Dr. Victoria Ossadnik joins the FN Presidium

As reported by Equestrian Sport Germany, Dr. Victoria Ossadnik was elected to office at the last meeting of the FN Presidium. As Chief Operating Officer (COO) of a large energy company, she brings “extensive international management experience, economic expertise and a clear view of digital future topics to the presidium”, she is convinced.

Martin Richenhagen says: “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Victoria Ossadnik to the Executive Committee. She combines a strong personal connection to equestrian sport with outstanding international management experience. Her perspective and expertise, particularly in economic and digital issues, will enrich the work of the Executive Board. I am convinced that her commitment will provide important impetus for the further development of our sport.”

No life without horses

Even though her career took her in a completely different direction, horses are part of Dr. Ossadnik’s everyday life: “Our whole family rides and horses are an integral part of our lives – from family rides and training at home to our children’s participation in competitions.”

She deliberately wanted to take on the voluntary position. Her motivation was “the opportunity to give something back from all that I was able to experience with and through horses”.

She wants to give something back by contributing her professional skills to the association’s work: “I bring international, economic experience and digitalization expertise from my professional career, which I would like to contribute to the work of the Executive Board. I am looking forward to the dialog with horse experts and the opportunity to make a positive contribution.”

Equestrian sport as a social catalyst

In addition to the personal joy that horses bring to her and her family, Dr. Victoria Ossadnik believes that horses also have a unifying role within society:

“Equestrian sport is one of the few sports in which a team (of rider and horse) can only be successful through respectful cooperation. The fact that age and gender play no role in this is demonstrated by the wide range of ages and the joint participation of women and men in competitions right up to the Olympic Games.

The love of horses and working with horses can bring our society together where it is otherwise divided.

Equestrian sports offer a counterbalance to digital hobbies, especially for children.

That’s why I hope that our society perceives equestrian sport as an enrichment.

The enthusiasm for equestrian sport has grown in many countries around the world, but in Germany, our equestrian country, I miss the previously easier access options a little.

I hope for innovative improvements here, in the interests of the horses and in view of their economic importance for Germany.”

The FN Presidium

With Dr. Victoria Ossadnik, the honorary FN Executive Board now comprises 15 people. In addition to President Martin Richenhagen, Carsten Grill, Heike Körner and Annett Schellenberger each act as Vice Presidents at his side.

Other members of the FN Presidium are Peter J.P. Krause (financial trustee), Thomas Vos (representative of the regional associations), Heide van Thiel (Federal Youth Director), Dr. Christiane Müller (Animal Welfare Officer), Dr. Norbert Camp (for breeding), Peter Hofmann (for top-class sport), Ulrike Mohr (for popular sport), Rudolph Herzog von Croy, Jürgen Petershagen, Michael Klimke and Dr. Victoria Ossadnik.