FEI rules undergo full revision only every four years; it is the turn of Jumping this year. As an official stakeholder, the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) has submitted several proposals. The latest draft of the revised rules has already been published and the IJRC has until August 26 to carefully review the document and provide its feedback. This is a crucial step to ensure that the voices of riders are represented and that the sport continues to evolve with the highest standards of integrity and respect for the horse.
IJRC responses and suggestions are summarized below:
Article 241 AND 259 – Jumping Recorded Warnings
One of IJRC’s key proposals was to review Art. 241.3.30 Eliminations regarding automatic elimination for minor blood on the horse. The IJRC expressed concern that all eliminations are often perceived as horse welfare issues, damaging the image of the sport, and suggested a new system of warnings for minor instances of blood.
FEI response: Minor cases will be handled from 2026 by a new system of Recorded Warnings with no automatic elimination under a new rule, Article 259 as follow:
259.1: Minor blood with natural causes (e.g., a horse biting its tongue) – No warning or elimination, unless bleeding persists or horse welfare is compromised.
259.2: Subject to JRs Art 259.1, any minor blood on the Horse will result in the following sanctions:
- First Offence – Jumping Recorded Warning
- Second Offence – Jumping Recorded Warning
Should the same Person Responsible receive two or more Jumping Recorded Warnings at the same or any other Event within 12 months of the delivery of the first Jumping Recorded Warning, the Person Responsible shall be issued with a fine of CHF 1,000 and be automatically suspended for a period of one month, such suspension to commence on the day after the last day of the Event where the Second Jumping Recorded Warning was issued.
The FEI Secretary General shall notify the Person Responsible and confirm the date of suspension. For the avoidance of doubt, the delivery of the notification from the Secretary General after the start date of the suspension shall in no way invalidate or postpone the commencement of the suspension.
259.3: Any blood on the Horse that the Officials do not consider to be minor will result in Elimination or Disqualification and may also result in separate disciplinary proceedings for abuse of the Horse.
IJRC Recommendation
The IJRC recommends that a veterinarian should be responsible for assessing whether bleeding is minor, to guarantee fair treatment and prioritize horse welfare.
IJRC Director Eleonora Ottaviani commented: “The IJRC agrees with the implementation of a one-month suspension in case of repeated warnings, as it provides a clearer distinction between isolated accidents and repeated negligence. The Club welcomes the revised approach introduced in Article 259, as a more proportionate and balanced solution to a highly sensitive issue”.
Article 241.1 Eliminations
IJRC Proposal: This rule was introduced by the FEI in response to the growing challenge of public perception. It allows the ground jury to eliminate riders and horses who appear to be in difficulty. The IJRC proposed that the rider should be allowed to complete their round, pending review of video footage or other available technologies.
FEI response: Declined, because of subjective terminology, and because “it is up to the President of the Ground Jury to decide.”
One positive outcome, however, is a related new rule Article 241.5.3.2 that will allow a rider to continue when there is doubt, specifically over jumping between the flags at an obstacle that does not have traditional standards, ie a wall; a decision over elimination will be made after the round.
Article 273 – Competitions Over Two Rounds
IJRC Proposal: “In all Grand Prix competitions, all Athletes without penalties will return to the second round even if this number is higher than the percentage established in the schedule.”
FEI response: Accepted.
Wild Cards For U25 Riders
(Jumping Rules AnnexV – CSI invitation rules, Section 4)
IJRC proposal: An additional FEI wild card for Under 25 riders at CSI 5* and 4*, without nationality being a factor.
FEI Response: “Wild cards for U25 athletes are already available under current rules.”
Eleonora Ottaviani, IJRC Director, expressed her disappointment, because in other sports there is a special focus on young athletes, and it is the institutions that ensure they have the opportunity to compete and develop their skills. “It is difficult for young riders and upcoming athletes to access the show in which they can display their talent or gain experience in order to become part of their national team. In addition, for smaller NFs, it is very difficult, nearly impossible to build up a team.”
Prize-Money, Extra-Fees
(Annex VI)
IJRC proposal: A reduction in mandatory prize funds requirements for countries experiencing high inflation or other grave financial difficulties, notably a 30% reduction for South America.
FEI response: Declined. “The proposal has been submitted to the FEI Board who rejected it due to unfairness in between countries.”
Jumping Rules Annex Vi – CSI/CSIO Requirements
IJRC proposal: The IJRC has been working towards greater financial transparency on costs for riders and organizers, setting maximum fees that OCs may impose.
FEI response: Accepted
Maximum fees from 2026 (in €) will be:
- health/customs-related documents – 60 per horse (180 non-EU);
- manure disposal – 40;
- parking and electric hook-up for lorry – 120;
- extra bedding and/or fodder – 25;
- tack room – 250;
- extra tack-box – 250;
- additional stable for non-competing horse – 250;
- double box supplement – 50-200;
- double box supplement for larger horse – 50;
- premium stable supplement (permanent stable with drinking bowls, minimum size of 3. 20m x 3.20m) -100;
- additional nights, before and after the event – 50;
- stable fee, break weeks between tours – 300;
- arrival after horse inspection -120;
- early arrival with confirmation, per athlete – 125;
- early arrival without confirmation – 250
Additionally, 1% of total prize money will go to the 13th-place rider; this will ensure a more equitable distribution, particularly in CSI4* and CSI5* Grand Prix competitions with 50 starters.
Deadlines
The next deadline of the rule revision process will be:
- August 26, 2025: National Federations and Stakeholders are given eight weeks to review the 1st Draft.
- October 10, 2025: Final Draft of the proposed Rules changes to be provided to National Federations and Stakeholders.
- November 6, 2025: Rules Session.
- November 7, 2025: Voting of Rules at the General Assembly.
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