Unveiled by FEI Solidarity Committee members Elisabeth Max-Theurer of Austria and Ecuadorian Gloria de Cuesta - Presidents of the their respective National Federations - the Solidarity Tree, a "stainless steel artwork" designed by Irish artist Ian Calder, features the names of programme donors in laser-cut leaves alongside horses and riders.

Head of the Olympic solidarity athletes section Olivier Niamkey, FEI secretary general Ingmar De Vos and other members of the Solidarity Committee, which features representatives from each of the FEI's nine geographical groups, were also at the special unveiling ceremony at the international governing body's headquarters in Lausanne.

"FEI Solidarity is about creating a more equal equestrian community, and developing exciting new projects that will grow the sport universally," said FEI President Princess Haya, who chairs the Solidarity Committee.

"Many people around the world are now benefiting from much needed support from our global sports development programme and, by coming together to support more equestrian communities, we will safeguard the future of equestrian sport and create champions well into the future.

"It is really wonderful to have the FEI Solidarity Tree, so that we can publically acknowledge and thank our generous donors who are supporting this important project."


Launched in 2011, FEI solidarity is inspired by the Olympic solidarity model and has so far supported more than 35 projects, including athlete training and coach education, as well as working with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on a worldwide programme to improve the international movement of competition horses.

The solidarity programme also works in countries where equestrian sport is still emerging and has run a number of social projects, such as horse-assisted therapy for seriously disadvantaged teenagers in South Africa, sports classes for multiple sclerosis sufferers in Sardinia and training of farriers, saddlers and harness makers in Cambodia with international charity World Horse Welfare.

"Olympic Solidarity, which organises assistance for National Olympic Committees around the world, has been the inspiration and model for our equestrian sports development programme FEI Solidarity, and we are very grateful to the IOC for their guidance," De Vos said.

"The success of FEI Solidarity, which was launched just two years ago, is testament to the fact that there is a real desire to support the growth of our sport worldwide.

"There is true solidarity in our sport, and we are looking forward to supporting many more projects with our National Federations for years to come."

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