The first in-person meeting of the FEI Board for 2023 took place at the FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI). The Board members tackled a packed agenda over two days on June 6 and 7.

The approval of the rules of the newly created Longines League of Nations was the hallmark decision taken by the Board on this occasion. The rules are effective for the 2024 season and available now on the FEI website.

The presentation of the Interim Report of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing (EEWB) Commission by the Commission’s Chair Professor Natalie Waran was another key topic, which generated a lot of discussion, with the FEI Board keen to continue to tackle and develop non-regulatory Recommendations, especially in the areas of education and communication, prior to the presentation of the Final Report by the EEWB at the FEI General Assembly in November 2023.

The FEI President also provided an update on the wide-ranging activities of FEI Solidarity across the world and reminded the Board members that the deadline for National Federations to submit applications for FEI Solidarity support in 2024 was 1 July.

The allocation of the FEI General Assembly to Oman was another important decision.

The Board was informed of the proposed main changes to the FEI Rules and Regulations, which will be submitted for consultation with National Federations and Stakeholders on June 28. In accordance with the FEI Rules Revision Process Policy, the FEI Endurance Rules are the only ones undergoing full revision this year.

The Board heard a comprehensive overview on the veterinary research projects, which are being conducted by the FEI in cooperation with prestigious academic institutions as well as an outline of future plans.

The FEI President presented the timeline for preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the Board approved the proposed way forward.

“We had two very productive days of meetings focussed on the future and sustainability of our sport,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “It was very good to see the entire FEI Board gather in Lausanne – a first since the Covid 19 pandemic – where we were able to take a number of important decisions, including the approval of the Rules for the Longines League of Nations. This was the result of a comprehensive and successful consultation process, and it’s testament to the community’s ability to think out of the box, that we have been able to re-imagine this result with so much support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FEI Jumping Committee for their hard work and excellent solutions.”

“The future, but especially what we are and what we can do now, was also at the heart of our discussions around the recommendations of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission, and I am looking forward to continuing our work around the findings of the EEWB so that we can strengthen the systems we have in place, and ensure our core value “Horse First” is embedded in everything that we do, and with every stakeholder we work with.”

The comprehensive list of decisions and additional details are available here.