Graeme Cooke, an international eventing veterinarian and eventer, is the newly appointed Fédération Equestre Internationale Veterinary Director.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Cooke worked for six years as a senior policy adviser to the U.K. Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with particular expertise in contingency planning, international trade and devising national strategies. He directed teams dealing with a variety of disease outbreaks and supported animal health and welfare policy formation at the highest level.

With an extensive background in a referral-level equine clinical practice, Cooke has an understanding of the challenges of horse sport disciplines at many levels. With his experience, he became the U.K. government lead on all matters relating to equine health.

In addition to competing himself, Cooke has also acted as a veterinarian at international eventing competitions and as an escorting veterinarian for large shipments of horses in air transport to the United States and the Middle East.

“I am honored to welcome a professional of Graeme’s stature to the FEI,” said Alex McLin, FEI Secretary General. “His practical knowledge of veterinary medicine coupled with an outstanding academic and management record made him the ideal candidate for one of the key positions in this organization. He joins the FEI at a crucial moment and will be instrumental in taking key projects forward.”

Cooke noted, “I’m very happy to be taking up my new role. I’m a firm believer in the values of sport and the importance of clean and fair competition. Ensuring the welfare of the horse is my highest priority, and I very much look forward to working with the many passionate groups of people who strive to make horse sport the best it can be in all ways.”