🧐 Changing One's Nationality
I have a couple of horsey friends I believe should make use of the option to change their nationality and start competing for another country. A move that most likely would benefit their international competition careers for the better. That said, do I be
But it is allowed, and most likely only the good Gods and the FEI know why that is. Personally I find it unbelievable but then again, as long as it is indeed allowed and my friends could benefit from it I say go ahead!
The reasons for why it shouldn’t be allowed are multilayered. Especially since a lot of riders make strategical moves to benefit from it.
One rider who most definitely took advantage of this is the Polish-born former Italian team rider Anna Paprocka-Campanella. Campanella switched her nationality back to Poland faster than you can say “Paris” after Poland secured a team spot for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Also switching nationality to Poland ahead of Paris 2024 was the Lithuanian rider Sandra Sysojeva, who did make it to Paris. Olga Sefronova, originating from Belarus, also signed up to "be Polish".
Incidentally, neither Sefronova nor Paprocka-Campanella made it to Paris. But for sure, they should get A-plus for effort.
However, they’re not alone. Every so often, I come across a press release or a start list that makes me blink twice. Same rider, new flag.
Which make one wonder, since when did nationality become an accessory you can change out as easily as a saddle pad?
Of course, I understand the arguments. Some riders are simply buried under the weight of talent in their home country.
Depending on discipline, the sixth or seventh best rider in countries like Germany, Belgium, or Great Britain might never make it to a championship start.
So they switch federations, swap flags, and voilà they’re now riding at the World Championships or the Olympic Games. Opportunity unlocked.
The horses on the other hand, they follow the money. As in a German rider with a Dutch-bred horse, who happens to be owned by an American sponsor, now riding for Luxembourg. Try explaining that one to the average sports fan.
But here’s the stinger, every time this happens, the meaning of “national team” dissolves a little more. It starts to look less like patriotism or identity, and more like passport shopping.
When medals can be won with a quick visit to the paperwork office, what does that do to the credibility of the sport?
Because here’s the truth no one likes to talk about, winning under a flag should mean you’ve carried the weight of your country with you.
The pony club where you learned to fall.
The federation that guided you through your first championship.
The muddy paddocks and the trainers who shaped you.
That history should matter.
Flags are traded for opportunity
It should not be possible for a rider to bring home medals to one country when still riding ponies, just to make a strategic move and bring home medals for another country as a Junior, Young Rider or Senior even.
But it is allowed so instead of embracing our nationalism, we’re sliding toward a marketplace model of "citizenships", for both top riders as well as the wanna-bee top riders.
Flags are traded for opportunity, jerseys are worn for convenience, and even the national pride is outsourced to the highest bidder.
Sport is supposed to be about belonging. If we lose that, what are we left with? Just another brand deal?
And maybe that’s the real punchline here. Riders taking advantage of a system that the FEI has built, blessed, and continues to shrug at.
Cause as long as the rulebook says “sure, why not, go ahead”, don’t blame the ones who swap their flags, while their governing body hand out nationalities like party favours.
💡 A party favour is a small gift or token given to guests at a party as a gesture of appreciation for their attendance. It serves as a memento of the occasion and a way for the host to thank guests for celebrating with them.
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