As the World Cup Final was playing itself out in the Putra Stadium, an equally important event was happening a little distance away in KL - the FEI General Assembly were meeting and one of their important tasks was to elect a new President for this big organisation which covers so many National Equestrian Federations throughout the world.

The FEI is the international governing body for equestrian sport and as such has a huge responsibility as there is so much to be considered, with the most important consideration being the horse itself!

Many of the disciplines have been under scrutiny over the past years, as have the riders - it is imperative that the sport clean itself up on a world wide scale as this is the only way to encourage more riders, owners, sponsors and advertisers as well as the all important media coverage.

HRH The Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón has held the office of President of the FEI since 1994 and made the decision to stand down. The Infanta will oversee the Equestrian events for Beijiing Olympic Games which sees the events being held in Hong Kong - this will be a task in itself and one which Her Royal Highness will do with the utmost integrity and perfection, as has been her trademark throughout her years as FEI President.

For the first time in the history of the FEI there has been quite a battle for the Presidential position which saw two princesses and a gentleman vying for the top job.

HRH Princess Benedikte is the current patron of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses, which provides a key link between the breeders and international equestrian sport.

Mr. Freddy Serpierie has been Chairman of Geographical Group I and first FEI Vice President since 1997. Mr. Serpieri presided over the International Olympic Academy, the education branch of the International Olympic Committee with its headquarters in Ancient Olympia for four years. He participates in the administration of other sports, such as athletics, yachting and modern pentathlon. From 2000 to 2004 he was second Vice President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and is still an NOC member.

HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan, the 31 year old daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan is no stranger to the world of competitive horses and she comes with credentials which give her organisational and promotional skills which will bring much to the position. HRH Princess Haya is member of the IOC Athletes and Culture and Olympic Education Commissions and President and founder of the International Jordanian Athletes Cultural Association. She is the first Arab and first woman to ever become a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Program.

The final numbers after two rounds of voting saw HRH Princess Haya awarded the position and she is well aware that her youth may concern many members but she promises to take the FEI "into the 21st century" with her innovatiive ideas and passion for equestrian sport.

The Princess is apprpachable and young and will bring to the position a vibrancy which will hopefully see the sport go ahead in leaps and bounds.

We look forward to the future of the FEI with a President who is excited and "real" about what she can do for her sport.

Princess Haya said in her acceptance speech "“I promise to do everything in my power and to work tirelessly to serve the institution and the people who have done me the honor of placing their trust and believe in me. Our beautiful, noble sport is seeped in tradition, history and grace, and I will do all I can to protect and advance it, in all its forms.”