The Continental Organization for Equestrian Sport

The Americas Ride Together

Equestrian team in medals posing on winners' podium at Santiago 2023 equestrian event.

Who are we?

Founded in 2001, the Pan-American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC) is the official continental authority recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), Panam Sports and major sports associations.

We stand for equestrian sport built on respect, accountability, and integrity, from grassroots to elite.

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Official Stakeholder - Continental Association

Shaping the Future of the Sport

OUR MISSION

To support and promote equestrian sport and horsemanship at the highest level, from grass roots to elite, with the mental and physical well-being of the horse and the welfare of our athletes at the core of everything that we do.

OUR VISION

We pledge to call out those who seek to abuse the privilege of having a sentient animal as our partner in the sport, making each and every one of us accountable for our actions and practising our sport with absolute integrity.

Our Board Members

Behind PAEC is a board of respected voices who embody our values — uniting nations, protecting horse integrity, and ensuring excellence across the sport.

President (VEN)
Cesar Hirsch is a globally respected equestrian sports leader with over 30 years of experience at the highest level of international sport in Games and Championship planning and delivery. His career is distinguished by continuous involvement in Olympic Games, World Championships, and major FEI events, with a strong focus on sport integrity, operational excellence, and equine welfare.
He served as FEI Overall Chief Steward for the Rio 2016 and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as well as Consultant and Jumping Discipline Manager for Tokyo 2020, achieving the rare distinction of working at three consecutive Olympic Games across three different continents. He is currently appointed as Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Equestrian for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. In parallel, Cesar is the re-elected Chair of the Pan American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC) for the 2023–2027 term, overseeing the strategic development of equestrian sport across 30 National Federations in the Americas.
Cesar is an FEI Level 4 Judge, FEI Level 4 Chief Steward, Level 3 Dressage Steward, FEI Course Director, and Steward Advisor for Venezuela, with nearly three decades of international officiating experience. His event portfolio includes World Championships, World Equestrian Games, World Cup Finals, Pan American Games, and numerous continental and international championships. He has been appointed Overall Chief Steward for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 and the FEI World Cup Final Fort Worth 2026.
His commitment to equine welfare is reflected in his service on the FEI Independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission, as well as his role as a board member of the Caribbean Equine Relief Fund, supporting equines affected by natural disasters in the region.
Outside the equestrian world, Cesar has built a solid international career in the logistics sector, leading and managing business operations. In addition, his strong communication skills led him to television and radio broadcasting, where he made history as the first Venezuelan to provide live coverage of the National Football League, including Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans and Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego.

FEI Group IV Representative & PAEC Board Member (USA)
Tom O’Mara is a respected equestrian executive and business leader who brings decades of financial expertise and a lifelong curiosity to the governance of sport. A former investment banker with more than 30 years on Wall Street specializing in trade derivatives, O’Mara developed a reputation as a strategic problem-solver—skills he later applied to the equestrian world. Originally entering the sport as a devoted horse show parent alongside his wife Liz and their four children, quickly became deeply involved in equestrian governance. He served on the National Collegiate Equestrian Association’s national advisory board as co-chair and went on to hold key leadership roles within U.S. Equestrian, including chairing the Drugs and Medications/Lab Review Task Force, serving on the Competitions Task Force, and acting as Secretary/Treasurer while sitting on the Board of Directors. Elected President of the U.S. Equestrian Federation in June 2020, O’Mara began his term in January 2021 with a focus on growing the sport’s fan base, strengthening financial sustainability, and expanding access to equestrian sport for new audiences. Beyond governance, O’Mara is an entrepreneur and agricultural enthusiast who has pursued ventures in hay production, maple syrup farming, and branding rural products. An amateur historian and avid collector, he has been recognized for his expertise in 19th-century American currency, even advising the Smithsonian Institution. Guided by values of integrity, trust, and adaptability, Tom O’Mara remains committed to innovation, education, and the long-term growth of equestrian sport in the United States and beyond.

FEI Group VI Representative & PAEC Board Member (BRA)
Luiz Roberto Giugni has served as President of the Brazilian Equestrian Federation since 2009, guiding the sport through many of its greatest achievements. Formerly Jumping Director at a São Paulo equestrian club and President of the state federation, he was appointed Chair of FEI Group VI in 2014. A dentist by profession and lifelong horseman at heart, he is dedicated to strengthening Brazil’s role in international show jumping and ensuring the Federation’s effectiveness as a leading sports organization.

PAEC Athletes Representative & Board Member (CAN)
Canadian show jumper Tiffany Foster has been a cornerstone of international equestrian sport for over a decade. Since her debut on the Canadian Show Jumping Team in 2011, she has represented her country at more than 40 Nations’ Cups, the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, the 2014 World Equestrian Games, and the 2015 Pan American Games, where she helped secure team gold. With numerous Grand Prix victories and the best Canadian individual finish at the 2022 World Championships, Tiffany continues to compete at the highest level while operating Little Creek Equestrian, with bases in Florida, British Columbia, and Belgium.

PAEC Board Member Sport Development Officer (ECU)
Jaime Morillo is an internationally respected equestrian professional from Ecuador and a leading figure in sport development across the Americas. An FEI Level 3 Course Designer, Technical Delegate, and FEI Level 3 Coach, he was appointed jointly by the FEI and the Pan American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC) as PAEC Sport Development Officer, a position funded through FEI Solidarity to support the growth of equestrian sport throughout the region. A former international athlete, Morillo represented Ecuador in Show Jumping at the 1979 Pan American Games in Puerto Rico. Born in the United States and raised in Ecuador, he developed his horsemanship at a young age and trained with renowned figures including Graziano Mancinelli, Joe Fargis, and Conrad Homfeld. After a 30-year career in engineering and construction focused on finance and project management, Morillo transitioned fully into equestrian sport, earning his course designer licence and progressing through the FEI coaching system. Fluent in Spanish and English he has worked extensively with National Federations across the Americas, combining technical expertise with a strong commitment to education, structure, and sustainable development. Based in Florida, USA, Morillo continues to dedicate his career to strengthening equestrian pathways from grassroots to elite level throughout the PAEC region.

FEI Group IV Chair & PAEC Board Member (BAR)
Based in Barbados, Monique Archer has dedicated her life to equestrian sport and community impact. President of the Barbados Equestrian Association, she has led the federation for over a decade and was elected to the PAEC Board in 2014. She is also the founder of H.O.R.S.E., a successful charity supporting horse welfare while creating programs for special needs and disadvantaged children. Alongside her equestrian work, Monique manages Archer’s Hall Design Centre, a high-end interior design business with retail locations across the island.

FEI Group VI Chair & PAEC Member (ECU)
Born in Ecuador in 1967, Esteban Abedrabbo has dedicated decades to advancing equestrian sport nationally and regionally. An active show jumping rider since 1998, he has served in numerous leadership roles within the Ecuadorian National Federation, including President of the Board (2013–2021) and Secretary General (2021–2025). He was also President of the Association of Equestrian Sports (2008–2012) and has represented Ecuador as Chef d’Equipe at major international competitions, including the 2009 Central American Games in Caracas, the 2010 South American Games in Medellín, and the 2014 South American Games in Chile. Beyond equestrian sport, Esteban has held key positions within the Ecuadorian Olympic Committee, serving on its Board from 2015 to 2021 and as First Member of the Board from 2021 to 2025.

FEI Group V Chair & PAEC Board Member( MEX)
Daniela García Nigaglioni is an international equestrian leader whose career reflects a lifelong passion for horses and a deep commitment to excellence in sport. She currently serves as FEI Board Member and Group V Chair, and as High Performance Director at the Mexican Equestrian Federation, where she focuses on developing elite pathways for athletes and strengthening competitive structures. Her extensive experience includes having served as a member of the FEI Jumping Committee and as Secretary General of the Pan American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC). In addition, Daniela is an ITA International Clean Sport Educator, actively promoting integrity, education, and athlete-centered values across the global equestrian community. Above all, she remains a dedicated horsewoman, inspired by the intelligence and generosity of horses, and a strong advocate for equine welfare as the foundation of true sporting excellence.