A tribute to Marco Fusté

Marco Fusté had been appointed FEI Jumping Director in February 2021. His immense passion for horses and equestrian sports, show jumping in particular, led him to become a leading personality in the sport thanks to his skills as an athlete, event organiser, chef d'équipe as well as through the various positions he held.  

In 2006 he became the Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation’s Jumping Director and the Spanish Team’s chef d’équipe.

Between 2011 and 2015 he was a member of the FEI Jumping Committee and a member of the European Equestrian Federation, as well as part of the Jumping and Nations Cup task forces. He was also part of the working group for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona and the FEI World Equestrian Games held in 2002 in Jerez. 

As the FEI’s Jumping Director, Marco was open to sport’s new prospects and always ready to discuss matters with riders to find common ground and solutions favourable to athletes that were also compatible with his responsibilities as Jumping Director.

Sincere and friendly cooperation has characterised Marco Fusté’s works as head of the Jumping Department. The debates were many and intense. He was a man who knew how to listen and was capable of understanding and followed up on the riders’ requests.

Marco Fusté died of heart problems on January 5^th and is survived by his family and the very many friends and colleagues who have been part of his life and his career.

We at the IJRC saw him for the last time at our General Assembly in Geneva where together we discussed issues of the utmost importance for our sport, trusting in his experience and sensitivity as a great horseman.

Ever since he became Jumping Director, Marco regularly taught the young people at the YRA, providing them with precious advice for their future careers since he had great confidence in the capabilities of future generations. 

His sudden death has left us all deeply shocked and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at such a difficult time.

Kevin Staut IJRC President

In addition to all the cooperation there was, we were able to appreciate his knowledge of the equestrian world, his desire to improve our sport. We will remember him as the horseman he was and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Eleonora Ottaviani IJRC Director

I feel particularly saddened by this really great loss for the equestrian community. It was a pleasure to work with Marco and cooperation between the IJRC and the FEI Jumping Department was fruitful.

The dialogue established with Marco was always pleasant and he was attentive to the needs of all those involved as well as the athletes, paying great attention also to the young, always ready to come up with quick solutions.

Yes, we will miss Marco both as the attentive official he was and as a friend. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his wife, his daughter Ainoa and all his family.

Jessica Kurten Chair of the FEI Athletes’ Committee

Marco has left us too soon and we will miss him greatly. Supportive and driven in all what he did. Our thoughts are with his family.

Rodrigo Pessoa FEI Athletes representative on the FEI Jumping Committee

Marco was a good man, a passionate horse enthusiast, always friendly and ready to debate how to improve our sport. Nos vas a hacer muchas falta hasta luego Marco. RIP.

Pedro Veniss, Member FEI Jumping Committee until November 2022

It was a great working with him during these years in the FEI Jumping Committee. Rest in peace Marco.