Kihikihi participates in new FEI initiative >>

The Kihikihi International Horse Trial will host FEI Eventing Judge Michel Van Gerwen from Belgium as part of their team of officials in 2011. Van Gerwen has been selected to attend the event as part of the Global Education Programme for Eventing Officials which is run and funded by the FEI. The programme aims to expand and raise the quality and experience of Eventing Officials through education and training. Several New Zealand judges have taken part in the programme since it started in 2009, but it is only the second time that a New Zealand event has played host to an overseas official under the scheme.

Kihikihi Event Director Bruce Bason observes that “It is fantastic to have a European official to our event, particularly one of Michel Van Gerwen’s caliber. His involvement in next year’s event at Kihikihi will give competitors a chance to get direct feedback from a European judge, a rare opportunity in New Zealand. We also hope that our involvement in the scheme will provide more opportunities for our own officials
seeking experience overseas, and help to improve cooperation and communication between different federations, officials and riders.”

Michel Van Gerwen has had a lifetime’s involvement in horses, and witnessed the emergence and growth of equestrian sports in Belgium. He developed a passion for eventing as a young man, and competed successfully at national level for many years before being forced to retire because of injury. He is the proud father of a son and daughter who have both competed at the European Championships their selected disciplines. More recently, Van Gerwen has focused his efforts on judging, and has officiated at several CIC*** events including events in Portugal, France(Haras du Pin), Waregem and St. Georges. This will be his first trip to New Zealand.

Photo: Michel Van Gerwen competing at the National Championship in Belgium 1994

Date Added: Tuesday, 1st March 2011
Link: FEI Global Education Programme for Eventing Officials