40 Years of AIEC
Founded in Saumur, France in 1984, AIEC is proud to be celebrating its Ruby Anniversary!
AIEC and its member countries have worked tirelessly over the last 40 years to continually bring together university students from across the world to enjoy the unique experiences offered by its Student Riding Nations Cup competitions.
Our motto, One World — One Sport — Many Friends, says it all: drawing participants from all five continents to compete against one another in a unique format on borrowed horses. And while competitive equestrian sport is at the forefront of our association, our ethos also demands mutual respect and unity between members in an effort to foster lifelong international bonds.
AIEC has stood the test of time: surviving everything that was acceptable in the 80s, a new millennium, and a global pandaemic. But the lasting legacy of AIEC is one of sportsmanship, friendship, and fun.
You mightn't even realise the reach AIEC has had in the equestrian world around you: from our former members who are now Olympic and Championship riders, all the way to the Pony Club parents who are currently raising the next generation of student riders, our AIEC Family is everywhere!
Imagine editing your Thesis with the help of the person who has become your best friend because of AIEC? Imagine considering starting a business with a person you met during your time in AIEC? Imagine being asked for your opinion on the naming of the first child of a couple who met through AIEC? That's what AIEC has to offer if you're willing to embrace the AIEC Spirit.
Please join us in celebrating the achievements of the last 40 years of the association during our Gala dinner at this year's World Finals in Leuven, Belgium; and let's raise a toast together to salute the next 40! As you might expect, the theme of the Gala is ruby to reflect AIEC's Ruby Anniversary. So please tweak your black tie attire accordingly.
If you have any special memories of your time as a student rider, we would love you to share them with us so that we can create a gallery on our website showcasing AIEC Through the Ages. Please email any photographs you have to board@aiecworld.com. Bonus points if you can provide us with the competition name/location and the individuals present in the photograph.