International Equestrian Federation Announces Changes to Olympic Qualification

This morning, the Sports Forum commenced in Switzerland where the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) revealed significant changes in the qualification process for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The organization has determined that the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in show jumping will not be utilized as a pathway to Olympic qualification. This decision has generated concern, as the existing Nations Cup concept is already facing challenges, and this shift could further diminish its standing. Previously, countries relied on the Nations Cup series for Olympic spots, including Ireland in 2019 for Tokyo 2021 and Belgium and Brazil in 2022 and 2023 for Paris 2024. However, the newly established League of Nations has been criticized for not living up to its expected framework, leading to decreased support from elite riders. Notably, riders such as Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs opted out of this year's League of Nations due to venue-related issues. The FEI's announcement indicates that the LLN will lose its significance in the Olympic qualification process, pending approval at the upcoming General Assembly in Hong Kong in November, followed by confirmation from the International Olympic Committee.

The World Championships will gain importance in Olympic qualification, with the top seven teams from the 2026 World Championships in Aachen set to earn direct qualification, an increase from five teams from the previous World Championships in Herning. Additional qualification opportunities will allow the host nation, the United States, to qualify automatically, along with three team spots awarded via the 2027 European Championships and three from the 2027 Pan American Games. The FEI will also specify regional competitions for areas such as Eastern Europe, North Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Quentin Simonet and others from the French Equestrian Federation have raised concerns regarding the implications of this decision for the LLN, citing potential undermining of its status.

Todd Hinde, FEI's Head of Jumping, defended the decision, emphasizing fairness in country selection based on world rankings. Meanwhile, the rules for individual qualifications in show jumping will remain stable, although changes in eventing and dressage will affect emerging nations. In particular, a new rule stipulates that individual entries based on rankings now take precedence over previously automatic entries for nations losing team spots. Furthermore, eventing horses must be a minimum of nine years old for Olympic competition, with stricter requirements for validation at specific levels. FEI President Ingmar de Vos expressed optimism about the growing viewership of equestrian sports during the 2024 Olympics, signaling an increasing public interest in team events. While no final arrangements for the Los Angeles 2028 venue or participant numbers have been confirmed, the Equestrian Park in Temecula is a leading candidate, with hopes to retain 200 combinations: 75 in jumping, 65 in eventing, and 60 in dressage.

The competition formats are set for further review in 2026, though significant changes appear unlikely.