Lausanne (SUI) 24-25 April 2023

Welcome by the FEI President and the FEI Secretary General

Dear members of the international equestrian community,
Esteemed colleagues,
Dear friends,

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 11^th edition of the FEI Sports Forum, which will take place on 24 and 25 April 2023.

Every year since 2012, we have gathered in Lausanne, the Olympic Capital, for exciting discussions, which never fail to be open and honest, and which are crucial for the development of our sport. In 2020 and 2021, due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, we had to shift to a virtual format, and although we missed face-to-face contacts, our dialogue never ceased.

This year we are delighted to meet again as a community at the prestigious IMD Business School in Lausanne to discuss, debate, and plan the future of equestrian sport.

The FEI Sports Forum 2023 will open with the all-important second report of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission, which was created last June to address societal concerns related to the use of horses in sport and to provide an independent evidence based framework to guide FEI regulations, policies and practices in relation to equine welfare and wellbeing. The presentation of the report will be followed by a session dedicated to consultation and questions from the stakeholder community attending the Forum.

The afternoon of the first Sports Forum day will feature a session on the IT solutions and services made available by the FEI and which are meant to support athletes at all levels of the sport all the way up to Olympic gold. This session will be followed by an update on preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will be given by representatives of the Organising Committee, GL Events Equestrian Sport, and FEI staff members.

Day Two will begin with an extensive session on various issues in Jumping events. It will be prepared directly by the representatives of the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC), Equestrian Organisers (EO), International Jumping Officials Club (IJOC), Jumping Owners Club (JOC) with input from the Athlete’s Committee Chair and the Jumping Athlete representative.

The rest of the day will focus on FEI key events requirements and it will be followed by a session on the FEI Endurance Rules, which this year are undergoing full revision, thus bringing proceedings to an end.

As for every edition of the Sports Forum, you will find all the information you need on this platform including a detailed timetable, information on each of the sessions, key deadlines, contact information, travel, accommodation and fees for registration.

We look forward to seeing you in Lausanne in April and to having interesting discussions that will continue to serve the best interest of our community.

Ingmar De Vos
FEI President

Sabrina Ibáñez
FEI Secretary General