Dear members,
Jan Tönjes in Riesenbeck 2023
No day is like the day before (well, except for Groundhog Day…), but the past few days have shown us in many respects that the world is facing intense changes. This is true in many ways, both in our nice little Equi journalist bubble that used to be so comfortable and in the world in general. Without wanting to go too much into politics, I must say that the new worldwide instability, with stocks crashing and the term “tariffs” becoming a common word in everyday conversations, is something that will most certainly also affect our business. Airfares will most likely rise soon; maybe “everything digital” will also become more expensive, and we all know that accommodation expenses, etc., won’t drop either.
We find ourselves confronted with this scenario at a time when journalism in general—and specialized media in particular—is facing new challenges. Ultimately, it is the truth that matters and is paramount. But making a living from our work is also of great significance, both for us as well as for the sport and the creatures we love. I don’t want to be too gloomy, but that’s the reality, and neglecting the truth has never been a fruitful concept.
That said, it is time to turn our focus inward to our bubble. Switzerland was the centre stage with the FEI Sports Forum and the World Cup Finals taking place. The Forum has developed into an important annual meeting where good, and sometimes fruitful, discussions take place among the stakeholders. This year’s edition covered a few topics that are crucial for the future development of the sport we report on. The welfare discussion has accompanied the current World Cup season, and even though some stakeholders still think it is ridiculous, it seems a majority has realized how important substantial self-reflection is.
On its way to the 2025 Sports Forum, the FEI issued a press release questioning the role of the media in the current dressage discussion (blue tongues, etc.). Without wanting to look back in anger, I have to say that I doubt the benefit of the message. Maybe the athletes felt a kind of support from their governing body (and of course, that is important for an organization), and we as specialized press can get along with this bashing. However, the general media—those outlets that have brought welfare concerns to the public—were not amused. And they are the ones whose texts and pictures (and headlines!) address a broader audience who may not understand that the scent of horse poo can have a touch of Chanel No. 5.
Anyhow, the dressage bubble at the Sports Forum showed an understanding that changes need to come, and, for example, unethical training methods at home need to be prevented. Like last year, the IAEJ was represented at the Sports Forum by board member Kim Lundin, who posted a lot of material from each of the 8 sessions on our website, along with further links. This material may be useful for your work—please remember to credit the source! Additionally, board member Diana de Rosa was also on scene working for Equus Television, you can find her work here. Thanks to both for providing us with insights from Lausanne!
Oh, and not to forget the other disciplines: In the showjumping session, voices emerged wanting a new blood rule. Interestingly, a “scratch” was considered something that might happen by some parts of the audience. My opinion: This kind of “so-what attitude” seems outdated.
Next chapter:
Basel, about 1.5 hours away from Lausanne, was hosting the World Cup Finals in showjumping. Prior to the event, there were some issues with press accreditation. We, as IAEJ, were able to help our members so that with assistance from FEI, in the end, everything worked out well.
Basel offered enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowds, prepared more seats for photographers, and was very accommodating towards the press. The organisation even gave all press members a pass to the VIP-lounge on Thursday for lunch and dinner and a welcome speech by OC Andy Kistler, much appreciated by everyone, lovely food and wine for those into that.
Indoor shows are doing a very good job for steps counted in your health app. Basel was no difference in that respect. New peaks were achieved by those who tried to cover everything, the ring, the warmup and the mixed zone. The homebase for the weekend was a very spacious and airy press room with large tables offering really good working conditions.
As Kim put it in her brief summary: ”Overall, beautiful arena, friendly staff, free food for the press 🙏🏻 and super sport.“
With this optimistic résumé, I keep my fingers crossed that all the things confusing us these days, both inside and outside our bubble, will finally come to a good end.
Best wishes,
Jan Tönjes, President
PS. We are hosting a General Assembly as an in-person meeting at CHIO Aachen again, with the possibility to participate via Zoom for members not on site. Planned day is Wednesday 2nd of July, before noon, time to be announced. Press manager Tobias Königs will talk about the plans for the upcoming world championships there in 2026 and a bit more from your board. DS
