Yvonne Ocrant Authors Article on Viability of Equestrian Sports in the Olympics

Yvonne C. Ocrant, a Chicago-based partner in the Equine Law practice of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, authored the article "Equestrian Advocates Debate Change and Olympics" published by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin on May 31, 2016. 

In the article, Ms. Ocrant discusses the history of equestrian sports in the Olympics, which dates back to 1912. The sport now is under pressure to change to remain relevant and on the list of sports included in the Olympics. As Ms. Ocrant explains in the article, ". . . the International Olympic Committee mandates through the creation of the Olympic Agenda 2020, that Olympic equestrian disciplines make it easier to understand, attract young and larger audiences, be broadcast-friendly and see more nations represented. What we are facing is nothing less than a reality check for equestrian sports."

Various participants in the equine sports industry are now proposing and debating changes that will allow the sport to remain in the Olympics. Some of those proposals are considered by various groups and individuals to be quite radical and potentially damaging to the sport. Says Ms. Ocrant in the article, "[t]he sport of eventing, and more importantly the federation who speaks for it, must now decide whether that means changing the sport for the Olympics or making changes only when appropriate for the benefit of the horse and human athletes — even if that means, in August, sitting this one out."

Read the full article "Equestrian Advocates Debate Change and Olympics" on the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin website. Please note, a subscription is required. 

Ms. Ocrant practices in the areas of equine law, title insurance, employment law and commercial litigation. Her equine law experience includes handling litigation involving the Equine Activity Liability Act and various other state and federal laws. Ms. Ocrant assists individual horse owners; trainers; breeders; riding, boarding and training facilities; veterinarians and other entities in the equine industry litigate and resolve claims for personal injury, property damage, breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation and other legal issues.