The FEI has made public his first draft of this year's proposed revisions to the FEI rules. It includes significant changes that impact horses, grooms, riders, officials and organisers. National federations and stakeholders now have until August 16 to review the propositions and define their propositions.
Remarkable is the addition of a social media policy for athletes and officials in the general regulations. This shows the pressure of the public opinion on our sport. In new appendices (M and N) the FEI writes how athletes and officials should exercise good judgement and think about the potential consequences of their posts and interactions on social media platforms. "They should not make derogatory, offensive, or inflammatory comments about other Athletes, Chefs d'Equipes, coaches, teams, ... or any individuals associated with the equestrian sport."
The FEI urges athletes to fact-check before sharing or commenting on news or events related to their sport. In this adaption the FEI also proposed sanctions that are serious for the athletes. "Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary actions, which could include warnings, fines, suspension from FEI events."
Emphasis on horsewelfare ...
Talking about the much debated elimination rule, there is a wording change. The FEI follows as such the advice of the IJRC that asked to remove the wording '... contrary to the principles of horse welfare..."
Further the FEI Veterinary Regulations are proposed to change with large expansion. As such improvements are required by better defining stable lighting, ventilation, standard of drinking water, fire precautions and in general save movement of horses and people. AS such a ban is proposed to no longer groom and tack up in stable aisles.