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About the FEI
The Olympic sport of Eventing is the most complete combined competition discipline recognised by the FEI. Sometimes described as an equestrian triathlon, Eventing demands considerable experience in all branches of equitation.
Eventing originated as a military competition which tested officers and horses in challenges that could occur on or off duty. It also provided a basis to compare training standards between the cavalries of different countries. The modern competition comprises dressage, cross-country and jumping on consecutive days. The competitor rides the same horse throughout the three phases.
Cross-country is the highlight, testing the speed, stamina and jumping ability of the horse, as well as the rider’s knowledge of pace and the use of his horse. The course will have between 25 and 45 specially constructed jumps over solid obstacles such as logs, woodpiles and stone walls, with water and ditches increasing the technical difficulty.
Eventing has a huge following with crowds of up to 250,000 recorded at the British spring feature at Badminton. In 1976 the Princess Royal was a member of the British Olympic team, and her daughter, Zara Phillips, is also an accomplished Event rider. Meanwhile New Zealand’s Mark Todd wrote a 112-page biography of his horse Charisma, with whom he twice won the Olympic Eventing title.
A demonstration of Olympic spirit and determination at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, where the first three Australians were well ahead of the field when one of their horses went lame, saw their fourth rider, 45-year-old Bill Roycroft, who had broken his collarbone in the cross-country, leave his hospital bed, to go clear in the Jumping and secure team gold for Australia.
Eventing demands of the competitor considerable experience in all branches of equitation and a precise knowledge of the horse’s ability and of the horse a degree of competence resulting from intelligent and rational training. It covers all round riding ability and horsemanship: the harmony between horse and rider that characterise Dressage; the contact with nature, precise knowledge of the horses ability and extensive experience essential for the Cross Country; the precision, agility and technique involved in Jumping.
Eventing is one of the three disciplines in competition at the Olympic Games, the other two being Jumping and Dressage.
Modern competitions consist of three distinct tests: Dressage, Cross-Country and Jumping. They take place on separate consecutive days during which a competitor rides the same horse throughout.
1. Dressage Test After an opening Horse Inspection, a Dressage test is performed, the object of which is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. The test consists of a series of compulsory movements at walk, trot and canter gaits, within a rectangular arena 60 m. long and 20 m. wide. To perform a good Dressage test, the horse needs to be flexible and fluid. To keep the strong Eventing horses under the firm control required by the exacting Dressage movements involves great knowledge and understanding. A good Dressage test lays the foundation for the rest of the competition and horses that are found wanting in this phase face an uphill struggle to get up amongst the prize-winners.
2. Cross-Country Test The focus of the entire event is on the Cross-Country test, the objective of which is to test the ability of athletes and horses to adpat to different and variable conditions (weather, terrain, obstacles, footing etc...) and jumping ability of the horse, while at the same time demonstrating the rider’s knowledge of pace and the use of his horse. Exceeding the time allowed and refusals result in penalties. All penalties are added together and recorded for inclusion in the final classification. Fall of a horse and/or of a rider entails immediate elimination.
3. Jumping Test The Jumping test takes place on the last day after a second Horse Inspection. Riders may voluntarily retire their horses if they seem unfit to continue. This test is run in reverse order of merit and its main objective is to prove that the horses have retained their suppleness, energy and obedience in order to jump a course of 11 to 15 obstacles.
The winning individual is the competitor with the lowest total of penalty points. The winning team is the one with the lowest total of penalty points, after adding together the final scores of the three highest placed competitors in the team.
The Premier Eventing Competitions are...
The FEI Sports and Veterinary Department would like to draw your attention to the application deadline to host FEI Transfer Up or CES (FEI Competency-based Evaluation System) Maintenance Courses in 2024.
We kindly ask you to download the relevant application & budget forms, which can be accessed via the links provided below, and to send them to the FEI via the corresponding email address also provided below, no later than the 31 July 2023.
Should you have any questions regarding the administration of our courses, please contact the relevant FEI Sport or Veterinary Department who will be able to assist you.
The FEI Board held a teleconference on 2 May. The Paris 2024 resolution taken on this occasion is listed below.
PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
The Board approved the following appointments of International Technical Officials for the 2024 Olympic Games:
Eventing Technical Delegate: Marcin Konarski (POL)
Jumping Technical Delegate: Guilherme Nogueira Jorge (BRA)
Foreign Veterinary Delegate: Dr Emily Sandler (USA)
President of the Veterinary Commission: Dr Thierry Grisard (FRA)
Member of the Veterinary Commission: Dr Juliana Freitas (BRA)
Member of the Veterinary Commission: Dr Julius Peters (NED)
Overall Chief Steward: Cesar Hirsch (VEN)
Updated 12 May 2023
Eventing Olympic Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Please consult the FEI Regulations for Equestrian Events at the Olympic Games for Paris 2024 (Article 626) published here for the Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) applicable for Paris 2024 (the “Olympic Regulations”).
Athlete/Horse combinations will obtain a regular qualifying result as usual if the minimum eligibility requirements are met. However, in accordance with the rule set out in Article 626 of the Olympic Regulations, the approved Olympic Qualification system (see § 5, page 2), we wish to remind NFs that Athlete/Horse combinations will not be eligible to earn a MER for a qualifying result for the Olympic Games if the combination has already started a cross country test within less than 10 days after a short format competition (CCI–S) and within less than 28 days (i.e. 4 weeks) after a long format competition (CCI–L).
For the welfare of the Horse and for risk management reasons, the FEI will monitor all combinations participating, including those not respecting a rest period of 10 days after a short format competition or 28 days after a long format competition. Where possible, National Federations, Athletes, Coaches and Officials will be informed of entries not respecting the above deadlines to ensure that the welfare of the Horse remains paramount. However, and for the avoidance of doubt, it is each National Federation’s responsibility to monitor compliance with the rest period requirements. Should you have any question, please contact the Eventing and Olympic Department.
FRANGIBLE DEVICES
Following much development and discussion, the use of frangible fences is increasing across the whole sport. This is a very positive step for the ongoing safety of both horse and rider. As more Course Designers and Course Builders use these devices, we are aware that there will be new and creative ideas on how they can be used in the field. It is a significant help in understanding of how these devices work.
The most current instruction manuals for the building of frangible fences are always available on the FEI website (Eventing/Risk Management/Deformable & Frangible Devices), we encourage Course Builders to use these in constructing new fences and in adapting existing fences.
Please follow as closely as possible these instructions. When building fences, if you come up with ideas, please take photos of your plans and email them to the Risk Management Steering Group (Stuart@bedeltd.co.uk or davidwvos@gmail.com), this will allow the monitoring and review of these innovations. Please bear in mind that not all innovations may be acceptable.
We are aware of the need for a period in which Course Designers and Course Builders work towards building new frangible fences to enable them to incorporate designs into more traditional type jumps that fit the instruction weights and dimensions.
All new MIM fences should be fitted with a MIM weight plate as from 1st November 2023 latest (available from MIM https://mimclip.mimsafe.com/shop/ at no charge and now supplied with all new kits) at time of building.
Please also refer to the updated version of the FEI Standard for Frangible/Deformable cross county fences (Version 3 - April 2023) available here.
Course Designers and Course Builders need to be aware that the lighter the rail, the less force is required to trigger the device. The use of light timber should be avoided where horses naturally ‘rub’ rails (e.g.: into coffins, high speed fences) and conversely, the heavier the rail / table the more force is required to activate the device. Heavy rails should be avoided where the jumping speed is slower.
As a reminder, there comes a point at which a heavy rail / table, even if suspended on air, could cause a rotation.
All MIM fences must not exceed the maximum specified rail / table weight by more than 25%. This weight includes the dressing (for example heavy pots on top of a table).
It is the responsibility of the event Officials to ensure frangible devices used at events are fitted in accordance with the instructions.
UPDATED MIM ONE PAGERS UPDATE
We know building Cross Country fences is not an exact science in the field, Course Designers and Technical Delegates should ensure that fences built with MIM devices follow the instructions.
The updated MIM ONE PAGE CORRECT FITTING CHECKS are enclosed and available to print out from the FEI website (Eventing / Risk Management / Deformable & Frangible Devices).
These check lists have also been added in the updated Cross Country Guide for Officials (Updated on 20.04.2023) available on the website (Eventing / Rules) and in the FEI Rule App (to display the latest version (Last update on 20 April 2023), you might have to delete the existing XC Guide document from the FEI Rule App library and swipe at the top of the App to refresh the documents), as well as on the Officials Facebook page.
They are available for the following kits:
TD’s, CD’s and GJ should use these check lists during course inspections and check that the Course Builders have fitted the Frangible devices to the correct measurements.
Any frangible device not fitted according to the “MIM One page correct fitting checks” should be altered by the Course Builder / Course Designer by January 2025.
MIM INSTRUCTIONS UPDATE
It is essential to follow the MIM instruction to ensure the correct function.
The following instruction manuals have been updated on the FEI website (Eventing / Risk Management / Deformable & Frangible Devices):
MIM QUESTIONS / ASSISTANCE
Any question about correct fitting of frangible devices are to be addressed to:
RMSG members:
MIM founder:
Note: please be mindful of time zones if using their mobile numbers
A list of Frangible Device Advisors is also available in the MIM FAQs document.
If a frangible device is incorrectly fitted, it would be very helpful if you could take a photo and send it (to the above-mentioned) as it will help to identify what errors are being made and improve the instruction manuals accordingly.
All information relating to Frangible Devices is available on the FEI website under Eventing / Risk Management / Frangible Devices
CROSS COUNTRY GUIDE FOR OFFICIALS UPDATE
The following sections have been updated; the Cross Country Guide for Officials is available on the FEI website (Eventing / Rules) and in the FEI Rule App (to display the latest version (Last update on 20 April 2023), you might have to delete the existing XC Guide document from the FEI Rule App library and swipe at the top of the App to refresh the documents)
Page 21 - Frangible Deformable Devices (art. 547.2.4)
Page 22 - Current thoughts on what device to use
Being in a pre-Olympic year, we would like to remind you of the importance of respecting the various deadlines regarding the submission of schedule and results
As per art.507 of the FEI Eventing Rules - Schedule and
507.1 Schedule
For all Competitions the schedule of the Competition drafted in the form prescribed by the FEI must be sent to the FEI for approval at the latest:
a) Four weeks before the Competition for CCI1*-Intro, CCI2* & 3* Long or Short level
b) Ten weeks before the Competition for CCI4* Long or short, CCI5* Long, CCIOs and CH all levels.
Failure to respect the above deadlines will be dealt according to the General Regulations provisions.
No Schedule can be approved after the closing date of the entries.
507.2 Results
Full result of the Competitions must be forwarded to the FEI by the Organising Committee preferably immediately at the end of the Event and up to a maximum of two days after the Event is finished according to the electronic format described by FEI.
Failure to respect the above deadline will be dealt according to the General Regulations provision.
We thank you in advance for taking good note of the above.
The Eventing Statistics Report 2011 – 2022 has been finalised.
It is published on the FEI website under Eventing / Risk Management
FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023
The Board approved the allocation of a leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023 to Bromont (CAN) to be held from 11 to 13 August 2023.
We would like to share with you the following updates:
FRANGIBLE DEVICES
The implementation of Frangible Devices has grown rapidly in the last few years and the latest standard (Version 2.(5), March 2020) which includes the fitting of “Yellow Clips” for Table and Corner fences are now being seen regularly at events, (250 table kits rolling out in the USA at present).
Serious injury to Horses and Riders has reduced with 2022 recording the lowest rotational fall rate since recordings began.
Like all safety devices, the FEI approved frangible devices MUST be fitted correctly to the manufacturer’s instructions which have been extensively tested. This ensures that the devices break with the correct energy- not too light or hard.
To help all FEI Officials and Course Builders, MIM have developed “One Page correct fitting checks” that can easily be used pre-event when building and/or on first inspection of the course, to ensure the most important measurements in fitting MIM devices have been implemented, so they break correctly.
• MIM ONE PAGE CORRECT FITTING CHECKS are available to print out from the FEI website (Eventing / Risk Management / Deformable & Frangible Devices). These check lists have also been added in the updated Cross Country Guide for Officials (Updated on 09.03.2023) available on the website (Eventing / Rules) and in the FEI Rule App as well as on the Officials Facebook page.
They are available for the following kits:
TD’s, CD’s and GJ should use these check lists during course inspections and check that the Course Builders have fitted the Frangible devices to the correct measurements. Any frangible device not fitted according to the “MIM One page correct fitting checks” should be altered by the Course Builder / Course Designer.
• MIM UPDATED INSTRUCTION MANUALS:
The instructions for the following kits have been updated.
One change includes the use of the eye bolt tension system for both RED and YELLOW clip construction that has been tested in the UK for some time.
In addition, as the WEIGHT of the timber used is important to ensure MIM devices activate with the correct activation energy, MIM have updated all their instructions REMOVING some of the timber dimensions and making the WEIGHT RANGES clearer. We hope this will allow Course Designers / Course Builders to use more natural timbers including for Table type fences which can be built to look like filled in Oxers.
The following instruction manuals have been updated:
• Oxer kit – 80329
• Post & Rail Kit – 80321
• Post & Rail Adjustable Kit – 80325
• Post & Rail Narrow Kit – 80322
• Gate & Wall Kit – 80324
• Older Gate and Wall Kit - 00324
• Table Kit – 80320
• Older Table Kit Update – 00320
• Corner Kit – 80326
• INSTRUCTIONS FOR WEIGHING MIM FENCES:
Full instructions are published on the FEI website: Eventing / Risk Management / Deformable & Frangible Devices
The Risk Management Steering Group and MIM are keen to see the use of more different types, including natural and not machined timbers, in the building of frangible fences in the future. As the frangible devices are more widely adopted, this will allow Course Designers and Course Builders to use many different material options.
The WEIGHT of the timber used is important to ensure MIM devices work correctly. MIM have therefore updated all their instructions REMOVING some of the timber dimensions and making the WEIGHT RANGES clearer. We hope this will allow Course Designers and Course Builders to use more natural timbers including for Table fence types which could be built to look like filled in Oxers.
• WEIGHING A RAIL OR TABLE FENCE
The weighing can be done once, at the time of manufacture. A scale hanging from the front of a tractor is all that is needed.
A hanging scale can be bought (for under $100).
• MIM WEIGHT PLATE:
MIM have developed a “Weight plate” to be fixed on all newly built fences fitted with MIM frangible devices. The plates can be ordered, free of charge, from MIM (https://mimclip.mimsafe.com/shop/)
• All new MIM kits will have the plate included
• Weighing the fence when it is newly built and the timber is likely to be the heaviest is acceptable whether the fence is WET or DRY
• The plate can be fitted to the end of a rail or an upright
• It must be filled in by the Course Designer or Course Builder with a permanent marker so all Officials can see the fence / rail fits the correct weight
• All NEW fences must be built to the correct weight as from April 2023
• Any existing fences weighing outside the weights indicated in the instruction manual must be changed as soon as practical and should not be used by 1 January 2025
• QUESTIONS / ASSISTANCE:
Any questions about correct fitting of frangible devices are to be addressed to:
Note: please be mindful of time zones if using their mobile numbers - They are available and happy to answer.
A list of Frangible Device Advisors is also available in the MIM FAQs document.
All information relating to Frangible Devices is available on the FEI website under Eventing / Risk Management / Frangible Devices
FAQ JUDING FENCES WITH FRANGIBLE TECHNOLOGY
In addition, the “FAQ Judging fences with Frangible technology” has also been updated to provide a clarification when a combination has a refusal and breaks a frangible device. Please refer to the document published under Eventing / Rules (also available in the FEI Rule App).
CROSS COUNTRY GUIDE FOR OFFICIALS (Updated 09.03.2023)
Please take note of the following amendments:
Frangible Deformable Devices (pages 20-21-22-23-24-25)
• Recommendation that all new table type fences are made frangible
• Addition of the forces at which fences fall/break
• Addition of the MIM One Page correct fitting checks
• Reference to the “Instructions for weighing MIM fences”
Dimensions – Table type fences (page 29)
• Table type fences: it is highly recommended that all new table type fences are made frangible
The Cross Country Guide for Officials is the indispensable reference document. We encourage you to regularly consult it, as it is frequently updated.
Available on the FEI website (Eventing / Rules) and in the FEI Rule App.
2023 EVENTING REPORTS
The following 2023 Eventing reports have been updated and are available on the FEI website (Officials / Eventing / Eventing Forms):
• Eventing Reports - TD Report, Judge Report, Chief Steward Report, Athlete Report, Fall Report, etc.
• Fence Description (and Instructions for filling in Fence Description Form): An additional column “fence removed” has been added to record any fence removed before or during XC test
• Fence Analysis: when a fence is removed either before or during the XC, please indicate for “obstacles removed – not jumped” (ORNJ) to identify combinations
Should you have any questions, comments or need additional information, don’t hesitate to contact us (Nathalie.desscan@fei.org).
The new 2023 Eventing Officials Education System was published on 26 August 2022 for implementation on 1 January 2023. The development and review of the Education concept involved a large number of working groups and as for all major transitions, the ramifications are complex. The new Education system for Eventing Officials will be closely monitored during the first years, to understand its impact on the sport and if improvements are needed.
The Eventing Committee and the dedicated Working Group agreed to share the considerations which lead to the development of the updated Education system for Eventing Officials, for transparency and easier comprehension.
1. Objectives
2. Transition period
A Transition year has been integrated in the overall system to ensure a successful introduction until 14 December 2023: it applies specifically to the two new levels: Level 1 (L1) and Level 4 (L4) Officials.
This includes:
3. Clarifications on Officials Roles & Levels at Events:
Further to the many questions received, we wish to clarify the following points:
3.1 New Level 1:
3.2 New Level 4:
The number of Games, Championships and 5* events in the discipline of Eventing requiring Level 4 Officials is limited. This level of events represent 1% of the total number of Eventing events organised per year. Only the President of Ground Jury, Technical Delegate, Course Designer and Chief Steward are required to hold a L4 status.
4. Requirement as of 01 January 2024:
5. Additional Information
For additional information, please refer to Eventing Education webinar replay and the Q&A document.
All Officials or NF Officials Education Responsible can contact the Eventing Department eventingofficials@fei.org if any further questions or clarifications are needed.
The FEI Eventing Forum and NSO Seminar held in Haras de Jardy (FRA), 20-22 January 2023 is available to watch on replay on the dedicated FEI Eventing Risk Management webpage. You will also find the report and all the presentations/annexes.
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