John is a distinguished figure in international horse sport. Having started his career as a groom on the hunter/jumper circuit, and progressing into an assistant trainer role, in 1984 he founded John Madden Sales Inc, and has trained many riders and horses to Championship success.

In addition, he has held multiple roles in USEF, and served as Vice President of the FEI, and FEI Jumping Director.

He is married to legendary USA jumper Beezie Madden, who he calls the best horse person, and person in general, that he knows.

The IGA’s Executive Director Lucy Katan said “I am so pleased to welcome John Madden to sit as the Chairman of our Board. He brings such a wealth of knowledge and experience, and has always recognised the vital need for international horse sport to be more forward thinking and open to adaptation.

As the IGA enters it’s third year I feel this appointment is an important signal of our growth; and shows that the voice of the international grooms is being taken seriously at the very highest levels.

Having such a well-respected figure standing alongside us to represent the grooms is another great step forward in bringing positive development for FEI grooms around the world, and will help us ensure the robustness of the IGA.”


source: Press Release