FEI Executive Board meets in Hong Kong for General Assembly

The FEI Board met in Hong Kong on November 4 for the second face-to-face meeting of 2025, the FEI General Assembly. Several topics were addressed, including the awarding of future championships and committee appointments, as well as important updates on governance and welfare.

Opening address and new premises

The meeting began with a welcome from the FEI President, who thanked the Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club for their organization and hospitality. The President also highlighted the opening of a new auditorium at FEI Headquarters, named in honor of HRH Princess Haya, which will serve as a center for education and stakeholder engagement.

Awarding of Championships

Major outcomes included the awarding of the upcoming FEI Championships. The FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Horses 2027 will be held in Buftea, Romania, while Šamorín, Slovakia, will host the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and Juniors in the same year.

Discussions on governance

The governance discussion took a central place, especially in view of the 2026 FEI Presidential Election. The Board approved the updated election rules, which will be published in February 2026 and officially mark the start of the election process. It also noted the continued collaboration through 17 renewed memoranda of understanding with partner organizations.

New Committee Appointments

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 reappointed to the Dressage Committee, and Marco Orsini (GER) joins the Para Equestrian Committee. Other 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.

Grooms Consultative Group

The Grooms Consultative Group has new members, including Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) as representative of the show jumpers, replacing Max Kühner (AUT), and Amelia Gomez-Su (MEX) as representative of the Officials. The group, chaired by Frank Kemperman (NED), continues to play a central role in ensuring a direct exchange between athletes, groomers, organizers and officials regarding welfare and working conditions.

Governance decision on Russia and Belarus

An important governance decision concerned the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in FEI competitions. From January 1, 2026, athletes from both nations will be allowed to compete in team competitions under a neutral flag. FEI events in Belarus will also take place again under the same conditions.

Changes in Jumping and Eventing

In Jumping, the FEI Governing Board approved a change of venue for the opening event of the Longines League of Nations™ 2026, which will now take place at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club from February 11-15, 2026. In Eventing, the Board confirmed 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.

Veterinary and Welfare Updates

The Veterinary and Welfare Department presented updates on emerging diseases, developments in vaccination and European transportation legislation. The FEI continues to monitor the spread of West Nile virus and is working with veterinary authorities and the World Organization for Animal Health to improve disease prevention and the safe international transport of horses.

Photo: Pferdefotografie Lafrentz