Next December, the International Equestrian Federation will face a pivotal moment for its future with the election of a new president. Among the three candidates is Sabrina Ibáñez, the current FEI Secretary General, who is aiming to succeed Ingmar De Vos after more than three decades working within the institution.
The Salvadoran will compete in the elections scheduled for 5 December in China against Canadian Mark Samuel and Jack Huang from Chinese Taipei. The national federations will be responsible for deciding, through their vote, who will assume the presidency of the organisation that governs equestrian sports at international level.
Ibáñez has a deep knowledge of the FEIs structure. She began her career within the Federation as an assistant and, progressively, took on different responsibilities until becoming secretary general in 2015. She has now been professionally linked to the institution for more than 33 years, an experience that she places at the centre of her candidacy.
During the recent World Championships in Aachen, Ibáñez explained to La Razón that his career has been marked by progressive evolution within the organisation. “I have worked my way up little by little to get to where I am. I have been working with the FEI for over 33 years,” he noted, also highlighting his knowledge of administration and his commitment to maintaining constant communication with the people who are part of the sport.
His project combines continuity and change in certain areas that he considers fundamental for the future. One of these is expanding the possibilities of competing internationally for male and female riders from countries with fewer resources. In disciplines such as Jumping, the economic demands associated with certain five-star competitions can represent a significant barrier for some organisers.
The candidate plans to work alongside the various stakeholders in the sector to find ways to maintain sporting standards while at the same time expanding opportunities. “I want more riders around the world to be able to earn ranking points and compete,” she explained. This is a proposal aimed at facilitating access to international sport for those who currently face the greatest difficulties.
The new generations constitute another pillar of his candidacy. Ibáñez proposes increasing the participation of young people in the FEI regional groups, not only to incorporate their vision into decision-making, but also to take advantage of their knowledge of social media and new forms of communication as tools to promote equestrian sports.
This line would be complemented by the continuation of projects developed through FEI Solidarity, aimed at favouring the growth of equestrian sport and providing development opportunities in different countries.
Direct contact with male and female riders, federations, organisers and the rest of the members of the sector is also part of how Ibáñez envisions a potential presidency. His presence ringside at major championships has been commonplace in recent years, and he champions consultation and listening as preliminary elements to decision-making.
To this proximity is added a commitment to supporting future decisions through research and scientific data. Within this approach, the welfare of the horse occupies a priority position, at a time when the protection and sustainable future of equestrian sports constitute some of the main challenges for the discipline at an international level.
After more than three decades carrying out operational roles within the Federation, Ibáñez believes that the time has come to take on a different role. “Being general secretary is very operational; the president is more strategic and I am ready to make these strategic decisions for the future of our sport worldwide,” she stated.
On the 5th of December, the national federations will have the final say. The election will determine who succeeds Ingmar De Vos and opens a new chapter at the helm of the International Equestrian Federation.
