FEI level 4 course designer and technical delegate Alan Wade had been named as the jumping course designer for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Alan was unanimously appointed to the role by the FEI Board at its monthly teleconference on Friday 10 October.

The Irishman was the assistant course designer at the London 2012 Olympic Games alongside Bob Ellis and designed the courses at the 2017 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Omaha and the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon. 

‘Honoured and grateful’

“I am honoured and grateful to accept the role of Jumping Course Designer for the Olympic Games LA28,” said Alan. 

“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. 

“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.”

Showjumping pedigree

Alan, who is the son of legendary Irish showjumper Tommy Wade, designed his first tracks at local gymkhanas in County Tipperary when he was just 12 years old. His professional career began at the Dublin Horse Show and he has designed courses in Rotterdam, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Lisbon, and Rabat. 

Currently the majority of his designs are created for shows in the United States alongside some in Canada and Mexico.

“I would like to congratulate Alan Wade on his appointment as the Jumping Course Designer for the Olympic Games LA28,” said FEI president Ingmar De Vos. 

‘Crucial role’

“This is a crucial role for the success of equestrian in Los Angeles, and I’m convinced that we have made the right choice. 

“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.”

The LA Games will take place 14 – 30 July 2028 at Santa Anita Equestrian Park in Arcadia.

Team and individual competitions in showjumping, dressage, and eventing have all been confirmed as a part of the Olympic competition schedule.

Main image © FEI/Martin Dokupil.

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