The equestrian game My Horse and Me was launched last week, marking the first time that the FEI has ventured into the realm of video games.
Published worldwide by Atari, My Horse and Me for Wii, Nintendo DS and PC aims to capture the thrills and emotions from the world of horsesport in a unique video game experience perfect for anyone with an interest or passion for horses.
We know that engaging with youth is one of the greatest challenges facing all sports and to have the capacity to take horsesport to the gaming audience gives us the opportunity to talk direct to both the athletes and fans of horsesport in this and future generations of young people," emphasized FEI President, HRH Princess Haya.
Players begin at the stable customising themselves and their horse from a host of options, then learning how to properly care for their mount. Training takes place across a range of arena disciplines and fun mini-games which teach the skills required to become a master horse rider. The care and training culminates in competition riding, with thrilling tournaments set in a variety of charmingly realised indoor and outdoor locations around the globe ranging from rustic stables to giant arenas.
"The exclusive license from the FEI, the world's foremost authority on horse sports, is testament to the great quality of this game which offers players the most authentic way to enjoy the equestrian lifestyle whether or not they ride in real life," said Mathias Hautefort, Executive Vice President of publishing and production, Atari.
This collaboration between Atari and FEI has really closed the gap between the virtual and the real, allowing for the development of accurate horse models and animations, alongside rewarding gameplay set in a variety of enchanting environments. Furthermore, My Horse and Me for Wii and PC is the first game of its kind to offer players a choice of first-person as well as third person views while riding, putting players right in the saddle for an unbeatably authentic riding simulation.