Jan Pedersen was first elected in 1999, making him the longest serving board member of the WBFSH. The continued trust and support shown by the studbooks are a testimony to the respect he enjoys across the diverse community of sport horse studbooks all over the world, and to his visionary leadership style. Under his guidance the organisation is becoming an increasingly strong global voice for breeding in the sport.

Leaving the WBFSH Board and Executive Committee will be Rudi Eerdekens and Vice President Stephan Kelchtermans who joined the board in 2017 following the retirement of Rik van Miert.

Says Jan Pedersen:

"We are immensely grateful to Rudi and Stephan for their hard work and years of loyal service in leading our Finance Department. We are looking forward to welcoming both at future WBFSH events and General Assemblies."

Stephan is replaced by Andries van Daalen from the KWPN, a highly experienced, respected and much liked figure in the equestrian breeding community.

Says Andries:

"I am humbled and delighted to have gained the support of my peers from all over the world. My motivation for joining the board of the WBFSH is to become a voice for the Welfare of our horses and to help implement measures that will create real, positive and enduring change. In my view this is the most important challenge facing us today."

Andries will be working with Ralph van Venrooij who has already been a member of the executive board since 2020. A new recruit to the executive board will be Sonja Egan from Ireland who brings her expertise in genomics and science.