The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is preparing to begin a new chapter in its history. After more than a decade under the leadership of Ingmar De Vos, the organization has officially confirmed the three candidates who will compete for the presidency of the governing body of equestrian sports. The election, which will take place on December 5 during the FEI General Assembly in Jiangyin, China, will help shape the future of a federation that has undergone significant changes in governance, sporting development and global expansion in recent years.
The electoral race features candidates with very different backgrounds, but they share one common characteristic: a deep connection to the FEI structure. Canadian Mark Samuel, Salvadoran Sabrina Ibáñez, and Chinese Taipei representative Jack Huang have all played key roles within the organization and bring years of experience in the decision-making processes that have shaped modern international equestrian sport. Each will now seek to convince national federations that they possess the vision needed to lead the institution into the future.
Three different paths to lead global equestrian sport
Mark Samuel enters the race backed by extensive experience in both sports governance and the business world. The Canadian served on the FEI Board for twelve years and held the position of Vice President between 2017 and 2024. In addition to his administrative work, he also enjoyed a career as a show jumping rider and represented Canada in international competitions. His profile combines expertise in sports governance with the strategic perspective gained from leading businesses and organizations linked to the equestrian sector.
Sabrina Ibáñez represents a candidacy built from within the heart of the federation itself. Associated with the FEI since the early 1990s, she became Secretary General in 2014 and has since been involved in many of the organization’s most important modernization processes. Her experience extends beyond equestrian sport, including roles in international sports bodies connected to the Paralympic movement, gender equality, and sports governance. This background has made her one of the figures with the deepest institutional knowledge within the organization.
Jack Huang, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the most influential figures in equestrian sport across Asia and Oceania. President of Regional Group VIII since 2016 and FEI Vice President since 2019, he has been a key driver of the sport’s growth in a region where equestrian disciplines continue to expand their presence. His leadership has helped position him as a leading voice in the federation’s global expansion and in creating new opportunities for equestrian development.
The global vision that will shape the future of the FEI
The election comes at a particularly important moment for the FEI. With the nomination process closed and the official campaign period underway, national federations will have several months to evaluate the candidates’ proposals before casting their votes in December. The process will culminate during the General Assembly in Jiangyin, China, where delegates will determine who will take responsibility for leading the organization over the coming years.
Meanwhile, the federation continues to advance the renewal of several governing bodies while preparing for a new institutional phase. In this context, Ingmar De Vos has publicly highlighted the experience and commitment of all three candidates, emphasizing that each has made significant contributions to the organization. After more than a decade at the helm of the FEI, the Belgian leader believes that any of the candidates has the capabilities required to guide international equestrian sport in an increasingly globalized and competitive environment.
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