On October 10, the FEI released its final version of the proposed amendments to the Jumping Rules. From November 4 to 7, the FEI General Assembly will meet in Hong Kong, where the final draft of the proposed changes will be open for voting.
This year, a complete revision of the rules for the jumping discipline is planned. On October 10, Todd Hinde, FEI Jumping Director, announced the final draft – open for voting.
Watching videos in the warm-up area prohibited
The Irish federation had submitted a proposal to ban mobile phones from the warm-up area (while riding a horse) They proposed to forbid watching videos on phones and emphasized that the warm-up area must be a safe place. In its feedback, the FEI decided to amend Art. 207.3.1 to state: “Mobile phones and other electronic communication devices, as well as earphones, may not be used by athletes while riding in the warm-up area.”
Medical approval required after a fall
The Brazilian federation’s proposal for a protocol following a fall will be voted on. Specifically, a rider who falls—either in the competition arena or the warm-up area—may only remount after a medical check. In the case of a horse fall, the veterinarian must give approval before the horse may continue to compete.
This also means that a rider who falls before the start of the timed round is not eliminated but will not be allowed to start, and will therefore be labeled as DNS (Did Not Start).
Interpretation of the blood rule
If blood is observed on the horse as a result of tack or equipment, a warning will be issued for the first and second occurrences. If it happens again at the same event or within 12 months, the rider will be fined CHF 1,000 and suspended for one month.
If the blood is due to another cause—for example, if the horse bit its own tongue—an official may grant permission for the competition to continue. In such cases, the athlete will not receive a warning. However, the competition may only resume after approval from both the ground jury and the veterinarian.
Minimum age for participation
Minimum age requirements are set for horses in championships. To compete in the World Equestrian Games, World Cup Finals, or Olympic Games, a horse must be at least nine years old. For regional or continental championships, the minimum age is eight years, unless the maximum height of the first round is 1.45m, in which case horses aged seven and older may compete.
Additional costs
The IJRC (International Jumping Riders Club) submitted a proposal to regulate additional costs (such as electricity, parking, etc.). These will be published separately by the FEI but not included in the official rules, allowing them to be adjusted flexibly.
