Interview with Luxembourgish Level 3 Steward Joëlle Beier-Kinnen
Joëlle Beier-Kinnen is an FEI steward from Luxembourg. She can officiate at both show jumping and dressage competitions at the international level, and she is also qualified for para-dressage.
Mrs. Beier-Kinnen, how long have you been involved in equestrian sports? Do you ride yourself, or did you ride in the past?
I started riding on school horses in Reckenthal when I was eleven years old. That’s how I got into equestrian sports and began competing in tournaments. After my studies, I got my first own horse. With him, I progressed from A-level dressage, the lowest level, when he was four years old, all the way up to international Grand Prix. With this horse, I became the first Luxembourgish woman ever to ride at a World Championship, in Aachen in 2006.
Nineteen years later, Nicolas Wagner Ehlinger finished 18th at the European Championships. The development since your time in Aachen is impressive.
Absolutely, equestrian sport has really developed well, even if you look at riders like Victor Bettendorf in show jumping.
Could you describe in more detail how much work had gone into training the horse you mentioned up to that point?
In training, the very young horse—as I said, it was a four-year-old—was just being broken in. That means we were building it up together. Of course, it’s always about cooperation and harmony. The horse picks up relatively quickly on what I envision, what I’m thinking, and whether I need help, and the reverse is also true. That is, a real partnership developed. This partnership evolved over a total of five to seven years. That was, of course, a fantastic experience. You were working together every day, and you really got a sense of the horse you were working with.
Was this the only horse with whom you reached that level, or were there others after him? What happened next?
Well, he was my first horse, and I said relatively early on, “Okay, he’s given me so much, he can retire now.” But I was an amateur, and equestrian sport is something that simply takes up a lot of time. So I decided, “Okay, you only experience this once.”
What was the name of that horse?
Petit Prince. It was fantastic how we grew up together and were able to represent Luxembourg.
How did you become a steward? Can you explain the path you had to take to be able to hold this position?
After I stopped actively riding myself, I initially looked for a way to get involved in equestrian sport to give something back. That’s when the idea of becoming a steward suddenly came to me. I took the first exams—for dressage and show jumping. When I started doing that, I received my first invitations to smaller tournaments. I knew immediately that this was my calling, as I’m very familiar with equestrian sports, understand how competitions are run, and observe how riders interact with their horses. I simply felt it was a perfect fit.
Is it an advantage to come from a dressage or show jumping background when becoming a steward, or is that less important?
I think it plays a very important role because it often allows you to better understand the rider’s perspective. You see how things work, how everything is connected. I also think that’s why riders respect you. The fact that it had become public knowledge that I had done all of this myself meant that riders felt they could talk to me and that I had sufficient knowledge in this field.
Do other stewards have a similar background?
Yes, I had a lot of contact with stewards from all over the world, and they all had some connection to horses and equestrian sports.
Can you describe the exact duties of a steward?
They always work according to the principles of “health, prevent, intervene.” Our main task is to support the organizer, such as the Thiry family in Roeser, to ensure that everything runs smoothly. This means that everything, including the timing, must go perfectly. We also check that the equipment is correct. For example, if the rules stipulate that the leg wraps must meet a certain standard, we check whether this is the case. We have to be present during the warm-up too, to ensure that the horses are treated absolutely correctly there as well. It’s all about the horses’ welfare.
It’s a bit of an exaggeration, but could stewards be described as compliance officers or something similar? After all, they are responsible for the regulations to be respected.
Exactly, it’s about ensuring the rules are followed. If that’s not the case, I, as the chief steward – that’s the one who’s the team manager – can, for example, show the rider a yellow card. That would be the case, for instance, if the wrong equipment has been put on.
You’ve mentioned the procedure several times. Does it refer, for example, to the routes the horses take from the stable aisle to the riding arena, or what exactly does that mean? Does it also include the organizational process?
The schedule is usually established by the organizer. However, the example with the stable is one of our responsibilities. We regularly conduct checks to ensure everything is alright with the horses. There are specific rules for the stables, for example, regarding emergency exits and fire extinguishers. It is also very important that no one enters the stable who has no official access there.
What is the path to becoming an FEI steward? Do you have to perform this role at smaller tournaments before reaching a certain level, such as a European Championship?
You start with smaller tournaments indeed, and if you do well, the FEI might select you for championships, for example. It’s certainly an advantage if the FEI sees that you are someone who knows a lot about the sport and horses. They’re also there to support you, of course.
Do you have to complete a specific course or obtain an FEI certificate to be officially recognized? What exactly does that entail?
There’s a kind of introductory exam. You complete a multi-day internship and are then tested by examiners. After that, you have to take an online exam annually and an on-site exam every three years. This is how you can advance to a higher level. I’m currently at Level 3 for dressage, show jumping, and para-dressage, which qualifies me to be a chief steward.
At which tournaments do you typically work?
I’m really lucky to be able to work at five-star tournaments, both in dressage and show jumping, and now also at high-level para-dressage events. I particularly enjoy the para competitions. I recently received the official invitation to the World Championships in Aachen for dressage and para-dressage.
So, you’re not involved in national competitions at the CDI 1* level, for example?
No, I don’t work at national levels at all. The rules are slightly different in Luxembourg. I am not present at national competitions in Germany, either.
According to the FEI website, there are several categories of stewards, labeled 1 to 3. What does this mean? You are in category 3; what can you tell us about your classification?
It’s a system of gradual advancement. Category 1 is the lowest and is reached after passing the initial exams. Reaching level 3 is important because it allows you to be appointed chief steward, i.e., team leader. To advance, you have to pass exams and participate in a certain number of competitions.
So, a Category 1 steward can not be invited to a CSI 1* or CDI 1* event only, for example?
No, they can be invited anywhere except to championships, but that’s a completely different story.
How are your assignments and locations determined? Do you receive guidelines from the FEI, or do you have some leeway to decide this yourself?
The organizer invites you. At major championships, like last year in Crozet, the FEI’s chief steward submits suggestions. He informs the FEI whom he would like to have there. The FEI then decides who they want on-site.
What has been the biggest equestrian event where you have been a steward at so far?
I’ve been to three Olympic Games. Rio was my first, then Tokyo, and finally Paris. I was also at the World Championships in Caen in 2013, Tryon (USA) in 2018, and Herning (Denmark) in 2022.
Paris, Versailles, and its palace must have been truly a world unto itself in 2024. What did you feel there?
I still get goosebumps when I think about it. I believe it will most likely remain a unique experience. All the emotions there, the way the audience reacted—it was unparalleled!
How many tournaments do you participate in during the year?
I don’t do it that often because it’s a hobby for me. It’s definitely not a job, but rather voluntary work. Eight to ten tournaments a year is the maximum. I think if you can manage it that way, then it will always be something very special. I don’t want it to become routine. I want to go there with an open mind and prepare myself mentally. If I were working every weekend or three times a month, that wouldn’t given anymore. It’s supposed to be fun.
Translated from German by AI and reviewed and adjusted by Paul Krier.