Bach, who presented De Vos with the Trophy during this week's FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne, which concluded on Tuesday (April 11), claimed the "sky is the limit" for the sport under the Belgian.

The IOC President also praised the FEI's attitude to gender equality and good governance in his speech in front of more than 300 delegates who had attended the Forum in the Olympic Capital.

"Equestrian sport has a lot to be proud of, and the sky really is the limit," said Bach.

"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."

De Vos, FEI President since 2014, was delighted to receive the prize and claimed it was a recognition for the whole sport of equestrian.

"This trophy isn't just for the FEI, it's for our whole community," he said following the presentation. 

"It's a recognition of our incredible global sport and, to quote President Bach, the sky really is the limit."

De Vos hailed the discussions at the worldwide governing body's Sports Forum as a "positive move forward" after the two-day event in Lausanne drew to a close.

"This is what we need to do to fully engage with our community and take the necessary next steps," he said.