The FEI Board gathered in Hong Kong on November 4 for its second in-person meeting of 2025, the FEI General Assembly. The session covered a wide range of topics, from the allocation of future championships and committee appointments to key governance updates and welfare matters.
The meeting opened with a welcome from the FEI President, who expressed gratitude to the Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club for their organisation and hospitality. The President also highlighted the opening of a new auditorium at FEI Headquarters, named in honour of HRH Princess Haya, which will serve as a hub for education and stakeholder engagement.
Among the major outcomes was the allocation of upcoming FEI Championships. The FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses 2027 will be hosted in Buftea, Romania, while Šamorín, Slovakia, will stage the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors that same year.
Governance discussions took centre stage, particularly regarding the 2026 FEI Presidential Election. The Board approved the updated election rules, which will be published in February 2026, officially marking the start of the electoral process. The FEI also noted continued collaboration through 17 renewed Memoranda of Understanding with partner organisations.
The meeting confirmed several new appointments to FEI Technical Committees for the 2025–2029 term. Guilherme Jorge (BRA) joins the Jumping Committee, Peter Storr (GBR) is re-appointed to the Dressage Committee, and Marco Orsini (GER) joins the Para Equestrian Committee. Additional appointments include Martyn Johnson (GBR) to the Eventing Committee, Marcie Quist (USA) to the Driving Committee, Bruno Van Cauter (BEL) to the Veterinary Committee, and Franz Kasin (NOR) to the Medical Committee.
The Grooms Consultative Group received new members, including Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) as Jumping Athlete representative, replacing Max Kühner (AUT), and Amelia Gomez-Su (MEX) as Officials representative. The group, chaired by Frank Kemperman (NED), continues to play a central role in ensuring direct communication between athletes, grooms, organisers, and officials on welfare and working conditions.
A key governance decision was made regarding Russian and Belarusian participation in FEI competitions. From January 1, 2026, athletes from both nations will be allowed to compete in team events under a neutral flag. FEI Events in Belarus will also resume under the same conditions.
In jumping, the FEI Board approved a venue change for the opening leg of the 2026 Longines League of Nations™. The competition will move from Al Forsan International Sports Resort to the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, taking place from 11 to 15 February 2026. For eventing, the Board confirmed CCIO4* Boekelo (NED) as the final of the 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ series and approved updates to the World Rankings and Nations Cup Rules for 2026.
The Veterinary and Welfare Department presented updates on emerging diseases, vaccination developments, and European transport legislation. The FEI continues to monitor the spread of the West Nile Virus and collaborates with veterinary authorities and the World Organisation for Animal Health to improve disease prevention and the safe international movement of horses.
