National Federations, stakeholders and international media as they look ahead to tomorrow's election.

The global development of the sport and the future of FEI Solidarity was one key theme emphasised by each of the budding Presidents, with others including protecting the heritage of the sport, the FEI's commercial portfolio, the link between sponsorship and media and the importance of increased media coverage.

Strengthening equestrian sport's position in the Olympic Movement was also highlighted, as well as horse welfare, integrity and good governance, and unity among the FEI family.

Princess Haya Al Hussein, the International Olympic Committee member who is stepping down from the helm despite widespread calls for her to run for a third Presidential term, was also a major focal point for each of the candidates speeches as they praised her work in leading the FEI forward and creating a modern, functional governing body.

The five candidates do, however, bring a vast wealth of experience to the role.

British candidate McEwen comes into the vote as vice-president of the FEI.

The 69-year-old was British team vet for the showjumping and dressage teams until London 2012, and filled the role of vice-chairman of the FEI Veterinary Committee from 1999 to 2003.

He has been the Committee's chair since 2006.

The five candidates are looking to replace Princess Haya as President of the FEI after her decision not to run for a third term ©Getty Images



De Vos, 51, is secretary general of the FEI and has been put forward by the Belgian Equestrian Federation, which he joined as managing director in 1990.

The Belgian was also secretary general of the European Equestrian Federation from 2010-2011 and has been Chef de Mission for the Belgian Equestrian Team at all FEI World Equestrian Games.

Durand, who is now 57, was showjumping champion at the 1988 Seoul Games with the 13-year old gelding Jappeloup.

He also competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and became European Jumping champion in 1987.

From 1993 to 1998 Durand was President of the French Equestrian Federation.

Helgstrand is also an incumbent equestrian President, holding the top job at the Danish Equestrian Federation, a role he has held since 2003.

The Dane was Board Member and vice-president of the Danish Warmblood Association for 10 years and is currently vice=president and charter member of the European Equestrian Federation.

Pierre Genecand, the 64-year-old businessman, banker and insurance broker, has been proposed by the Swiss Equestrian Federation.

He served as President of the Geneva International Horse Show from 1989 to 2003 and is the current President of the Polo Club Gstaad and the Hublot Polo Gold Club.

Following the individual sessions, a question and answer session was opened to delegates and media in attendance at the Fairmont Hotel Conference Centre.

The election will take place in Baku tomorrow ©Fairmont Baku



All the candidates were given equal opportunities to answer the questions posed from the floor, and time for concluding remarks at the end of question time.

Moderator Richard Nicoll wound up the session by reminding the five candidates, "you have very big shoes to fill" in reference to the outgoing President, Princess Haya.

The election of the new FEI President will take place during the FEI General Assembly, which begins at 9am in the Azerbaijani capital tomorrow.

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