British Equestrian Federation

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is the national governing body for horse sports in the UK, affiliated to the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body of equestrian sports. It exists to provide leadership, vision and purpose in steering the direction of equestrianism. Its patron is HRH the Duchess of Cornwall. The BEF is an umbrella organisation representing the interests of 4.2 million riders, vaulters and carriage drivers in Great Britain via 16 independent member bodies. Established in 1972 it is the largest representative body within the equestrian industry and together with the British Horse Racing Board and the Thoroughbred Breeders Association forms the British Horse Industry Confederation. (BHIC) The long term aims and strategies of the BEF are brought together in its strategic plan which is aligned with the Strategy for the Horse Industry created by the BHIC. As a national governing body the BEF works on policy issues with the FEI. It co-ordinates the British calendar of international events, disciplinary procedures, doping control and oversees the training of British international judges, stewards, vets and course designers. At home it plays an active role in representing the common interests of its member bodies to organisations such as the British Olympic Association, the Sport Aid Foundation, and Central Council for Physical Recreation. The BEF is responsible for distributing Government funding to the equestrian sports. Funding from UK Sport and Sport England supports the BEF's work from developing the best riders, with the aim of winning medals for Great Britain, to encouraging complete beginners to get involved. Funding support is also provided by Sport Scotland for the Scottish Equestrian Association (SEA), a member of the BEF.