The Briton, who has been the FEI's Veterinary Committee chairman for more than eight years, was elected as first vice-president in 2000 and has been chair of the Endurance Committee since the responsibility was passed to him by Princess Haya when the discipline was hit by a series of doping and horse welfare scandals.

McEwen has also 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.

"I have been delighted to play my part in support of the FEI and of our current President, HRH Princess Haya," he said.

"I have no illusions about the challenges for this election and the work that needs to be undertaken in the future.

"I run because I know I have the confidence and support of my own federation and because I am committed to the direction our current President has forged.

"There is clearly more work to do but we have good people in place and a sound executive team led well by its secretary general, Ingmar De Vos.

"If elected, I will seek to run a steady course and a period of further evolution."

The BEF highlighted McEwen's knowledge of the sport, his commercial experience, his connections and his "strong sense of fair play".

Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein revealed earlier this month that she will not stand for a third term as President of the International Equestrian Federation ©Getty Images


Its President and chairman Keith Taylor backed McEwen for the FEI Presidency, despite admitting to be somewhat shocked by Princess Haya's decision not to stand for a third term in office, and said he will go into the election with "a very strong recommendation" from the national governing body.

"We were geared to support HRH Princess Haya in her campaign to run for another four years," he explained.

"Her withdrawal from the race a couple of weeks before nominations close has caused us to move quickly.

"But, we took no time in citing John McEwen for our nomination.

"He is hugely experienced and electable.

"He knows the FEI inside out and he knows what needs to be done to build on Princess Haya's outstanding legacy.

"He is very well respected throughout the international community as a man of integrity.

"We support him fully."

McEwen joins the race for FEI Presidency alongside 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, who have already announced their candidacy.

The deadline for candidates to put themselves forward is September 1. 

The election is due to place at the FEI General Assembly in Baku, Azerbaijan, on December 14 this year.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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