British Showjumping "Election results a disappointment"

Following yesterday's AGM in Stoneleigh, British Showjumping published the following on its website:

For those hoping to see the sport modernise, the results of the election held today (16 August 2010) at the AGM, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire will be a disappointment.

British Showjumping’s board of 22 members had unanimously agreed earlier in the year to stand down in favour of creating a sporting council with a smaller, skills-based board. It was this decision that the board were asking the membership to ratify.

The vast majority of those present at the AGM supported the principles and need for change. However, a particularly strong view was expressed within one region via the ability to vote by proxy, which then made up a high proportion of the "against" votes.

In a post AGM board meeting, a decision was made that in light of the positive support from those present, wider communication was necessary to help members understand why the proposed changes are positive ones for the British Showjumping.

With this in mind and the board’s aim to modernise the sport, including greater engagement with the membership, an EGM will be called in the near future.