Full Para Equestrian Rules Revision

Chair of the FEI Para Equestrian Committee Amanda Bond announced that the next full rules revision process will take place in 2026, with the new rules coming into effect on 1 January 2027. A minor rules revision process would take place in 2025 to come into effect 1 January 2026.

The purpose of this session was to explain the process and encourage stakeholder engagement. Understanding the process is crucial for stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard, especially those not directly affiliated with National Federations.

FOUR-YEAR CYCLE AND EXCEPTIONS
All FEI disciplines adhere to a four-year rule revision cycle. This change was implemented to avoid confusion caused by frequent rule updates, which made it challenging for officials, stewards, athletes, and coaches to stay current. However, exceptions exist for urgent situations, such as those related to horse welfare, athlete safety, correction of inconsistencies, technological advancements, or external mandates from organisations like the IPC or WADA. These exceptions allow for changes between the four-year cycles.

IMPACT OF THE PARALYMPIC GAMES
The four-year cycle typically aligns with the Paralympic Games. However, the postponement of the 2020 Games to 2021 disrupted this schedule. As a result, the next full revision process will occur in 2026, with rule implementation in 2027. Efforts are also made to align with Dressage rule changes, as they often impact each others’ disciplines.

TIMELINE AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
In 2026, National Federations and MOU signatories, such as the IDOC and Dressage Trainers Club, can propose rule changes via a standardised template by 1 March.

The Technical Committee will review these proposals and draft the first version by early July. Stakeholders will have eight weeks to provide feedback, leading to a final draft by early October. The final version is presented for approval at the General Assembly in November.

A pre–FEI General Assembly rule session allows for final discussions and the option to vote separately on contentious rules. This democratic process ensures that National Federations can either accept the full set of rules or reject specific changes.

IMPORTANCE OF STAKEHOLDER INPUT
Amanda emphasised that the rules revision process is a collaborative effort, with valuable input from stakeholders. Forums like this session and the annual Sports Forum in Lausanne provide opportunities for direct feedback. The feedback from this session will be shared with the Technical Committee to guide the drafting process in 2026.

GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Participants were divided into three groups to facilitate more focused discussions. Para Equestrian Technical Committee members led the discussions, and the following points were shared with the larger group afterward:

Scheduling conflicts
The clash between CPEDI events in Europe and England needs to be addressed.

Horse age limit
A proposal to increase the minimum age for competition horses to seven, with some in support for raising it to eight.

Classification review
A call for more classifiers and regular reviews of athlete classifications.

Schooling time adjustment
Increasing the current 30-minute training period and reducing the 15-minute break.

Improved communication for riders
Allowing the commander to signal when the bell has rung.

Use of light products
Referring the issue of 24/7 light exposure for horses to the veterinary committee.

Intellectual impairment eligibility
The need for careful integration into the classification system.

Paralympic qualification
Exploring ways to increase the number of nations represented, possibly by reducing team sizes.

Qualifying scores for freestyle events
Introducing a qualifying score for CPEDI1* and CPEDI2* Freestyle competitions.

Open Judge seminars
Providing training for judges, trainers, and riders.

Ground schooling clarification
Defining whether ground schooling falls within the permitted 30-minute schooling window.

Rotation of Officials
Encouraging the rotation of officials to prevent repetitive appointments and open appointments to officials struggling to get invitations.

Trainer registration
Considering jurisdiction over trainers and their responsibility for horse welfare.

Youth classification age
Proposing a lower age limit for classification to support youth development.

Presenters
FEI Para Equestrian Technical Committee:
♦ Amanda Bond, Chair (HKG)
♦ Sue Cunningham, Deputy Chair (AUS)
♦ Adrianne Van Waardenberg-Nooren (NED)
♦ Mike Tomlinson (USA)
♦ Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA)
♦ Erin Orford, Athlete Representative (GBR)