Over the past two months, the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) has been actively engaged in several key topics affecting the sport, with particular focus on the issue of extra costs at the events and LA28 Olympic regulations.

For several months, the IJRC has been requesting that extra costs/mandatory fees, including, but not limited to, manure, electricity, parking, “fantasy costs”, grass fee, VAT, etc., comply with the list approved by the FEI, IJRC, AJO and E.O., and has devoted significant effort to this issue.
While expressing appreciation to all parties involved in reaching an agreement, IJRC regrets that, despite the measure having been approved by the FEI with an initial implementation date of 1 January, its entry into force was postponed to 1st of April following concerns raised by certain stakeholders.

In parallel IJRC has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FEI. This formal agreement, in place since 2014, ensures that the Club maintains an official role in consultations regarding proposed changes to the sport’s regulations. By signing hereto, the FEI recognizes the IJRC as the sole international organization representing the collective views and interests of professional Jumping riders.
It sets out the principles of dialogue, consultation and collaboration on matters affecting riders and the sport, ensuring that the voice of athletes remains an integral part of the regulatory and strategic process. The renewal of the MOU highlights the continued constructive collaboration between the FEI and IJRC.

Further reinforcing this cooperation, IJRC Director Eleonora Ottaviani and Beatrice Ottaviani held a series of meetings with key FEI representatives in early March, on the occasion of the Young Riders Academy event, during the final educational session prior to graduation. The Young Riders Academy, developed in partnership with IJRC and supported by Rolex, remains a cornerstone initiative in the development of future talent.

Another important engagement, which saw IJRC President François Mathy take part in the panel, took place at The Future of Coaching Forum, held during The Dutch Masters, on April 12.
The Coaching Forum brought together coaches and industry specialists to explore how emerging tools may support coaching and learning within equestrian sport. The discussion focused on innovation, knowledge sharing, and the evolving role of coaching in a rapidly changing sporting landscape.

At the beginning of March, IJRC also submitted to the FEI a few proposals for rule changes, which will be discussed at the upcoming FEI Sports Forum and later at the FEI General Assembly. Among these is a proposal concerning Article 117.2 of the FEI General Regulations, where IJRC suggests that National Federations should be responsible for the selection and entry of qualified athletes rather than horses, particularly considering that entries are determined through an invitation system.

In addition, IJRC has contributed to discussions regarding the regulations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Under the current format, individual athletes who are not part of a team do not compete in the Team Qualifier. As a result, they enter the Individual Competition with horses that have not yet competed, while team athletes have already completed one or two rounds. This creates a potential competitive imbalance.

To ensure sporting fairness and equal preparation conditions, all individual athletes should be required to compete in at least one round prior to the Individual Competition.
To address this, IJRC proposes Individual athletes will take part in the first round of the Team Qualifier competition, starting before the team athletes. The results of this round, together with the Individual Qualifier, should count toward determining qualification for the Individual Final.

Another proposal put forward by the IJRC in relation to veterinary regulations concerns the current interpretation of the rule on ear hair clipping. The Club highlighted that the rule, as currently applied, may be overly restrictive and not fully aligned with practical horse management. Clipping, when done appropriately, plays an important role in hygiene and daily health monitoring, and there is no veterinary evidence suggesting it is detrimental to the horse’s welfare. The IJRC therefore suggested shifting from a strict prohibition to a more flexible, welfare-based approach.

As usual, the IJRC also keeps a close eye on the correct use of ranking points and, consequently, on the ranking list.

The IJRC looks forward to contributing to the FEI Sports Forum at the end of March, where key discussions will focus on youth development, Olympic regulations for LA28, and horse welfare. The Club will be represented by IJRC Director Eleonora Ottaviani, IJRC President François Mathy, Beatrice Ottaviani and Laura Borromeo, while the Young Riders Academy will be represented by the young and talented riders: Joe Stockdale, Johanna Beckmann and Claudia Moore.

©IJRC