The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is the global governing body for equestrian sports, founded in 1921. Its headquarters are located in Lausanne, Switzerland, and it governs international competitions in equestrian disciplines, overseeing both regular and para-equestrian events. The FEI is responsible for six main disciplines: dressage, jumping, eventing, endurance, vaulting, and driving. Para-equestrian events exist in dressage and driving. In the past, the FEI also governed reining, which was part of its events from 2000 to 2021.
The FEI works with 136 national equestrian federations from various countries, ensuring global representation in the governance of equestrian sports. The FEI has affiliations with major international bodies like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). It is also involved in anti-doping measures and horse welfare, ensuring the protection of horses from abuse or doping through its code of conduct.
The FEI has a strategic role in organising and overseeing competitions, including the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, and the FEI World Equestrian Games, which take place every four years. It also conducts the FEI World Cup series in disciplines like jumping, dressage, driving, and vaulting. These events include world championships, continental championships, and regional games across various disciplines and age categories.
FEI's governance includes a president, vice presidents, and a secretary general. Since 2014, Ingmar De Vos from Belgium has been the president. The organisation is structured with sub-federations that represent different regions globally, including Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa.
FEI’s mission focuses on developing equestrian sports worldwide in a modern and sustainable manner. Its values include maintaining integrity, ensuring athlete welfare, and promoting fair competition between horse and rider. It also supports the growth of equestrian sports by attracting sponsors, media, and fans, and cooperates with national federations to regulate and develop the sport.
The FEI’s history reflects its role in shaping equestrian sports over the years, and it continues to contribute to the development and organisation of equestrian events globally. The organisation remains dedicated to promoting equestrian sports and ensuring fair play and welfare for both athletes and horses.
The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) oversees several disciplines within equestrian sports. Each discipline follows specific rules and formats. Below are the main disciplines managed by the FEI:
The FEI also recognises two regional disciplines:
The membership of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is composed of national equestrian federations from different countries. These federations represent their nations in the governance and promotion of equestrian sports under the FEI's global framework.
Key Aspects of FEI Membership
The FEI General Assembly
The FEI General Assembly governs the overall direction, development, and management of equestrian sports worldwide. The General Assembly is responsible for making key decisions, including:
Becoming a leading global provider of digital solutions and services for the sports industry, enabling our clients to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
We aspire to be a trusted partner and advisor to our clients, leveraging our expertise and passion for sports to help them succeed in a rapidly changing market.
