The FEI General Assembly (GA) 2025 held in Hong Kong, China, from the 4th of November till the 7th concluded with several key decisions on governance, finance, and major rule revisions, most notably for Jumping, and the approval of the qualification systems for the LA28 Olympic Games.
RULES AND REGULATIONS:
Restructured Jumping Rules Approved:
- The GA overwhelmingly approved the full revision and restructuring of the FEI Jumping Rules, with 96% approval. The new rules will take effect on the 1st of January 2026.
Controversial 'Blood Rule' Modified (Article 259):
- The most debated proposal, Article 259 on Jumping Recorded Warnings, was approved by a vote of 56 in favour, 20 against, and 2 abstentions. The change replaces mandatory elimination for minor instances of blood on a horse's flank (caused by tack or equipment) with a Jumping Recorded Warning.
- The horse must undergo a mandatory fitness-to-compete check by the Ground Jury, in consultation with the Veterinary Delegate, before being allowed to continue.
- If a Person Responsible receives two or more Jumping Recorded Warnings within 12 months, they are subject to a fine and automatic one-month suspension.
Federations in opposition of revised FEI Jumping Rules (Article 259):
The opposition to the new Article 259 centred on concerns that replacing automatic elimination for blood with a Recorded Warning and a veterinary check could be seen as a step backward for horse welfare and public trust in the sport.
Great Britain: The British Equestrian Federation and British Showjumping were among the most outspoken opponents and confirmed that they would not adopt the change at the national level, maintaining their stricter 'no blood on horses - no exceptions' rule. Germany, Denmark, Austria, Sweden adopted the same stance.
Other Rules Approved:
Proposed modifications to the FEI Statutes, Internal Regulations, General Regulations, and Veterinary Regulations were also approved. A key change to the General Regulations requires National Federations to incorporate "Abuse of Horses" and "Safeguarding Policy against Harassment and Abuse" provisions into their national rules by January 1, 2027.
FEI ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS:
- EEF Regional Group President: Quentin Simonet (FRA) was elected for a one-year term.
- FEI Jumping Committee Chair: Stephan Ellenbruch (GER) was re-elected for his third term (2025-2029).
- FEI Tribunal: Armand Leone (USA) was re-elected, and Sarra Saidi (FRA) and Barnaby Hone (GBR) were elected as new members.
DIGITAL INITIATIVES:
The GA progressed with the implementation of Equipass, a pioneering digital passport system for horses designed to redefine identification, biosecurity, and global mobility.
LA28 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC:
The GA approved the proposed final versions of the Qualification Systems for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games for the disciplines of Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, and Para Dressage. These systems will now be submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for final review and approval.
- Quotas: The proposed qualification systems plan to apply the same athlete and team quotas used for the Paris 2024 Games.
- Qualification Period: The Olympic and Paralympic qualification period will officially begin at the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 and will run through December 31, 2027.
- Jumping Qualification: The approved system will allocate seven team quota places from the FEI Jumping World Championships 2026 (two more than initially planned for Paris 2024) and will not allocate any team quota places via the Longines League of Nations™ Finals 2026.
- Eventing Changes: The updated Eventing qualification wording clarified the allocation of the final team quota place via the FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2027. Separately, a proposed rule change that would reduce penalties for a missed flag on cross-country from 15 to nine penalties was discussed and presented to the Assembly.
- Venue Update: Delegates received an update on the LA28 equestrian venue, noting that a dedicated Olympic Village is in place and cross-country plans are well underway. The final venue for equestrian sports is expected to be confirmed by the IOC after the final Venue Master plan is finalised.
--ENDS--
For detailed documents on the GA summary of decisions click here
Response from British Equestrian to new rules here