Irish course designer Alan Wade has been selected to create the showjumping tracks for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking a prestigious appointment for one of the sport’s most respected officials.
The FEI Board unanimously approved Wade’s appointment during their monthly teleconference on 10 October, entrusting the experienced Level 4 Course Designer and Technical Delegate with one of equestrian sport’s most high-profile roles.
Proven Track Record at Major Championships
Wade brings extensive experience from the world’s biggest equestrian stages. He previously designed courses for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final 2017 in Omaha, Nebraska, and served as Course Designer for the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 in Tryon, USA. His Olympic credentials include working as Assistant Course Designer alongside Bob Ellis at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Irish official has built a reputation for creating challenging yet fair courses that reward skill and horsemanship. His designs have featured at prestigious venues including Dublin Horse Show, Rotterdam, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Lisbon, and Rabat, with the majority of his recent work taking place across North America.
Equestrian Heritage and Early Beginnings
Growing up in County Tipperary, Wade was immersed in equestrian sport from an early age. He began designing his first tracks at just 12 years old at local gymkhanas. His father, Tommy Wade, was a showjumping legend who competed on the iconic Dundrum and helped Ireland secure Aga Khan Cup victories in 1963 and 1967.
Wade’s professional career reached a milestone in 2009 when he designed in the main arena of Dublin Horse Show for the first time. Since then, he has returned to officiate in Dublin more than a dozen times, cementing his status as one of the sport’s leading course designers.
FEI President Praises Appointment
FEI President Ingmar De Vos expressed confidence in the selection: “I would like to congratulate Alan Wade on his appointment as the Jumping Course Designer for the Olympic Games LA28. This is a crucial role for the success of equestrian in Los Angeles and I’m convinced that we have made the right choice.”
De Vos highlighted Wade’s strengths, noting: “Alan Wade is hugely experienced and has a profound understanding of the sport. He is well known for his subtle designs, which are challenging but set a fair test for the athletes and the horses and reward skill and horsemanship. I’m looking forward to world class Jumping at the LA28 Olympic Games.”
Wade’s Response to Historic Appointment
Accepting the role, Wade said: “I am honoured and grateful to accept the role of Jumping Course Designer for the Olympic Games LA28. I would like to thank the FEI Board and Olympic Games LA28 Organising Committee for entrusting me with the important role of creating the courses and fence designs.”
He added: “I look forward to designing courses that produce good competition and present our sport in the best way possible on the world stage that is the Olympic Games.”
LA28 Olympic Equestrian Details
The Olympic Games LA28 will run from 14 to 30 July 2028. Equestrian competitions will take place at Santa Anita Equestrian Park in Arcadia, featuring team and individual events across Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing disciplines. A total of 200 athletes and horses will compete in the equestrian programme.
Wade’s appointment ensures that the showjumping courses will be designed by someone with deep understanding of both the technical demands of Olympic-level competition and the spectacle required for one of sport’s greatest stages.
Photo credits: FEI/Martin Dokupil
