The FEI has taken the decision to withdraw the 2005 FEI European Dressage Championship from Moscow. The event was due to take place from 29 to 31 July in Bitsa.

The Russian Equestrian Federation and the Organising Committee were unable to provide the necessary funding to guarantee the proper organisation of the Championships

“I feel very sorry for the hard working organisers of the championship” stated Mariette Whitages Chairman of the Dressage Committee. “All technical matters could have been arranged and the site of Bitsa would have played a beautiful host to the championship. However, without the necessary guarantee, the FEI could not take the risk of shipping the top Dressage horses in Europe to an event where there were question marks surrounding a number of areas”.

The FEI is in discussion with several NFs to ensure the championship will still take place. Details of the rescheduled championship will be announced shortly and all National Federations advised accordingly.

Note to the editor:

Following the change of the presidency at the Russian Equestrian Federation, the venue and the Organising Committee (OC) of the 2005 FEI Dressage Championship due to take place from 29 to 31 July 2005 was changed to Bitsa several weeks ago.

The OC had a number of problems raising the finances to organise the Championship. The FEI received letters from the Government of the Region and of the City of Moscow giving assurance of their support to the championship but no concrete financial guarantee was received.

Consequently, the FEI has asked the OC and the Russian Equestrian Federation to provide financial guarantees, confirm the contract for horse transport and feed and quarantine waivers by Thursday 7 July 2005 at 14:00 (see FEI Press News 30/05)