International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach presented FEI President Ingmar De Vos with the IOC President’s Trophy this week during the annual FEI Sports Forum 2017.

In a press release, the FEI writes that Bach paid a heartfelt tribute to equestrian sport when presenting the trophy: “Equestrian sport has a lot to be proud of, and the sky really is the limit,” Bach said. “The sport not only has a long Olympic history, but has always been at the forefront of gender equality."

“It is great to be here with my friend Ingmar De Vos, and members of the global equestrian community, to celebrate the fact that the FEI is a gender equality champion, as well as a leader in good governance, and is opening up the sport to new fans while modernising this sport which has such a long Olympic heritage.”

“This trophy isn’t just for the FEI, it’s for our whole community,” Ingmar De Vos said, after the presentation. “It’s a recognition of our incredible global sport and, to quote President Bach, the sky really is the limit!”

The contemporary 'The Sky Is The Limit' sculpture, an abstract bronze created by Alexander Krivosheiw, is plated in 24-carat gold and symbolises the story of an athlete gold medallist from conception to consecration as a champion.

Source: Press release from the FEI // Picture © FEI/Richard Juilliart