The FEI, the International Equestrian Federation, has awarded about US$3.3/€2.8 million in development funding, with one-third for Covid-19 relief, to 23 national federations. The funding from FEI Solidarity will go to more than 40 projects in 23 countries, the FEI said in a statement.
A total of 105 of the 137 national federations are eligible for support from the newly created Covid-19 relief fund, which aims at boosting grass roots equestrian activities at riding clubs and schools, particularly care and upkeep of horses.
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact globally, and a major adverse effect on the equestrian world in general but some countries, especially those that had fewer economic resources to begin with, have been hit particularly hard,” said Ingmar De Vos, FEI President and Chair of FEI Solidarity Committee.
“The Covid-19 Relief Fund will provide a financial injection aimed at maintaining equestrian activities in these countries and we hope that it will allow these communities to withstand the current economic difficulties created by the pandemic.
The FEI Solidarity Committee also awarded the first FEI Gender Equality Grant of US$22,000/€18,577CHF to the Costa Rica national federation to support the organization of courses promoting female participation and development of the sport in Latin America.