AT - Medical & Safety

FEI Medical and Maternity Leave

In December 2022, the FEI updated the medical and maternity leave provisions in the Ranking Rules for Dressage, Jumping and Driving to introduce more flexibility to the rules. In addition, medical and maternity leave provisions were incorporated into the Para Dressage and Endurance Ranking Rules for the first time.  While on FEI medical/maternity leave, Athletes will retain 50% of the ranking points they earned in the corresponding month of the previous year. Athletes can choose the duration of their medical/maternity leave provided the minimum and maximum periods are respected. For medical leave, the maximum period is 12 months and the minimum period is 6 months. For maternity leave, the maximum period is 12 months and the minimum period is 3 months.  While on FEI medical/maternity leave, Athletes are not permitted to participate in any international or national competitions.

 

Athletes can apply for an official period of medical or maternity leave by submitting a FEI Medical Leave Request Form or a FEI Maternity Leave Request Form to the relevant FEI sports department. The Forms can be downloaded here and must be accompanied by a doctor’s certificate confirming the medical condition/pregnancy. Athletes are advised to consult the relevant ranking rules on the rules pages of the respective disciplines for full details on the rules relating to FEI medical and maternity leave. More information on riding while pregnant is available here.
Medical Committee

The FEI Medical Committee is made up of elected experts and their mission is to advise the FEI on matters relating to the health and safety of Athletes and on all matters related to human anti-doping testing. There is detailed information available on our website which covers key health and safety matters for human Athletes in equestrian sport. We encourage you to visit this dedicated hub so you can get familiar with the recommendations when it comes to concussion, medical coverage at events, riding while pregnant, safe handling of Horses and personal protective equipment. We have highlighted some of these topics below. 
 
Do You Have a Concussion?

Did you fall off your horse and are wondering if you have a concussion? Concussions should never be underestimated, and the symptoms might not always be straightforward or immediately apparent. The Concussion Recognition Tool (CRT5) can help you assess whether you are suffering from a concussion or not.
 

However, please remember that, where concussion is even suspected, expert advice must be sought! You may have to follow a gradual return to riding protocol in order to avoid further injury.

All details can be found here.
 
Your Helmet

If you have had a fall you should always have your helmet checked or replaced. Keep in mind that a helmet can be damaged without external signs. More about your helmet can be found here.
 

To compete at international level, you must wear a helmet certified under one of the standards approved by the FEI. The List of the applicable international testing standards for Protective Headgear (FEI-approved standards) can be found here.
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