After its meeting on June 1 in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Federation Equestre Internationale\’s Executive Board issued its second statement confirming their desire to have the equestrian sports of the 2008 Olympics remain in Beijing.

Representatives of the Beijing Organizing Committee (BOCOG) told the FEI General Assembly in April that they ant to move the equestrian events to Hong Kong, because they\’d “underestimated the veterinary issue of temporarily importing horses” to mainland China, according to an FEI statement. The members of the General Assembly issued a statement opposing a move to Hong Kong at that time.

The Executive Board\’s new statement insisted, “The equestrian world, including the national federations and riders\’ associations, is united in its support for Beijing to be the host venue for equestrian. National federations and riders\’ associations have all strongly indicated that they wish to pursue this case with the BOCOG and the [International Olympic Committee].”

Added HRH The Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón, the FEI\’s president, “We are all resolutely behind keeping our sport at the heart of the Beijing Olympics. The IOC and BOCOG have received comprehensive documentation to support our position. They are now studying our case, and we sincerely hope, and will continue to work hard, for a positive outcome. We expect a decision will be finally made by the beginning of July.”

The effect of the FEI\’s words is uncertain as indications are that BOCOG officials\’ Hong Kong plan is a political decision that has nothing to do with the FEI or horse sports.