Their leadership in integrity and governance was praised at the event, which took place at the International Sports Convention (ISC).

Delegates at the ISC conference and members of the Swiss-based International Sports Chamber of Commerce (ISCC) were allowed to vote for the award, which aims to celebrate the best work in global sport, recognising individual, group and company achievements.

The FEI claim the honour highlights the success of their #TwoHearts Olympic campaign, which was first launched in May.

Celebrating relationship between horse and human, the campaign was designed to connect sports fans, athletes, National Federations and media, but the governing body have claimed it has now become an iconic brand.

They highlighted figures which showed there had been 8,048,932 interactions on social media in five targeted territories – Brazil, China, Japan, Russia and the United States.

More than 5,000 online and print articles were claimed to have been produced, along with 1,000 broadcast pieces.

"This has been an amazing year for the FEI, with hugely successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio and fantastic results from our Two Hearts campaign," said Sabrina Ibáñez, secretary general of the FEI.

"The awards for Two Hearts are recognition of the FEI’s commitment to engage with horse lovers around the world.

"Working together with National Federations, agencies, athletes, grooms and many other individuals, we have achieved success and have increased the visibility for equestrian sport.

"It is incredible to finish off the year being named as International Sports Federation of the Year, we couldn’t be happier or more proud of this recognition."

The FEI also pointed to two aspects of their Two Hearts campaign receiving significant accolades in recent months.

Their "Billy to Rio" social media project won two bronze Lovie Awards in the internet video and social categories in September, with the event honouring online excellence.

The project, which follows the journey of a horse as he chases his dream of becoming an Olympic champion, was also the winner of the equestrian commercial - international, at the Equus Film Festival 2016 in November.

An innovative Hoofloose video, designed to bring equestrian sport to an entirely new audience, was honoured under the craft film category the Grand Prix Romand de la Création, as well earning the Grand award, which is aimed at rewarding the best creative project.