Navigating FEI Rule Changes: What’s in Place for 2025–26 – and What’s on the Horizon for 2026

Equitas Summary of Welfare, Fair Play and Future Policy Developments in International Sport

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) is implementing a series of rule changes for the 2025–26 season, with further proposals on the table for 2026. These reforms emphasise horse welfare, fair competition and greater transparency. Below is a concise overview of confirmed regulations and pending proposals.

✅ In Effect for 2025–26: Key Rule Changes

Tack and Equipment: Standards for Comfort and Safety

• Nosebands must allow “sufficient laxity” and will be measured with an FEI‑approved device from May 2025.
• Spurs limited to 3.5 cm; rowels banned.
• Boots must be dark with minimal contrast.

➡ Promotes horse comfort and prevents coercive equipment use.

Hair Removal and Biosecurity: Prioritising Natural Defences and Disease Control

• Inner ear hair removal banned from January 2025, aligning with the existing whisker ban.
• Influenza vaccination records must be uploaded to the FEI HorseApp from February 2025.
• Only horses with up‑to‑date flu vaccinations may enter FEI stables.

➡ Protects horses’ sensory function and supports effective disease prevention.

Anti-Doping: Expanded Detection Capabilities

• Hair and saliva sampling added to FEI’s testing methods.
• A formal out‑of‑competition testing scheme is now active.

➡ Extends detection windows and deters covert medication use.

Blood, Rest and Competition Hours: Managing Welfare in Action

• Minor flank bleeding triggers a warning; significant blood results in elimination.
• CEI 2★+ endurance rides must include at least one 50‑minute hold.
• New limits require classes to run between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

➡ Encourages rest and ensures visible signs of distress are taken seriously.

Dressage and General Conduct: Communication, Transparency and Safety

• Electronic devices (e.g. earphones) banned while mounted in warm‑up arenas.
• Dressage discussions include optional double bridles and publishing judges’ comments.

➡ Bans reduce distraction risks; proposals aim to increase accessibility and transparency.

🔭 Proposals for 2026: What’s Being Considered

Jumping Recorded Warnings: Proportional Responses

• New system would issue recorded warnings instead of immediate eliminations for minor offences like light blood traces.
• Repeat offences within 12 months could result in fines or suspension.

➡ Allows education without prematurely ending competition.

Fairer Prize-Money Distribution: Widening Recognition

• Proposal to award 1% of prize pot to 13th place.

➡ Encourages broader participation and recognises more athletes.

Reinforced Tech Ban: Safety First

• Confirms that phones and earphones must never be used while mounted in warm‑up.

➡ Focus on horse and rider safety during training and prep.

Refined Blood Rule: Contextual Sanctions

• Minor bleeding may now result in a recorded warning, not elimination—if horse is fit to continue.
• Major bleeding still means elimination.

➡ Acknowledges that not all blood signals serious harm while maintaining standards.

Competition Format Adjustments

• Nations Cup heights to increase:
  • 1.40 m (1★)
  • 1.45 m (2★)
• Competition times restricted to 8 a.m.–11 p.m.

➡ Aims to heighten sport standards while respecting rest periods for horses and grooms.

Administrative Deadlines: Greater Clarity, Earlier Planning

• 2026 schedules must be pre-approved; only these will appear on the FEI calendar.

➡ Organisers must plan earlier; athletes advised to track calendar updates.

🧭 Concluding Thoughts

The FEI’s agenda for 2025–26 and proposed 2026 updates signals a clear direction: prioritising horse welfare, fair play, and transparent governance. Rules around tack, vaccinations and doping show growing alignment with ethical sports science. Meanwhile, proposed reforms like the recorded warning system and expanded prize‑money suggest a more inclusive and balanced competition model.

FEI stakeholders have until late summer 2025 to offer feedback on the 2026 proposals.
Equitas will continue to monitor developments and advocate for fairness, welfare and progress across the equestrian world.