Princess Haya Al Hussein today announced her intention to seek a second Term as President of the FEI

Princess Haya Al Hussein today announced her intention to seek a second Term as President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

She announced her decision after several FEI nation groups and federations urged her to stand for a second term. Among those expressing their support were Pablo Mayorga of Argentina, chair of FEI Group VI, representing eight South American federations; Sheikh Khalid Al Khalifa of Bahrain, chair of FEI Group VII, representing 18 national federations in the Middle East.

“Her track record as President has been consistently impressive, and while there is much work in progress, there is no doubt of her commitment and ability to see through the necessary changes and development in our sport over the next four years,” Mr. Mayorga said in a letter of support by issued by the South American group.

Princess Haya was elected as the 13th FEI President on 1 May 2006, on a commitment to modernize the organisation. She was the first FEI President to win a contested election. More than 80% of the deliverables outlined in her original manifesto have been implemented in her first term, including significant improvements in communications, marketing, animal welfare, FEI finances, grass roots development and liaison with national federations. In her first act in office, she initiated a reform that established a two‐term of four year limit for the Presidency.

Princess Haya, the daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan, is married to HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. She has been riding internationally since the age of 13 and competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. She became a member of the International Olympic Committee in 2007 and also serves as a UN Messenger of Peace, with a focus on combating hunger and poverty.

“It’s been an honour to serve our sport and our federation over the last four years. I have loved the job. We have built a fantastic team that it would be a privilege to continue to work with,” she said. “Our sport has given me some of the happiest moments of my life, and I would like to continue to have the opportunity to give something back. Our federation has undergone profound change. My goal now is a period of calm to build on the progress we have made together.”