International Jumping Riders Club Proposes Rule Changes for FEI

New Rules on the Table

The International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) has presented numerous proposals aimed at modifying FEI rules, which are set to be implemented in 2026. The IJRC emphasizes the need for a more equitable approach to sanctions where no intentional rule violations occur, while maintaining a focus on horse welfare. This year marks the four-yearly comprehensive review of FEI jumping rules, allowing stakeholders and national federations to submit suggestions without restrictions. Other FEI sport regulations not up for periodic review can still be altered under special conditions, particularly concerning horse welfare or to address inconsistencies. To support its proposed changes to jumping rules, the IJRC has also submitted suggestions concerning FEI general regulations and veterinary regulations, as well as the Olympic format.

Discussions in the Making

Discussions regarding these proposals will take place on the first day of the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne from March 31st to April 1st. The IJRC will actively engage in the forum, with representation from its Director, Eleonora Ottaviani, and President, François Mathy. The IJRC has raised concerns regarding eliminations since the Tokyo Olympics, highlighting that without a drop score in equestrian team events, minor issues like blood on a horse's flanks resulted in non-appealable eliminations, as witnessed by the Brazilian jumping team in Paris last year. They argue that such penalties lack proportionality, advocating for the inclusion of discretion regarding minor blood presence, with serious penalties only for repeated incidents within a 12-month timeframe. The IJRC is also worried that the public increasingly misinterprets eliminations as horse welfare issues, negatively impacting the sport's image. Regarding the drop scores in the Olympic Games, the IJRC continues to oppose their removal, asserting that it is harmful to horse welfare and should be reinstated. They propose a return to teams of four, allowing for a drop score to enable riders to retire their horse for welfare reasons without leading to team elimination.

How it Works

This format has been successfully implemented in other competitions and is seen as beneficial for both the audience and the sport’s image. Furthermore, the IJRC has suggested an amendment to the FEI Veterinary Regulations concerning noseband checks, proposing that these should take place before warming up rather than post-competition. When post-competition testing occurs, athletes should have the opportunity for pre-competition tests, and checks should only be conducted when FEI officials have specific concerns about a horse.