16 January 2023

Successful FEI Course in Lezirias

The Portuguese Equestrian Federation was the host of a successful FEI course for Driving Officials in Lezirias last weekend. A small but very enthusiastic group of FEI Officials travelled to Portugal for promotion and maintenance.

The Course Directors were Joaquín Medina García (ESP) for the Judges, Martin Röske (GER) for the Stewards and Richard Nicoll (USA) for the Course Designers. Attendees from Portugal, Hungary, Germany and Great Britain attended the theoretical and practical lectures of some of the best FEI Course Directors. The theoretical parts of the course took place in the Leziria Parque Hotel in Vila Franca de Xira just outside Lisbon. For the practical parts the students and the lecturers travelled to the breathtaking Companhia das Lezírias Stud Farm, where the 2012 FEI Driving World Championships for Singles also took place. Among others Filipa Guerreiro Apolinario and Ana Cristina Guerreiro kindly took their pair and four-in-hand turnout for the dressage practical part of the Judges’ course.

The participants not only gained knowledge during last weeks’ lecture but also enjoyed the amazing hospitality of the hosts. The Officials’ group visited Lisbon’s world famous and unique National Coach Museum for a private guided tour, as well as taking a carriage tour in Lisbon, followed by a joint farewell dinner on Friday. Upon successfully taking the promotion exams, the FEI has welcomed some new officials to Driving sport.