FEI Veterinary and Welfare Rules - Changes for 2025

Equine Welfare (Articles 1004 & 1089)

• Hair in horses’ auricles cannot be removed, as it protects against insects and noise.
• National Federations should share post-mortem reports from fatal injuries at national events to improve safety.

• Vaulting stables must be 4m x 3m, with a 3m minimum width.
• Stables must provide 80 lux lighting, with 250 lux for individual boxes when necessary.

• Extra biosecurity measures may apply to horses at risk of infectious diseases.
• From 1 February 2025, equine influenza vaccination records must be entered into the FEI HorseApp.

• Eventing and Driving horses must undergo a clinical examination for heart health upon arrival.
• Horses presented for inspection must be competition-ready with respect to wearing hoof boots or being barefoot, and may not wear ear hoods.
• Para Dressage horses require additional veterinary checks in the event of a horse or athlete fall.
• Stewards and veterinarians can examine any part of a horse at any time during events.

• Horses can no longer be administered injections of substances not listed on the Prohibited Substances List on the morning of competition if their class begins after 18:00.
• Vitamins and minerals may only be given in emergencies with supporting veterinary documentation.

• Ponies attending Pony Measuring Sessions must be fit to compete and must not be wearing shoes that are less than 5mm in height.
• Ponies under 108cm and aged 6–8 years may receive an FEI Interim Measuring Certificate.
• Ponies that measure out can be re-measured twice.

A new FEI measuring device for noseband tightness will be introduced across disciplines, starting 1 May 2025, to ensure consistent and reliable readings.

FEI Veterinary Rules (clean and mark-up versions)