There is a storm in equestrian sports. The management's decision to push through an age limit of 13 years for participation in national and international competitions has stirred up strong emotions.
World stars such as Henrik von Eckermann, Peder Fredricson and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson have criticized the decision.
Recently, the federation board also decided to dismiss the members of the show jumping committee. The reason given was that "despite several attempts at dialogue and mediation, they have not wanted to cooperate."
In an open letter, published in Tidningenridsport, the show jumping committee hits back and says that the attempts at dialogue and mediation are "a fabrication intended to reinforce that we cannot be expected to cooperate."
"They use their power, rhetoric and hidden threats to silence members in various ways."
The show jumping committee believes that the decision to set a 13-year age limit completely lacks "analysis, consequences or other decision-making basis." "There is no written basis, only oral discussions, that is, the 'likes and tastes' of a few in the association."
The show jumping committee believes that major decisions within a member-controlled association must be made correctly, where "a minimum requirement is that an analysis has been made, that there are no falsehoods, that it is traceable and that there is transparency."
The eight dismissed members believe that a different leadership is needed and write:
"A leadership that understands the importance of transparency and inclusion and has the ability to unite the movement with a common mission - now we are turning equestrian sport around - this is how we make equestrian sport attractive again."
The letter is signed by Niklas Jonsson, Sara Brink, Björn Johansson, Margareta Bäckström, Emma Rosenqvist, Fredrik Spetz, Helena Persson and Johanna Unghanse.
