Olympic equestrian #TwoHearts campaign captures hearts around the world

News provided by

May 17, 2016, 08:00 ET

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, May 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A powerful video demonstrating the unique and extraordinary bond between the Olympics' most muscular athlete – the horse – and their courageous riders has been released today, less than three months before the start of the Rio 2016 Games.

Around the world in 80 days – or just a bit over! – #TwoHearts will spread the spirit of a sport that has been at the core of the Olympic Movement for over a century and in which – uniquely – men and women compete head-to-head for the same medals.

Unity. Power. Precision. Drive. This is what is takes for #TwoHearts to come together, to compete as one on the #RoadToRio. The journey starts now. #Equestrian @TheOlympics @Rio2016

In its largest ever global campaign, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), world governing body for horse sport, will shine a new spotlight on the sport in a way that has never been done before, celebrating the remarkable relationship between equestrian athletes and their horses and how their two hearts beat as one in the drive to win.

Over the coming weeks, the FEI is rolling out a series of emotive and engaging content via its social channels that will inspire passion and excitement for the sport in new and old fans alike.

"The #TwoHearts campaign emphasises the special bond between horse and rider, introducing our sport in a new way to fans around the world," FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. "Equestrian sport is all about the connection, intuitive link and committed partnership between the two athletes, which make our sport one of the most compelling at the Olympic Games."

The equestrian events at the Deodoro Olympic Park will provide thrilling action for on-site fans and spectators around the world as 200 horse and rider combinations from 43 countries compete for six gold medals in Jumping, Dressage and Eventing. Global fans will marvel at the sight of Olympic riders working in harmony with the body, mind and soul of the Olympics' strongest athlete, the horse.

Fans can support the campaign by posting and sharing photos and video content on social media using #TwoHearts.

To learn more about the #TwoHearts campaign and to share your heart with the equestrian athletes click here or engage with FEI on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For additional information about the Equestrian events at the Rio 2016 Olympics, click here for details about the sport, key facts, rules and more.

About Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)
The FEI is the world governing body for horse sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and was founded in 1921. Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since the 1912 Games in Stockholm. The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in the Olympic sports of Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, as well as Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining. The FEI became one of the first international sports governing bodies to govern and regulate global para sport alongside its seven able-bodied disciplines when Para-Equestrian Dressage joined its ranks in 2006. The FEI now governs all international competitions for Para-Equestrian Dressage and Para-Driving.

Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zg4g0CSUuE&feature=youtu.be

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160516/368216LOGO

SOURCE Fédération Equestre Internationale