Equestrian sports are under threat. The IOC is reconsidering their place in the upcoming Olympic Games. But will equestrian sports be part of the 2020 Olympics?

The Olympic Games are coming up, and we can't wait!

But equestrian sports are under threat.

They are accused of being too expensive, too elitist, and not popular enough. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) is currently reconsidering their place in the upcoming Olympic Games.

The highly anticipated Olympic Games begin today (Friday, August 5)! And the 2016 Olympics in Rio are particularly important for all equestrians and equestrian sports fans. The IOC has decided to assess the popularity of these sports. It will then determine whether or not they will remain in future Olympic programs.

According to reports in *Grand Prix Magazine* and *Horse & Hound*, Britain’s leading equestrian magazine, the IOC will therefore be studying fan engagement in equestrian sports from July 29 through August 28.

The IOC will take all forms of media into account when conducting its analysis: print, broadcast, and online coverage, as well as engagement on social media. The IOC will then be able to assess the general public’s interest in equestrian sports.

The FEI (International Equestrian Federation) and the BEF (British Equestrian Federation) have both launched online campaigns using the hashtags #JointheJourney, #TwoHearts, and #ObjectifRio.

“Two Hearts” is an FEI initiative designed to highlight the very special bond between a rider and their horse—a bond that is so necessary for competing in the world’s most important sporting event and essential for any dedicated rider.

According to FEI President Ingmar De Vos,

"Equestrian sports are based on the connection, the intuitive bond, and the committed partnership between these two athletes, which makes our sport one of the most exciting at the Olympic Games."

Renowned equestrian organizations in Great Britain—the BD (British Dressage), the BS (British Show Jumping), and the BE (British Eventing)—are calling on equestrian sports fans to show their support.

As the BE explained in their article “Your Sport Needs You for Rio 2016”: “Whether you’re a spectator, a volunteer, a competitor, or just love watching equestrian sports, we want to know how you’re following the Rio 2016 Olympics! Tell us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram how you’re watching and what you love about Rio 2016.”

Let's show our support! Use these hashtags:
#equestrian #ObjectifRio #JointheJourney #TwoHearts #Rio2016 #eventing

It’s up to us to show the IOC that this sport is incredible, with a long history, a rich culture, and, above all, passionate fans who are determined to keep it in the Olympic Games at all costs.

Read more about this topic:
BE (British Eventing)
Grand Prix
Horse & Hound

The Seaver team