In it he outlines his vision for Equestrian sport, should he be named President at the FEI General Assembly in Baku, on December 14, along with a number of key pledges his will bring into the role.

Among his main mission statements, McEwen has promised to "ensure a system of good governance with transparency to the National Federations and the broader world; promote the expansion of equestrian sport at all levels.

He also promised to facilitate a process that leads to a more representative continental structure; respect the diverse cultures of our global community; drive fairness in all decision-making; ensure horses compete where the standard of their welfare is a prime consideration; unify the Federation and build ever stronger alliances with our stakeholders; and ensure the free movement of horses globally."

He has also hired Vero Communications to coordinate and communicate his Presidency campaign.

Vero, the company set up by former London 2012 communications director Mike Lee, ran the controversial campaign by Qatar when they were awarded the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

They also worked for Britain's Brian Cookson last year in his successful campaign to become the new President of the International Cycling Union. 

"I am committed to the global growth and commercial success of Equestrian sport and I want to ensure the FEI operates with the highest standards of governance, transparency and integrity," said McEwen. 

"My mission is therefore to continue and evolve the excellent work of our outgoing President, Princess Haya, and make a promise to the global FEI family to promote Equestrian's cause far and wide, including across the Olympic Movement.

"I have served our sport for more than 40 years in a variety of leading roles that have helped to drive forward our sporting disciplines and ensured Equestrianism's reputation is protected and enhanced.

"If elected as President, I would develop Equestrian sport in close collaboration with National Federations and athletes - respecting good governance and high ethical and welfare standards whilst always celebrating the horse and horsemanship."

John McEwen has received the backing of the chairman of the British Olympic Association, Sebastian Coe (pictured), and the British Equestrian Federation as he bids to become the next President of the International Equestrian Federation ©Getty Images


McEwen has been the FEI's Veterinary Committee chairman for more than eight years.

He was elected as first vice-president in 2000 and has chaired the FEI's Bureau and its General Assembly in Princess Haya's absence, as well as serving as the director of the British Equestrian Federation's (BEF) World Class Performance Programme for Equine Sports Science and Medicine.

As the FEI General Assembly draws ever closer, McEwen has also earned the full backing of the British Equestrian Federation and the British Olympic Association (BOA).

"John McEwen has been an outstanding leader for equestrian sport in Great Britain and for the FEI, most recently as the first vice-president," said Keith Taylor, chairman of the British Equestrian Federation.

"He is a man of integrity and humility.

"He has high ethical standards with a keen eye for the welfare of the horse.

"I am in no doubt that he has the passion and experience to serve as an outstanding global leader for our sport as the FEI's next President."

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the BOA, added: "John's experience, over the last 40 years, as a vet and in so many other areas of the sport, gives him the insights to stand for the Presidency of the FEI.

"I was grateful for his central role in the delivery of Equestrian sport at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and he has the full support of the National Olympic Committee for his campaign."

McEwen is up against FEI secretary general Ingmar De Vos, Spanish Equestrian Federation Revuelta del Peral, French Olympic show jumping champion Pierre Durand, Danish Equestrian Federation President and European Equestrian Federation vice-president Ulf Helgstrand and Swiss businessman and horse breeder Pierre Genecand in the race for FEI Presidency after incumbent Princess Haya announced that she would not run for a third term.

To read McEwen's full manifesto click here. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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August 2014: Weight of equestrian family does not rest on my shoulders alone, says Princess Haya