Will the future of equestrian sports be played out in China? Ingmar De Vos, President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), is not far from thinking so. The Belgian leader, who is also an IOC member, took advantage of the 11th edition of the IOC Sports Forum this week in Lausanne to point out the spectacular development of equestrian sport in China and its future prospects. “We have seen very strong growth in China,” explained Ingmar De Vos, quoted by the Xinhua agency. “In 2011, I think there were about 20 equestrian clubs in the country. Today we have more than 2,000. We have appointed a regional development manager for China. And we plan to visit China in the near future, to discuss with the government and see how we can continue to develop and promote our sport.” The FEI’s annual forum also featured a presentation on equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Games. Jean Morel, the OCOG’s equestrian manager, confirmed to delegates that an operational eventing test would be held on 22-23 August in Versailles.
