Organizers of FEI 4* and 5* jumping shows (CSIs) will have to pay a deposit of up to 10,000 Swiss francs when they apply for a date from 2024 onwards in a move to stop the growing practice of “calendar blocking.” There will also be fines for late cancellations, with repeat offenders fined up to 20,000 Swiss francs.

Tactical “calendar blocking” to secure the best dates and/or stop rival organizers occupying them has become problematic, especially in Europe which stages 453 CSIs annually, nearly double the rest of the world combined (230). Some organizing committees have tried to keep their options open by provisionally requesting multiple dates and then only deciding which – if any – to confirm close to the event.

Sometimes CSIs have been cancelled or downgraded after entries were accepted, disrupting riders’ plans and preventing other bona fide shows from occupying that date. Its is alleged that some OCs have created new corporate entities after filing for bankruptcy to avoid paying outstanding invoices to suppliers, FEI fees, prize-money and officials’ per diems.

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