In Memoriam: FEI pays tribute to former Belgian Federation President Jacky Buchmann

Jacky Buchmann, Honorary President of the Belgian Equestrian Federation, passed away this morning at the age of 86.

Born on 5 March 1932 in Kapellen (BEL), Jacky Buchmann was elected President of the Belgian Equestrian Federation in 1990, a position he occupied until 12 March of this year. He was succeeded in the post by Stephan Detry, after whichJacky Buchmann accepted the role of Honorary President.

During his 28 years of presidency Jacky Buchmann modernised the National Federation and saw the number of registered athletes and horses and the number of equestrian competitions in Belgium increase exponentially. He was very much involved in the sport and was present at multiple major events, including

Olympic and FEI World Equestrian Games™ to support his athletes. Since 1985 he was

Together with his wife Isabelle, he organised many jumping events in his hometown of Kapellen from 1985. Many international athletes have fond memories of Jumping Kapellen and its important international competitions, including the Nations Cup in 1992.

Jacky Buchmann was Chair of the FEI Marketing Committee in the early nineties and was also one of the founders of the European Equestrian Federation in 2010. He was very active in FEI Regional Group I and participated at many FEI Group Meetings and General Assemblies.

In daily life Jacky Buchmann was an entrepreneur who transformed the family business, Buchmann Optical Industries, into an international company.

Jacky Buchmann was also very active in politics for the Liberal Party (PVV later VLD). He was Minister in the Belgian and Flemish Governments, Member of Parliament for over 20 years and Mayor of Kapellen from 1982 until 2001.

“I have lost my mentor and one of my dearest friends”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Without his support I would never be where I am today. Despite his age and health issues, he was very active right up to his last day and was in full preparation for an international dressage competition, the CDI3* Kapellen. Jacky was a great inspiration to so many people and was one of the greatest ambassadors for our sport. His warmth, friendship and sense of humour made him very special and will stay in all our memories forever. He will be very much missed.”

The FEI extends its deepest sympathy to his wife Isabelle, children Ann and Frank and grandchildren, to the Belgian Equestrian community and to his wide circle of friends.