A number of topics were on the agenda during the forum, attended by more than 330 delegates at the International Institute for Management Development in the Olympic Capital.

Attendees and athletes expressed "overwhelming support" for the FEI Nations Cup Jumping series on day one, with London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Steve Guerdat of Switzerland one of the panellists.

The Series was described as "priority" number one by De Vos.

The debate focused on the current competition format, the number of qualifiers for the series, prize money, ranking points, the concentration of qualifiers in Europe and around the world, and the issues of cross-border transportation affecting some regions.

"It’s probably the most important class that as an athlete we can take part in," said Guerdat. 

"There’s a lot of pride for every rider to be able to ride for your country. 

"It’s not just about you, it’s about your country."

Welfare of equines and human athletes was top of the agenda on day two sessions centred on eventing risk management, endurance risk factors and bone fatigue.

The FEI claim they have "invested in substantial scientific research to evaluate risk factors and risk management" within the sport.

The welfare of horses has been a hot topic in recent months following several horses being injected with performance-enhancing substances.

Jordanian endurance athlete Nayef Al Fayez was given a 30-month ban by the FEI last month after after his horse Obama Al Aswad tested positive for banned substances in May of last year, described as a "cocktail of drugs".

Canada's Mark Samuel, the chairman of a working group on FEI Officials opened the day’s first session when details of 13 concrete recommendations were provided.

This included a code of conduct and job descriptions for officials, the withdrawal of the age limit, online education for officials and course directors, appointments and remuneration, and a mentoring programme for younger officials.

Delegates were also gjven an update on the initial findings of the FEI Dressage judging working group.

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

"It is very important for the FEI to listen to what our National Federations and stakeholders have to say. 

"The end of the Sports Forum means the start of a lot of work, but this is always a positive move forward.

"It was great to have so many young people contributing to the success of this year’s Sports Forum, and we very much hope to increase the participation of our youth in other editions of the Sports Forum."