Balancing Tradition with Transformation: FEI’s Sabrina Ibáñez on Leading Equestrian Sport into the Future

In this exclusive conversation with iSportConnect’s Taruka Srivastav, Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), reflects on her leadership journey rooted in inclusivity and adaptability. She discusses how the FEI is navigating the evolving global landscape—balancing the sport’s heritage with innovation, expanding access across geographies, advancing gender equity, and leveraging technology to reshape fan experiences. From athlete welfare and youth development to ethical governance and animal care, Ibáñez shares a compelling vision for equestrian sport in the 21st century.

How would you define your leadership journey so far, and what have been the most transformative moments for the organization under your tenure?

If I have to describe my path as a leader in two words, they would be: inclusivity and adaptability.

Working in a sport, and a global environment that is constantly evolving, I’ve learned that success depends on truly understanding where people are coming from and providing them the platform to give their input and find a path forward together, as a community. We may not always agree, but progress comes from dialogue and shared purpose.

Equestrian sport is capturing growing attention worldwide. On the one hand, over the past decade we have seen an increase in the number of international athletes and events in emerging markets. On the other hand, there is increased public scrutiny which is not always easy to navigate. This heightened visibility has pushed us to engage more actively with how our sport is perceived by an increasingly informed and invested public.

As a community, we have never shied away from difficult conversations. Through this openness, we have reaffirmed the values that have long defined us: accountability, responsible governance, and a deep respect for the horses who are at the heart of our sport.

We are a sport that doesn’t back away from challenges, and I take great pride in being part of that journey.

What are some of the unique challenges of leading a sport that balances heritage and tradition with innovation and modern governance?

One of the greatest challenges in leading equestrian sport is balancing its deep-rooted heritage with the need to evolve.

Tradition grounds us, and it’s one of our strengths. But we must also be willing to adapt in ways that make the sport more attractive as well as sustainable. It’s not about change for its own sake, but rather a thoughtful progress that respects where we’ve come from and prepares us for what lies ahead.

A perfect example is the successful Longines League of Nations which now is in its second season. In 2023, we recognised the importance of the FEI taking responsibility for revitalising the FEI Nations CupTM Jumping Series to ensure it remained competitive and relevant. To achieve this, it was essential to honour the rich heritage going back over 100 years while introducing an exciting and modernised format.

Reaching this goal required open dialogue and collaboration. Through a series of equestrian stakeholder forums, we came together to reflect on the challenges faced by previous editions and to identify the best ways to make the series more appealing to future generations. Together, we made it happen!

How has FEI adapted to the evolving expectations around transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in international sport?

Being recognised as one of the leading International Federations in governance is a source of great pride for all of us at the FEI. It reflects the significant strides we have taken, and continue to take as a community to ensure integrity, not only on the field-of-play but also in the way we make decisions and govern the sport.

One of the advantages of having strong systems in place, such as transparent processes, open consultation, and clear structures, is that they leave no room for complacency; it pushes us to lead by example and serve our community with rigour and responsibility.

Of course, there is always room for improvement. But when I reflect on the past few years which have bene marked by global challenges and increased scrutiny across the sports world, I believe we’ve demonstrated resilience and maturity as an organisation.

Much of that is down to the solid governance foundations we had already built. These were tested, but they held strong and, in many ways, we’ve emerged even more robust.

Adapting to evolving expectations isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about being willing to look critically at ourselves, listen to our stakeholders, and continually refine how we operate. That’s a commitment we take seriously at the FEI.

Equestrianism has a distinct place in the Olympic movement. What are some of the efforts FEI is making to increase global participation and visibility, particularly in underrepresented regions?

Through our FEI Solidarity programmes, we are committed to more than just expanding the footprint of equestrian sport. We’re focused on building the foundations for long-term growth. It’s about creating the conditions for equestrian to thrive in underrepresented regions, not only as a sport but as a way of life rooted in good horsemanship.

While this means supporting athletes, we are also investing in the full ecosystem around the sport: from training officials and coaches to empowering essential roles like grooms and farriers. It’s about capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to develop the skills and infrastructure needed to sustain equestrian sport independently.

This holistic approach is about establishing a solid base so that equestrian can grow organically in diverse contexts, and with respect for local cultures and environments. This, ultimately, is what will keep our sport relevant, inclusive, and sustainable in the long term.

How is the FEI working to attract a younger audience while maintaining the core identity of the sport?

For the FEI, connecting with younger audiences means embracing new and innovative ways to engage. Digital platforms and interactive fan experiences play a key role in this effort, without ever losing sight of what lies at the heart of our sport: good horsemanship. To that end, we’ve revitalised our digital channels to highlight more authentic, behind-the-scenes content and athlete-driven stories that truly resonate with the next generation of fans.

Another initiative, which we will launch this autumn, is a Youth Forum, starting with young Jumping Athletes. The aim of the Forum is to empower and retain athletes involved in FEI events by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact in their communities and ensure their voices are represented within the FEI. It will focus on educating youth about the FEI’s mission and support roles, covering key topics such as safety and safeguarding, veterinary and legal matters, IT platforms, governance, and also media training. The programme will promote active participation through presentations, real-life examples, group work, and interactive activities to help athletes apply what they learn

On the competition side, we offer a range of youth-focused events like the FEI Jumping Children’s Classics, designed specifically for younger riders. We also run the FEI Jumping Youth Nations Cup and the FEI Jumping Ponies’ Trophy, both of which engage young athletes and create exciting opportunities for fans to follow.

Across our six disciplines, we hold numerous youth championships yearly, which are vital for the sport’s growth. These competitions give the next generation of equestrian stars the chance to build the mental acuity, stamina, and drive they need to advance their careers. The fact that experienced organisers continue to step forward to host these events reflects the community’s strong commitment to nurturing talent and securing the future of our sport.

Can you speak on the role of technology and digital engagement in reshaping fan experience and athlete development in equestrian sport?

The technology and digital space have transformed how we connect with fans and how we work, by bringing equestrian sport closer to people wherever they are in the world.

Through platforms like FEI.tv, where we have pooled our resources with ClipMyHorse (OTT platform), we are able to offer equestrian fans a more in-depth and enriching experience that will make the sport even more attractive and to a wider global audience.

We are also continually exploring new ways to use digital platforms to bring fans closer to equestrian sport and welcome new audiences through interactive engagement activations. During the recent Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ season, fans took part in a prediction game for each leg, with prizes awarded based on the accuracy of their picks. Together with our partners, we also develop fun and accessible online quizzes designed to engage fans with low barriers to entry. Additionally, we tap into the unique aspects of our sport by shining a light on the horses. For the ongoing Longines League of Nations™ 2025 season, fans are invited to celebrate their favourite horses by creating and submitting artwork for the chance to win a trip to one of our events. These types of user-generated and gamified campaigns help make our fans feel part of the experience and our community.

On a broader level, we are using social media to deepen connections with the sport and people behind it. We are sharing more behind-the-scenes content in short-form, vertically filmed videos featuring unique arena-side shots and alternative camera angles, providing fans with a more authentic and immersive view. We also spotlight young riders and rising stars to help fans connect with the next generation of talent. To broaden our reach and bring more people into the sport, we collaborate with equestrian influencers who create different, lifestyle-focused content that resonates with a wider audience of horse lovers.

Most recently, for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™, we introduced data-driven storytelling to improve understanding and accessibility of the discipline, complementing our coverage with stats-based articles and infographics shared on our digital channels.

Technology is also helping level the playing field. Tools like virtual coaching and remote judging systems are making it easier for athletes in remote or less-resourced regions to access high-quality training and feedback.

Another major development on the way is the FEI digital horse passport which will be ready in 2026. This digital solution will help ease international horse movement, free up resources at events through digitalisation, strengthen biosecurity through increased traceability, protect genome integrity, facilitate and document FEI and National Federations controls over welfare and clean sport.

Lastly, we have FEI Campus 2.0, which is a free e-learning platform offering a wide variety of courses on horsemanship, many of which are available in different languages ensuring a greater outreach.

Equestrian sport is one of the few Olympic disciplines where men and women compete on equal footing. How is the FEI building on this parity to further gender equality across all levels of the sport?

Equestrian sport stands out for its gender equality, with athletes of all genders competing together on a level playing field. It’s the only Olympic and Paralympic sport where all events are mixed gender, and this is a point of great pride for us.

The FEI was also one of the first International Federations to freeze ranking points for female athletes during their pregnancy. We started with Jumping and now all disciplines include it in their rules.

From a governance point of view, our sport definitely leads by example, 48% of our Board members are female, and across all FEI bodies it’s 45%. In addition, I am one of the few female Secretary Generals in Olympic and Paralympic sport.

Our Nominations Committee also prioritises gender balance by stating that when candidates are comparable, preference should be given to the underrepresented gender.

Another initiative is the FEI Gender Equality Grant in Equestrian Sport, which offers CHF 20,000 to support National Federation projects that promote gender equality across various areas, including governance, athlete participation, coaching, and the involvement of grooms and farriers.

Lastly, to promote a better work-life balance, we introduced a policy at the FEI to increase paid paternity leave for male employees following the birth of a child.

What more can be done to ensure greater inclusivity in equestrian disciplines, especially for athletes from diverse socio-economic or cultural backgrounds?

To truly broaden access and make equestrian sport more inclusive, we need to confront some deeply rooted barriers, many of which go beyond the sport itself.

Negative experiences related to race and class are still too common, and they point to systemic issues that can’t be addressed with surface-level solutions. This requires a sustained, honest commitment to change at every level.

Representation is a key part of this. Visible diversity matters, not just on the field-of play, but in leadership, media, coaching, and other influential roles. When people see individuals who look like them and come from similar backgrounds succeeding in the sport, it sends a powerful message that they too belong.

At the same time, we must continue to invest in programmes that reduce the financial and geographic barriers to participation. Horses offer immense social, emotional, and cultural value, and for many, being around horses can be life-changing. That’s a strength we need to build on. The goal should not simply be to invite people into equestrian, but to make sure they feel welcomed, supported, and able to thrive once they’re here.

Creating a more inclusive sport means looking inward as a community, challenging assumptions, and committing to long-term structural changes. It’s not easy work, but it’s necessary if we want equestrian to truly reflect the diversity and potential of the world around us.

Animal welfare is central to equestrian sport. How does the FEI ensure that ethical standards are consistently maintained across disciplines and geographies?

While the FEI sets the standards and rules that govern horse welfare across all disciplines, we recognise that enforcement cannot rely on top-down structures alone, as we simply cannot have eyes and ears everywhere.

That’s why we’ve introduced systems like the FEI Reporting Hub, which empowers individuals to raise concerns safely. Every report is handled confidentially and followed up in cooperation with the relevant National Federation to ensure timely and appropriate action.

But maintaining ethical standards is as much a grassroots responsibility as it is a regulatory one. We consistently urge our community, athletes, officials, grooms, owners, and organisers, to hold themselves to the highest standards of care, and to speak up when something isn’t right.

This shared responsibility is what truly protects the welfare of our horses. It’s not just about rules and penalties; it’s upholding a culture of accountability, respect, and vigilance.

The wellbeing of the horse must be everyone’s priority, everywhere, at all times and that’s a message we continue to reinforce across all levels of the sport.

What role does sustainability play in the FEI’s long-term vision, especially around events, logistics, and equine health?

Sustainability is integral to the FEI’s long-term vision, not just in terms of environmental responsibility, but across every aspect of how we operate.

The wide outreach and influence of FEI events mean that they can act as catalysts for change within society and that is a responsibility the FEI recognises and takes very seriously.
A concrete step the FEI has taken towards nurturing sustainability as well as strengthening the sense of community is the creation of the Sustainability Handbook for Event Organisers, which is publicly available to all in the FEI Knowledge Base.

We take a holistic approach that goes beyond making our events more environmentally friendly. It’s also about ensuring that our systems, logistics, financial models, and internal operations are efficient, resilient, and future-proof.

This handbook has been produced by the FEI with an aim to aid and encourage event organisers to implement various sustainability initiatives that will help reduce negative environmental impact of the events and create a positive social and economic legacy.

It contains a total of 144 initiatives, which are grouped under the various organisational phases of an equestrian event. They are complemented by one or more supportive actions and are marked with a sustainability impact rating.

The handbook recommends, for example, the use and refurbishment of existing facilities instead of building new ones, purchase of power certified from renewable sources, the implementation of an efficient waste policy and use of eco-labelled cleaning products as well as the use of local suppliers and workforce.

This approach is essential for the longevity of equestrian sport.

As someone who has broken ground as a female leader in international sport, what advice would you offer to young women aspiring to leadership roles in sports governance?

My advice is simple: find where you can make a difference, and never stop learning.

That means actively looking for ways to contribute, whether it’s solving problems, supporting a team, or stepping up when something needs to get done. When people see that you take initiative and consistently add value, they begin to trust you with more responsibility. That’s often how leadership journeys begin, not with a title, but with a willingness to engage and deliver.

And always keep learning. Be curious about how things work. The more you understand the environment you’re in, the better prepared you are to navigate it and to challenge it when needed. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence helps you find your voice.

For young women aiming for leadership roles in sports governance, I’d also say: stay grounded in who you are, even when the pressure is high. You don’t need to have all the answers right away. I live by the rule, “It’s urgent to do nothing”, which is a reminder that pausing to reflect often leads to better decisions. Responding with intention rather than reacting quickly builds trust and clarity, both essential for good leadership.

Leadership isn’t always a smooth or straightforward path, especially for women in spaces where we’re still underrepresented. But if you stay focused, keep learning, and lead with integrity, others will notice and more importantly, you’ll know you’ve earned your place. And when you do get there, remember to send the elevator down to others, because that’s leadership too.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of equestrian sport globally, and what legacy would you hope to leave behind as Secretary General of the FEI?

My vision is for equestrian sport to be fully seen and appreciated for everything it offers, not just as a high-performance sport, but that has a profound and positive impact on people’s wellbeing, resilience, and sense of connection.

I want the broader public to understand and appreciate the depth of the horse-human partnership and the distinct values it brings to our world.

At the same time, we must be ready for whatever comes our way, meaning building strong, agile structures that allow us to adapt quickly, whether it’s to address public expectations, global challenges, or internal shifts. Good governance, clear processes, and a willingness to listen and evolve are all part of this process.

If there’s a legacy I hope to leave behind, it’s that we emerged stronger through open dialogue – more responsive, more connected, and more united as a global equestrian community.