On the same day that Bill Moroney made a surprise announcement that he will retire as U.S. Equestrian Federation CEO after 10 years in the job, three people were nominated as candidates to succeed Ingmar DeVos in the FEI (international equestrian federation) presidency.
That paves the way for a whole new dynamic in how horse sport is led both nationally and internationally before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Moroney, 66, a founder of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, a USEF affiliate, explained in what he termed a “personal note” to the membership, “Horses have been my whole life. I spent over 30 years as a professional trainer and along the way, became involved in governance.”
He cited his start in leadership as co-chair of the Pony Committee for USA Equestrian (a USEF predecessor) before becoming the first president of USHJA and serving on USEF’s board and more than 17 of its committees. He called becoming USEF CEO in 2016 “the equestrian honor of my life.”
By offering his announcement now, the board has time to run a search for his replacement. He also pointed out that with USEF President Tom O’Mara’s term running through the Los Angeles Olympic cycle, it is best for the CEO and president not to change in the same time frame.
“Making this transition now keeps our leadership steady,” he said, adding, “I will be here and fully engaged in leading USEF through the end of the year, and we will continue to provide our programs, services, and competitions.”
While the top level of horse sports is doing well, at other levels, many have been priced out not only by the cost of horses that can be competitive, but also concerns that keeping a horse, running a barn and competing are out of reach for more and more people.
Last October, a petition calling for a vote of No Confidence in USEF leadership was filed with Change.org. It has 2,073 signatures.
It mentions a disconnect between leadership and members, stating, “USEF exists to serve its members, advance equestrian sport in the United States, and uphold integrity, fairness, and transparency. Sadly, the current leadership has failed in these duties. Under their direction, the organization has eroded member trust, alienated the equestrian community, and fallen short of the standards expected of a National Governing Body.”
The document added, “The time has come for USEF to return to its founding principle—that it exists to serve the members and the sport, not the other way around. Member participation must be central to all major decisions affecting governance, leadership, and the future of equestrian sport in America.”
The petition sought the replacement not only of Moroney, but also of Olympic eventing gold medalist David O’Connor, who serves as chief of sport; veterinarian Stephen Schumacher, director of drugs and medication, and Vicki Lowell, chief marketing and content officer.
Meanwhile, nominees for the FEI top job include Honorary Vice President Mark Samuel of Canada, chair of Regional Group IV (North America) and FEI Vice President from 2017 to 2024. Sabrina Ibáñez, of El Salvador, who would be the first person from a Latin American country to serve in the role if elected, joined the FEI in 1991 and served as FEI Director of Governance and Executive Affairs from 2011 until her appointment as FEI Secretary General in December 2014.
The other nominee is Chinese Taipei’s Jack Huang, who would be the first Asian president of the FEI if elected. He has served as chair of FEI Regional Group VIII (Asia and Oceania) since 2016 and has been FEI Vice President since 2019.
The new FEI president will be elected by the organization’s General Assembly on Dec. 5 in Jiangyin, China.
