Fans urged to support equestrian sport during Rio to secure Olympic future
Equestrian fans have been urged to share their passion for the sport during Rio 2016.
The Games, which kick off on Friday (5 August), are particularly important for equestrianism as the sport’s popularity will determine its future in the programme of the Olympics.
From 29 July-28 August the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will assess how engaged fans are.
The IOC will explore print, broadcast and online coverage, as well as engagement on social media. This will demonstrate how widespread the appeal is of each Olympic event.
Both the British Equestrian Federation and FEI have launched online campaigns, Join the Journey and Two Hearts, to help engage fans.
The organisations, along with British Dressage (BD), British Showjumping (BS) and British Eventing (BE), are calling on equestrian fans for their support.
“Whether you are spectating, volunteering, competing, training or simply enjoying the sport we want to know how you are following Rio 2016,” said a BE spokesman.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram tell us how you are keeping up with the action and what you are loving about the 2016 Olympic Games.”
Related articles:
- Olympic horses touchdown in Rio: take a look behind the scenes
- 9 challenges that Team GBR will face in Rio
- Irish Olympic eventers don’t travel light: 2.5 tonnes of kit flown to Rio
‘Our chance to showcase our sports’
A BD spokesman added: “Being part of the Olympics is vital to equestrianism – it’s our chance to showcase our sports to the world.
“We need to work together to show just how loved the three sports are so call on everyone who loves horses to support the social media campaigns and tune in to all the great equestrian action during the Games.”
Fans are encouraged to use one or all of the following hashtags: #equestrian, #eventing, #TwoHearts and #JointheJourney
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.