IGEQ Conference Report 2025

The International Group of Equestrian Qualifications (IGEQ) Conference was held in France at Lamotte Beuvron the home of the French Federation (FFE) in November.

The General Assembly saw participation from 23 member nations including Australia, with key administrative decisions being made and reports on the year's activities were presented. A significant topic of discussion was the potential relocation of the IGEQ's administration to Belgium, aimed at enabling the organisations to apply for European Union funding for future projects which would benefit all member countries. Additionally, technical delegate Sam York from the United Kingdom presented on the concept of a social license to compete, new members Russia and Pakistan contributed via video link. Victoria Lewis shared insights from a university-funded study on equine learning and behavior, highlighting the concerning phenomenon of learned helplessness in horses. 

The second day of the seminar resumed in Lamotte Beuvron, beginning with a presentation on the French Equestrian Education system, called Galops and its integration of horse welfare, followed by a discussion on the coaching qualification matrix. This included new equine and rider well-being learning theories into educational and examination frameworks across member countries. 

In the afternoon, participants enjoyed a tour of the park, which was followed by practical demonstrations of dressage, show jumping, and arena cross-country lessons by coaches from the French Federation.

Day three was held at Cadre Noir in Saumur, where attendees observed a demonstration of Airs above the ground, highlighting the complexity of these movements, as only one percent of the horses at Cadre Noir has the ability to perform. Following this, practical coaching demonstrations were presented across various skill levels, a tour of the stables, culminating in a vaulting demonstration by world championship-level athletes. 

A big thank you goes to the French Federation (FFE) for hosting the Conference and a special thanks to Clémentine Puret and Olivier Simon, and the Saumur team. It is important that Australia continues to be represented in these arenas and has an input into the future of coaching worldwide. The 2026 IGEQ conference will be in Romania with dates to be confirmed in the New Year.  

For any coaches who are interested in International Qualifications and the IGEQ we will be hosting an online session on Wednesday 28^th January 2026 at 7.30pm it is free to attend, to register your place HERE