The FEI Endurance Forum 2026, the reference event for the international equestrian endurance community, concluded in Perugia, bringing together over 40 nations and the main stakeholders in the sector – athletes, technicians, veterinarians, officials, judges and organizers – in the setting of Posta Donini, just outside the city.
Two days of intense discussion and dialogue placed at the centre of the international sporting debate the most relevant topics for the future of the discipline: governance, sustainability, horse welfare, safety and technological innovation, outlining a shared and responsible vision for the future of endurance. The willingness to strengthen a development model based on competence, transparency and respect for the founding values of sport clearly emerged.
One of the most significant announcements of the Forum was the presentation by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) of the introduction of out-of-competition anti-doping testing on the horse, a new control system that extends monitoring also outside competitions, ensuring constant protection of the animal and a concrete strengthening of the ethical principles of the discipline. A novelty of global importance, presented precisely in Italy — the first country in the world to have recognised the horse as an athlete with the sports reform that entered into force on 1 July 2023 — and which confirms the central role of our country in the international debate.
“Italy is a forerunner on this topic,” declared Simone Perillo, Secretary General of the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE). “The fact that this measure was announced precisely at the FEI Endurance Forum in Perugia strengthens the role of our country as an international point of reference in horse welfare and in the ethical development of endurance.”
Among the most engaging moments of the two days, the session dedicated to the Young Riders brought the young protagonists of the discipline to the stage, with contributions from Jiahe Isabella Sui (China), Giulia Kybett Vinci (Italy), Emma Schuber (Sweden) and Gerard Casas Maxenchs (Spain). Their reflections on education, economic sustainability and athletic preparation sparked a direct dialogue with experienced athletes and international representatives, offering an authentic perspective on the future of the sport.
“Dialogue with young people is essential for the future of endurance,” underlined Áine Power, FEI Executive Director of Sport & Games. “Young people bring energy and new ideas, and their involvement is a central part of the FEI strategy. We must be relevant to them and demonstrate that time spent with the horse is time of value.”
Wide space was also dedicated to organisational best practices, to the role of Organising Committees in the management of competitions and to the theme of safety, the cornerstone of every event.
“We are custodians of the environment in which our sport takes place,” recalled Gianluca Laliscia, CEO of sistemaeventi.it, organiser of the event. “The responsibility of those who organise is very high: nothing can be left to chance. From safety to respect for nature, every choice must reflect the values that make endurance a unique discipline.”
To crown the first day, the Gala Dinner hosted in the historic Sala Scuderia of Posta Donini, in the presence of H.E. Abdulla Ali Ateeq Obaidp Al Subousi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Italy, who reiterated the importance of international cooperation in strengthening ties between the countries that are protagonists of world endurance.
The FEI Endurance Forum 2026, organised by sistemaeventi.it and the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE), with the official support of Emirates International Endurance Village (EIEV) – a jewel created under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates – represented an important step towards a future based on collaboration, innovation and shared values.
“After nine years of absence, the Forum returned to bring together the international endurance community,” concluded Gianluca Laliscia, CEO of sistemaeventi.it. “The choice of Italy as the host country is a recognition of the credibility and passion with which we live this discipline. But the surprises for Umbria do not end here: we will continue to work to grow the role of our region in the world panorama of endurance.”
Two days that Áine Power defined as “motivating, constructive and engaging”, capable of leaving a deep mark on the international community and of consolidating the role of Umbria as the world capital of endurance, where tradition, innovation and shared vision meet to build the future of the sport.
