Mark Samuel wants to succeed Ingmar De Vos as FEI President

Belgian rider Ingmar De Vos ‘ third term of office as President of the World Equestrian Federation (FEI) ends at the end of the year. This formally rules out his re-election.

In an open letter, Canadian Mark Samuel has now put himself forward as a potential successor. He already holds or has held several positions within the FEI. He was Chairman of FEI Group IV (North America) until 2024 and has been Vice-Chairman since then. He was also FEI Vice President from 2018 to 2024.

Career

Samuel has ridden highly successfully himself, represented his Canadian homeland for the first time in a Nations Cup in 1999 and traveled to the World Equestrian Games in Jerez as a reserve in 2002. A year later, he was part of the Canadian team at the Pan-American Games in the Dominican Republic.

After graduating from Harvard University, Samuel’s professional career took him to the management of his own companies, Samuel Manu-Tech Inc. and Samuel Son & Co. Limited.

The open letter on the presidential candidacy

The open letter published by Equestrian Canada, among others, reads as follows:

Dear colleagues and friends,

Under the detailed, dynamic and visionary leadership of our President, Mr. Ingmar De Vos, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has truly earned its place among the world’s leading international sports federations. After twelve years in office, it is now time to consider who is best placed to maintain and build on the strong foundations that have been laid. Today, I humbly announce my intention to apply for this privilege and responsibility.

For those who don’t know me yet: I look forward to introducing myself to you as soon as the official election campaign phase begins this summer. After a successful career in business, I was also a competitive equestrian athlete and have been involved in voluntary work for many years. Most recently, I served three terms on the FEI Board and was FEI Vice President for seven years. I have a proven record of integrity, leadership, consensus and experience.

I recently attended the 15th FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne. It was impressive to witness the strength of our community, the optimism for the future and the willingness to work constructively together. The presence of FEI Youth at this year’s event brought a fresh and dynamic perspective that suggests that the future of our sport is in good hands. I was also delighted to receive numerous confidential personal inquiries about the presidency and the encouragement to stand for election. Therefore, I have decided that the most sincere and transparent way is to announce my intention to run for President to our equestrian family. I would be honored to put my experience and knowledge at the service of the industry and the horses we love so much.

I will now follow the detailed application process and deadlines. In the coming months, I look forward to actively listening and engaging in a constructive dialog with all stakeholders about the future of the FEI and your priorities in that future. It is time for all voices, large and small, to be heard, considered and valued.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Samuel

Canada