FEI Confirms Three Candidates for 2026 Presidential Election

What Happened

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has officially confirmed the three candidates who will vie for the presidency in the 2026 election. Following a rigorous vetting process that included independent background checks and review by the FEI Nominations Committee, the three contenders are Mark Samuel (Canada), Sabrina Ibáñez (El Salvador), and Jack Huang (Taipei).

The announcement signals the start of the official presidential campaign. Current President Ingmar de Vos, who has led the organization since 2014, welcomed the candidates, noting that each brings extensive experience within the FEI’s governing structure. The final vote will be cast by National Federations during the FEI General Assembly on December 5, 2026, in Jiangyin, China.

Why It Matters

The FEI President is the most influential figure in global equestrian sport, overseeing the rules, safety standards, and Olympic standing for all international disciplines. For American riders and stakeholders, this election is particularly relevant due to the presence of Mark Samuel. As a former FEI Vice President and Chair of Regional Group IV (North America), Samuel has long been a key liaison between the North American equestrian community and the global governing body.

The transition in leadership comes at a time when the sport is navigating critical issues regarding social license to operate, horse welfare, and the evolving format of equestrian events in the Olympic Games. The next president will be responsible for steering the federation through these challenges while maintaining the sport's global commercial viability.

Additionally, the candidacy of Sabrina Ibáñez, the current FEI Secretary General, represents a potential shift as she is a long-standing internal executive. Jack Huang brings a perspective from the rapidly growing Asian and Oceanian markets.

Discipline Context

This election impacts all FEI-recognized disciplines, including Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Para-Dressage, Endurance, Vaulting, and Driving. The president’s vision often dictates the federation’s priorities regarding rule changes, veterinary regulations, and the allocation of major championships. While the impact may feel distant to the local amateur, the policies set by the FEI Presidency eventually trickle down to national federations like US Equestrian (USEF), affecting everything from drug testing protocols to safety equipment requirements.

Quick Facts

• Organization: International Equestrian Federation (FEI)
• Election Date: December 5, 2026
• Location: FEI General Assembly in Jiangyin, China
• Candidates: Mark Samuel (CAN), Sabrina Ibáñez (ESA), Jack Huang (TPE)
• Outgoing President: Ingmar de Vos (BEL)
• Additional Open Positions: Nominations Committee Member (Group IV), Medical Committee Member, and Eventing Athlete Representative (Nominations close July 15, 2026)

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