The focus on youth will be the key matter for equestrian sports in the coming years as the FEI’s second century begins with the exciting news that it is to continue more than 100 years of Olympic history at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
On Friday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that equestrian sport will be one of the 28 sports proposed for inclusion in the Olympic programme for 2028. Those on the list will be approved at the IOC Session in February 2022. It’s a huge boost for Dressage, Eventing and Jumping as well as the other FEI disciplines and the global equestrian community. It means that after Paris 2024 and LA 2028, equestrian medals will have been handed out continuously since 1912!
The FEI was founded in 1921 in part to ensure that equestrian sports would remain on the Olympic programme. As we this year celebrate 100 years since its formation, the IOC announcement is thrilling for equestrian fanatics and all those hundreds of millions who enjoyed the action from Tokyo 2020. “The collective future of equestrian sport depends on our position in the Olympic movement,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos. “We need to guarantee global visibility of our sport in the media and digital platforms, and continue to showcase relevant content and entice new fans." Keeping the youth engaged in equestrian sport and inspiring new generations to make the Olympic Games their goal.
“We have robust development programmes around the world targeting the next generation of athletes, but also fans and industry professionals, because equestrian sport is a way of life that is multifaceted and extremely diverse. How we engage with younger generations is vital in our pathway to the future.” Universality, integrity and fairness, gender equality and popularity were highlighted as key requirements of the evaluation criteria which will be used to determine the disciplines and events for the programme, in line with the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020+5. Athlete safety, environmental sustainability and keeping the sport relevant to youth were also reiterated as significant factors in the decision making process.
Equestrian sports being staged in Los Angeles in seven years’ time are an exciting prospect. The United States has a long and successful equestrian tradition, and has developed as a country with sustained equestrian excellence on an international stage. The equestrian venue in Los Angeles will have the stunning sports backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains and will offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase our sport. It will be the perfect setting for the young stars of today to build towards in the coming years.
Source: press release FEI