By Duncan Mackay

Graeme Thom has stepped down from the High Performance Committee of the Canadian Eventing Committee ©CECCanada's preparations for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) have been rocked by the resignation of eventing team Chef d'équipe Graeme Thom from his position as chair of High Performance Committee.


Canadian Eventing Committee chairman Peter Gray will serve as interim chair of the High Performance Committee, and Jacky Green has been appointed Chef d'équipe for the WEG, due to begin in Normandy on August 23. 

Thom reportedly stepped down because of a "difference in philosophy" with the rest of the High Performance Committee. 

"Graeme has been a considerable influence in the philosophy, direction and the organisation of our High Performance Programme, and he has managed the Canadian eventing team for five major Championships over the past nine years," said Gray.

"His attention to detail, foresight, expertise in budgets and logistics for Team training will make him very difficult to replace.

"Graeme has been the most influential chair of High Performance and Chef d'équipe that the Canadian Eventing team has, without doubt, ever had.

His knowledge of the sport and wisdom in preparing detailed planning and budgets for team development and travel and has been unparalleled in the recent history of the sport in Canada.

"His expertise will be missed greatly."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]