FEI Presidential candidate Mark Samuel in attendance at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Photo by Anwar Esquivel
	Mark Samuel, front left, presents the Individual Dressage medals at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Photo by Daniela Garcia Nigaglioni

August 15, 2026 – Aachen, Germany – Mark Samuel (CAN), declared presidential candidate for the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), is attending the entirety of the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany.  While in attendance at this major games gathering, he is taking the opportunity to meet with as many National Federation (NF) representatives as possible.

The FEI World Championships brings a multitude of countries together to compete in various equestrian disciplines and provides an opportunity for Samuel to hear from all corners of the world.

“I am committed to making myself available in as many regions of the world as possible as we lead up to this important decision in December,” said Samuel.  “I believe in speaking with, rather than “at” our community.  It is time for everyone to have an opportunity to be heard and included.”

Samuel arrives in Aachen having attended the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games one week earlier in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  The former FEI Group IV Chair had the honour of presenting the Individual Dressage medals to the winning athletes at the regional sporting event, held every four years.  During his time in Santo Domingo, Samuel met one-on-one with the majority of the FEI Group IV and FEI Group V representatives in attendance.

“Being present at the recent CAC Games provided an opportunity to reconnect with many people that I worked alongside as FEI Group IV Chair,” said Samuel, who also served as an FEI Board member for 12 years, including seven as FEI Vice President.  “It was a privilege to be entrusted with the current concerns and challenges facing each National Federation in the region and I listened carefully to their ideas for further support and improvement that will strengthen our sport globally in the future.

“As a former elite rider and as a life-long industry member as a breeder, owner, and volunteer, I feel that I am uniquely positioned to understand the needs and concerns of our community and to translate them into practical, sustainable solutions,” continued Samuel.  “I look forward to building on that feedback by meeting with an even wider audience of NF representatives in Aachen as well as globally.”

As a candidate with a proven track record of common sense, listening, leadership, and consensus-building, Samuel encourages any Federation or Media representative who would like to meet to contact him. To review his Presidential Manifesto, click here.