Alex Hua Tian in FEI "Inspire" Campaign

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the governing body of horse sport unveiled an innovative photographic celebration of equestrianism entitled Inspire at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky, USA. Inspire brings together 16 images of inspirational equestrian legends and young talents who represent all the equestrian disciplines on the programme of the FEI’s four-yearly flagship event. Athletes from Jumping, Dressage, Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining are shown in surprising and eloquent contexts, many of which incorporate subtle or playful references to their disciplines. Most of the images unite two people in rural or urban backdrops and highlight the bond of admiration and inspiration between themThe origins of the athletes are diverse and serve as a reminder of the geographical spread of the 133 National Federations affiliated to the FEI.

Featured in the exhibition are: HRH The Princess Royal and Zara Phillips (GBR, Eventing),  Alex Hua Tian & Mark Todd (CHN and NZL, Eventing), Jessica Springsteen and Beezie Madden (USA, Jumping),Rodrigo and Nelson Pessoa (BRA, Jumping), Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum with her baby Brianne Victoria (GER, Jumping), Laurentia Tan (SIN, Para-Equestrian Dressage),- Darlene Milord (HAI, Para-Equestrian Dressage), Hussain Al Marzooqi and Ali Mohammed Al Marzooqi (UAE, Endurance), European Junior Reining Champions (ITA), Natalia Berezhnaya (RUS, Dressage), Kai Vorberg with his mentor Reinhold Strang (GER, Vaulting), Moorlands Totilas (NED, Dressage), Ijsbrand and Bram Chardon (NED, Driving), Enos Mafokate and grandson Karabo, Soweto Riding School (RSA, Jumping, Dressage and Vaulting), HRH Princess Haya (FEI President), Alltech president Dr Pearse Lyons and his wife Deirdre.

Provocative, contemporary and striking, the photographs aim to prompt discussion and interpretation and leave no viewer indifferent. They were on show at the Alltech Experience Pavilion in the Kentucky Horse Park – venue of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ – from 25 September to 10 October. 

Alex's quote

                " I cannot help but be passionate about eventing.

                        It is not just a sport but a way of life.

                               The unique partnership between horse and rider -

                                      Decisions made, communicated and executed within a heartbeat.

                                               Trust, courage and precision -

                                                       Building on our joint strengths,

                                                              Forgiving and compensating for each other’s weaknesses.  

                  Mark enjoyed his 30th Badminton this year whilst I made my debut.

                                      He is certainly an inspiration to me

                  and I can only hope that in 30 years time I will be in the same position as Mark."