Ingmar De Vos Appointed to IOC Board in Milestone Moment for Equestrian Sport
International Olympic Committee has confirmed that Ingmar De Vos has been appointed to its Executive Board, marking a significant moment for equestrian sport on the global sporting stage.
De Vos, who has served as President of Fédération Equestre Internationale since 2014, becomes the first FEI President to hold a seat on the IOC Executive Board. The appointment strengthens equestrian sport’s representation at the highest level of Olympic governance, offering a direct voice in discussions shaping the future of international sport.
His new role places him among a small group responsible for guiding Olympic strategy, policy and long-term development, including decisions around host cities, programme evolution and athlete representation. For equestrian sport, this brings greater visibility within a landscape increasingly influenced by sustainability, youth engagement, digital transformation and social licence.
De Vos has been a consistent advocate for modernisation within equestrian disciplines, including welfare-led reforms, data-driven decision-making and closer alignment with broader Olympic values. His presence on the IOC Board is widely viewed as an opportunity to ensure that equestrian perspectives are embedded in conversations around governance, inclusivity and the evolving expectations placed on global sports federations.
The appointment comes at a time when equestrian sport faces heightened scrutiny, alongside growing pressure to demonstrate transparency, welfare leadership and relevance to new audiences. Having FEI leadership represented directly at IOC board level may help bridge that gap, reinforcing equestrian sport’s position within the Olympic movement while supporting its ongoing transformation. For the equestrian community, De Vos’ elevation signals not just personal recognition, but a broader step forward in ensuring horses and riders remain part of the world’s most influential sporting forum.
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